Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
1

Purpose of PPE
To protect employees from hazards not eliminated from the workplace
2

Protective Equipment
 Personal protective equipment
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Eyes
Face
Head
Extremities
 Protective clothing
 Respiratory devices
 Protective shields and barriers
3

Design and Condition
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Safe design and construction for work performed
Sanitary and reliable condition
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Provided
Used
Maintained
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Laundered
Repaired
Replaced
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Defective and damaged equipment shall not be used
Must properly fit users
4

Purchase of PPE
 The employer is normally responsible for the cost of personal protective equipment.
 PPE used by trades may be an exception
5

Protect Against Hazards

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Hazards
Physical
Chemical
Biological/Infectious
 Capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through
(routes of entry)
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Inhalation
Skin absorption
Ingestion
Contact with skin and/or eyes
6

Required Implementation
 Engineering Control
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Ventilation
Isolation
Selected Equipment
Redesign process or procedure
 Administrative Control
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Personal Hygiene
Maintenance
Hand washing
Scheduled breaks
Assignment schedules
7

Certified Hazard Assessment
 Prepared by
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Consultant
VA Personnel
 Insert - date of written hazard assessment
 Insert - how to obtain a copy of the written hazard assessment
 Required by 29 CFR 1910.132d
8

Overview of Hazard
Assessment
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Bloodborne pathogens
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Latex gloves
Gown
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Safety glasses
Hand washing
Handling trash
– Rubber gloves
– Safety shoes
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Shops
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Safety glasses
Safety shoes
Hearing protection
Facilities
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Rubber gloves
Non-slip shoes
Safety glasses (when mixing detergents)
9

Reassessment of Hazards
Facility safety officer is responsible to reassess workplace hazards as necessary by:
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Identifying and evaluating new equipment and processes
Reviewing accident records
Re-evaluating the suitability of previously selected PPE
10

Personal Protective Equipment
Program
 Defined by insert appropriate facility policy
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Ordering
Repair
Maintenance
Other requirements
11

Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (29 CFR 1910)
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General Requirements --
Eye and Face Protection --
Respiratory Protection --
Head Protection --
Foot Protection --
135
Electrical Protection --
132
133
134
136
137
Hand Protection --
Hearing Protection --
138
95
Specialized Standards -- e.g., 1030
12

Eye and Face Protection
(29 CFR 1910.133)
13

Hazards to Eyes/Face
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Physical
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Flying Particles
Molten Metal
Potentially Injurious
Light Radiation
– Ultraviolet (UV) light
Chemical
– Gases or Vapors
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Liquids
Acids or Caustics
 Biological/Infectious
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Blood
Saliva
Semen
Body Tissue
Wastes
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Animal Tissue
Potentially Infectious
Materials
14

Safety Glasses
 Can be used with side shields (Required if flying objects are present)
 Plastic
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Can fit over corrective lenses
Can be worn alone
 Can accommodate most types of prescriptive lenses
15

Goggles
 Should fit face snugly (sealing entire eye area)
 Specially-coated lenses or ventilation holes may prevent fogging
 Anti-fogging materials can be used
 When removing goggles, tilt head down so that debris on top of goggles does not fall into eyes
16

Other Eye and Face Protection
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Face Shields
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Worn for extremely hazardous jobs
Worn with safety glasses or goggles
Do not completely protect face
Hoods
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Protect entire head and face
Can be worn with respirators
 Sunglasses
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Provide protection against sun
Should filter 99 to 100 percent UV
Provide no protection against flying objects
Can reduce chances of cataracts
17

Inspection and Maintenance of
Eye and Face Protection
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Must be kept clean
Must be free of scratches and other defects that may obstruct vision
Must be disinfected
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Periodically, if used by same person
After each use, if shared
Headband should be replaced when slack, worn, or dirty
18

Eye Safety
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Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for chemicals used
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Identify eye protection required
Become familiar with emergency response procedures
Contact Lenses
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Do NOT provide protection
Should NOT be worn around chemicals or chemical vapors
19

