Personal Protective Equipment

The Importance of Foot Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 43,460 foot and 47,950 toe injuries in private industry in 2014 that resulted in days away from work. Feet are especially vulnerable to injury. You can severely sprain an ankle by simply stepping off a curb. Yet many workers ignore the serious hazards in the workplace and refuse to wear protective footwear. Safety shoes and boots differ from regular "street" shoes because they are designed to protect the feet in areas most likely to be injured. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of protective devices for industry hazards. Manufacturers also continually update materials and engineering of their products to ensure protection from new hazards.

Other Causes of Foot Injuries Although sharp or heavy objects falling on the foot are the primary source of injury, many plant operations or manufacturing processes involve a combination of hazards. These hazards include:

compression A worker's foot or toe may accidentally be squeezed between two objects or rolled over. slipping Contact with surface hazards like oil, water, or chemicals causes falls. chemicals Chemicals and solvents corrode ordinary safety shoes and can harm your feet.

Workplace Evaluation Other sources of hazards include:

light radiation For example: welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat-treating, or high intensity lights. falling objects or potential for dropping objects For example: working near stacked pallets, close to overhead boxes in shipping areas, or below scaffolding or platforms where other employees are working. sharp objects that might pierce the feet or cut the hands For example: working with machinery, sawing and cutting, food handling and storage, and healthcare needles. rolling or pinching objects that could crush the feet For example: moving stock, such as paper rolls. electrical hazards For example: worn power tool cords, metal ladders near exposed electrical sources, working near overhead lines, or working with electrical equipment in wet

Workplace Evaluation

Step 8. Identify outdated or inefficient work practices that force workers to wear PPE that is not needed.

Emergency Eyewash Facilities

Emergency eyewash facilities meeting the requirements of ANSI Z358.1 must be provided in all areas where employees may be exposed to hazardous materials. Facilities can include eyewash fountains, drench showers, hand-held drench hoses, and emergency bottles. They all use large amounts of water to flush away eye contaminants. All facilities will be located where they are easily accessible because many contaminants damage the eyes very quickly. First-aid instructions should be posted close to potential danger spots since any delay to immediate aid or an early mistake in dealing with an eye injury can result in lasting damage.

Standard Operating Procedures

Employees must be trained on the standard operating procedures for the PPE they will be required to use, including hazard awareness, proper PPE use, proper PPE maintenance, proper PPE storage, and protective PPE limitations.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees must take all precautions and not take any chances. They must follow the employer's safety and health rules and regulations, including the use of personal protective equipment on the job.

Emergency Eyewash Facilities

Employees should be familiar with the location and operation of emergency eyewash facilities. Eyewash stations and emergency showers must be frequently inspected to make sure they work effectively and that the water is potable. ANSI recommends a weekly inspection

Workplace Evaluation

Employers must determine if hazards are likely to be present that require the use of personal protective equipment. Job foremen know what hazards exist on a routine worksite and will perform an on-the-spot-evaluation to identify additional hazards on each different work detail.

Properly Dispose of Damaged PPE

Employers must ensure that defective or damaged personal protective equipment is not used. If it cannot be repaired, it must be disposed of properly (according to company standard operating procedures) and replaced with new PPE.

Enforce the PPE Policy for Everyone in a Hazardous Area

Everyone passing through an identified eye hazard area — employees, visitors, researchers, contractors, or others — must wear protective eyewear. To provide protection for these personnel, supervisors of such areas must provide: Sufficient quantity of goggles and/or plastic eye protectors that afford the appropriate protection. If workers wear prescription glasses, they must be provided with a suitable eye protector to wear over the prescription glasses. In some cases, employers or unions will provide prescription safety glasses to their workers.

Each approved hard hat is marked with the manufacturer's name, the applicable ANSI designation, and the class. The marking may be under the brim or, for brimless hats, inside the shell.

Example of ANSI Identification for hard hats manufactured after 1997: Manufacturer's NameANSI Z89.1-1997Class (G, E, or C)

More Guidelines for PPE Selection 4. When applicable, use only those items of PPE that meet NIOSH, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. Newly purchased PPE must conform to the updated ANSI or ASTM standards that have been incorporated into the OSHA PPE regulations, as follows:

Eye and Face Protection - ANSI Z87.1-1989(R-1998), ANSI Z87.1-2003, and ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 Foot Protection - ANSI Z41-1991, ANSI Z41-1999, ASTM F-2412-2005, And ASTM F-2413-2005 Hand Protection - There are no ANSI standards for gloves. OSHA has design requirements for specific types of electrical protective equipment, including gloves. Gloves must comply with ASTM D120-09, Standard Specifications for Rubber Insulating Gloves, and ASTM F496-08, Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves. Head Protection - ANSI Z89.1-1997, ANSI Z89.1-2003, and ANSI Z89.1-2009.

Head injuries are caused by the following:

Falling objects Flying objects Bumping the head against a fixed object Exposure to electricity. If you are exposed to any of these hazards, you need to protect yourself. Injuries range from minor abrasions to death, and can include concussions, lacerations, trauma, burns, or even electrocution.

Why do eye injuries occur at work?

...an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that almost 70% of the eye injuries studied occur from falling or flying objects, or sparks striking the eye. Why do eye injuries occur at work? Eye injuries occur when someone engages in a hazardous activity without proper PPE. An injured person may have worn the wrong kind of eye protection for the job or none at all. When there is any possibility of a hazard, workers must wear the proper eye protection for that hazard.

The Importance of Head Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 68,940 head injuries in private industry in 2014 that resulted in days away from work. In 2014, more than 84,750 head injuries were reported in U.S. workplaces, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many workers who suffered impact injuries to the head were not wearing head protection. Most injuries happened to workers performing their normal jobs at their regular worksite. To prevent head injuries, you first must eliminate or control hazards that might lead to an accident. However, because many accidents that cause head injuries are difficult to anticipate and control, head protection must be provided to prevent injury if there are hazards.

Hazard Assessment

Although personal protective equipment should not be used as a substitute for appropriate engineering, administrative controls, and workplace controls, it is often necessary. To use PPE correctly, a workplace evaluation must be done to determine hazards and their sources. Then, your employer must select, with your help, the correct PPE for the job. The PPE must then be fitted and maintained.

All PPE has parameters within which it is effective.

Always use machine guards, screens, and other equipment along with PPE to provide the most protection possible. Confirm that the PPE is the correct size and worn properly. Dirty, scratched, or cracked lenses may reduce vision and