Laser Eye Safety
 Follow guidance of laser manufacturer
 Wear safety glasses with filters that protect against the wavelength of light for the laser being used
 Partial reflections from Class IV lasers can cause permanent eye damage
20

Head Protection
(29 CFR 1910.135)
21

Hazards to Head
 Falling or flying objects
 Electrical conductors
 Contamination from bloodborne pathogens
 Sunburn and sunstroke
 Cold temperatures
22

Types and Classes of
Head Protection
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Types of protective hats
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Type 1, Helmets - full brim (at least 1.25”)
Type 2, Brimless helmets with peak extending forward from the crown
Classes of industrial head protection
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Class A, General service - limited voltage protection
Class B, Utility service - high voltage protection
– Class C, Special service - no voltage protection
23

Hard Hats (Class A)
 Hard exterior shell
 Shock-absorbing lining
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Headband
Crown straps
 Protects against impact hazards
 Used in construction
24

Electrical Bump Hats (Class B)
 Protects against impact and penetration
AND against high-voltage shock or burn
 Can be used where there is a possibility of bumping against a fixed object
 Used by electrical workers
 Sometimes used in construction
25

Other Head Protection
 Safety Hat or Cap
(Class C)
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Protects against impacts
Provides lightweight comfort
Provides no electrical protection
 Hat or Cap
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Protects against exposure to sun (4 inch brim)
Protects against exposure to cold (ear flaps)
Generally not considered PPE
26

Specialized Head Protection
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Hairnets
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Food service employees
Sanitation and cleanliness
Hoods
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Can be used in extremely hazardous situations
Can be used with respirators
Can provide eye and face protection
 Surgical Caps
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Infection control and cleanliness
Worn during medical procedures that involve large amounts of blood
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Autopsies
Orthopedic surgery
27

Inspection and Maintenance of
Head Protection
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Damage
Dents
Cracks
Penetration
Abuse
Mutilation
Other damage that might reduce the degree of protection provided
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Visually inspect daily
Clean periodically
May adversely affect protection provided
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Paint
Sunlight
Extreme temperatures
28

Foot Protection
(29 CFR 1910.136)
29

Foot Hazards and Protection
 Hazards to Feet
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Falling or rolling objects
Objects that pierce the sole
Electrical exposures
Slipping
 Foot Protection
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Safety Shoes
Slip Resistant Soles
Shoe Covers
Rubber or Synthetic
Boots
Leather Work Boots
30

Safety Shoes
 Steel-reinforced toe (protects foot from being pierced or crushed)
 Puncture-resistant or heat-resistant soles
(optional)
 Metal-free non-conductive materials
(working around exposed electrical conductors)
31

Other Foot Protection
 Boots
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Rubber/Synthetic
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May be required when working around chemicals
Autopsies
Leather
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Recommended for outdoor maintenance activities
Avoid wearing around chemicals
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Shoe Covers
– May be required for some medical procedures
Slip-resistant Soles
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OSHA recommends
Will reduce the number of injuries resulting from slips, trips, or falls
32

Electrical Protection
(29 CFR 1910.137)
33

Electrical Protective
Equipment (Insulated Rubber)
 Required when exposed to electrical hazards
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Blankets
Matting
Covers
Line hose
Gloves
Sleeves
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 Maintained in a safe and reliable condition
Cleaned as needed
Requires periodic electrical testing
34

Inspections
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Before each day’s use
Following any incident that caused damage
Insulating properties cannot be degraded
Insulating equipment failing to pass inspections or electrical tests may not be used unless specific requirements are met
 Cannot use equipment with:
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Hole, tear, puncture, or cut
Ozone cutting or ozone checking
Embedded foreign objects
Swelling, softening, hardening, stickiness, or inelasticity
35

Storage
 Location and manner of storage must protect from:
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Light
Temperature extremes
Excessive humidity
Ozone
Other injurious substances and conditions
36

Hand Protection
(29 CFR 1910.138)
37

Hand Protection
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Provided to protect against
– Absorption of harmful substances
Severe cuts or lacerations
Severe abrasions
Punctures
Chemical or thermal burns
Harmful temperature extremes
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Types of hand protection
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Machine guards
Electric eyes
Push sticks
Controls requiring two hands
Gloves
38

Glove Selection Criteria
 Selection based on evaluation of performance characteristics
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Task(s) to be performed
Conditions present
Duration of use
Hazards and potential hazards identified 
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 Selection based on individual characteristics
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Grip
Dexterity
Flexibility
Hand size
Glove length
Too tight - may rip
Too loose - affects grip and comfort
39

General Purpose Gloves
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Cotton
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Can be specially coated
Allows handling of delicate components
Absorbs oil
Leather
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Rough surfaces
Heat
Sparks
 Protect against
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Abrasion
Cuts
Punctures
Snags
Temperature extremes
40

Cut-resistant Gloves
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Designed for use with sharp knives and blades
May contain
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Cut-resistant yarns
Composite materials
Metal mesh (Required of most meatcutting and de-boning operations)
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Protect against
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Cuts
Abrasion
Some may protect against punctures
41

Special Purpose Gloves
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Surgical
Examination
Firefighters
Smelters
Welders
Clean rooms
 Protect against specific hazards
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HIV/Hepatitis
Heat and burns
– Patient protection
42

Latex Gloves
 Natural
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Required for surgery
Can be used for examinations
Label NOT required
Hypoallergenic gloves
NOT tested for natural rubber proteins
(source of latex allergies)
 Synthetic
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Cannot be used for surgery
Can be used for examinations
Label NOT required
43

Chemical-resistant Gloves
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 Must be selected for the specific chemical used
(Consult manufacturer’s guidance)
Non-porous
Selection based on
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Potential toxic effects of chemicals used
Likely routes of entry
Degree of hazard
Protect against
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Dermatitis
Chemical burns
Cancer
Resist
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Penetration
Permeation
Degradation
44

Penetration
 Natural rubber
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Protects against liquids that mix with water
Provides no protection against petroleum or oil-based solvents
 Synthetic rubber resists
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Oils
Greases
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Acids
Caustics
Many petroleum products
45

Permeation
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Must consult manufacturer’s technical data for specific chemical used
No protective barrier provides permeation protection for all chemicals
 Often coated with
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Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC)
Nitrile
Neoprene
Latex
46

Degradation
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Signs of degradation
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Stiffer
More brittle
Softer
Weaker
Major indication that gloves should be replaced
 Inspect before each use
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Rips
Holes
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Weak seams
Imperfections
47

Hand Safety
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Do NOT wear gloves that are damaged
Clean off contaminants before you remove gloves
Remove gloves safely
Properly decontaminate and store gloves
Monitor the condition of your gloves as you work
Follow manufacturer’s guidance for maintenance and storage
Dispose of gloves properly
48

Skin Protection
49

Hazards to Skin
 Hazards
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Sunburn
Skin Cancer
Dermatitis
Poison ivy, oak, sumac
Insect and animal bites
 Protections available
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Protective clothing
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Scheduling of work
Ointments
50

Prevention of Sun Damage
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Avoid the sun’s strongest rays
(10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Wear protective clothing
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Broad-brimmed hats
Long pants
– Long-sleeved shirts
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Wear sunglasses
(99 - 100% UV ray protection)
Always wear a sunscreeen with SPF of 15 or more
Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and tanning parlors
51

Torso Protection
52

Hazards to Torso
 Hazards
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Heat
Splashes from hot metals and liquids
Impacts
Cuts
Acids
Radiation
53

Types of Protection
 Options
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Vests
Jackets
Aprons
Coveralls
Full body suits
Lead lined coverings
Gowns
 Materials
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Fire retardant wool
Specially treated cotton
Leather
Rubberized fabrics
Disposable suits
54

Lifting or Back Belts
 Must follow manufacturer’s guidance
 Back belts can be obtained by contacting
55

Appropriate PPE for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
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Does NOT permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to
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Employee’s work
– clothes
Employee’s street clothes
– Undergarments
Under normal conditions of use
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Does NOT permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to reach
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Skin
Eyes
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Mouth
Other mucous membranes
For the duration of time to be used
56

PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens
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Gloves
Gowns or aprons
Laboratory coats
Face shields or masks and eye protection
Goggles or glasses with side shields
Mouthpieces
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Surgical caps or hoods
Shoe covers or boots
Clinic jackets
Resuscitation bags
Pocket masks
Other ventilation devices
57

Gloves Required for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
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 When reasonably anticipated that employee may have hand contact with
– Blood
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Other potentially infectious materials
Mucous membranes
Non-intact skin
When performing vascular access procedures
When handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces
58

Hearing Protection
(29 CFR 1910.95)
59

Hearing Protectors
 If exposed to 85 dB or greater for eight-hour
TWA:
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Hearing protection must be available
Hearing protection must be worn if
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No baseline audiogram has been established
Hearing threshold has changed an average of 10 dB or more at 2000,
3000, or 4000 hertz in either ear
 Must be worn if:
Duration Sound Level
(hours per day) (dBA)
4
3
2
8
6
90
92
95
97
100
1.5
1
0.5
0.25 or less
102
105
110
115
60

Locations Requiring
Noise Protection
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
Building #
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Room ###
Mechanical room
Penthouse
Building #
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Room ###
Shop area
 Building #
– Insert appropriate locations
 Building #
– Insert appropriate locations
61

Types of Hearing Protectors
 Earplugs
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Lightweight
Comfortable for long periods of time
Made of soft fibers or foam
(self-forming)
Disposable or reusable
Performed, pre-molded, or custom molded
 Earmuffs
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Easily put on or removed
Require entire ear to fit inside cup (seal)
May interfere with glasses or goggles
Can be designed for use with hard hats
62

General Considerations

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Proper initial fit required
Must be used correctly
Must receive training in the use and care of hearing protectors provided
Must be allowed to select hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by employer
Must be replaced as necessary
63

Hearing Safety

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If you have to shout to talk to someone within 2 or 3 feet - Wear hearing protection
Off-the-job activities (woodworking, shooting, etc.) can hurt your hearing - Hearing protection is recommended
Never remove hearing protection in high noise areas
Do NOT share hearing protection with others
64

Respiratory Protection
(29 CFR 1910.134)
65

Hazards Requiring Respirators
 Protect against breathing air contaminated with harmful:
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Dusts
Fogs
Fumes
Mists
Gases
Smokes
Sprays
Vapors
– Infectious biological agents
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Healthcare-related exposures that may require respirators:
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Tuberculosis
Ethylene oxide
Some chemicals used for disinfection or preservation
(morgues)
Animal fecal matter
Other related exposures
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Asbestos
Paint fumes
66

Respirators

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Types of Facepieces
Half-face
Full-face
Hoods
 Types of Respirators
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Air Purifying


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N95 (Tuberculosis)
Dust, fume, mist
Powered air purifying
Air Supplied


Self-contained breathing apparatus
Air Line
67

General Considerations



Written program required
Medical examination in accordance with ANSI
Z88.6
Annual follow-up

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


Certification by NIOSH
Selection in accordance with ANSI Z88.2
Fit testing required in accordance with ANSI
Z88.10
Cleaning and disinfection
Proper storage
68

Emergency Response
(29 CFR 1910.120)
 Facility Emergency
Response Plan addresses
PPE if:
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–
An industrial facility intends to use the medical center, if there is an emergency
Medical center provides support during responses to natural phenomenon


Level A - Encapsulating chemical protective suit
Level B - Respiratory protection
69

Summary


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PPE must
Protect against the hazard
Protect the route of entry
Be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition
– Be used properly
PPE is available by contacting
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–
Your supervisor
Facility safety office personnel


If you have questions concerning PPE provided contact
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–
Your supervisor
Facility safety personnel
If you have questions concerning the health effects associated with
PPE contact employee health personnel
70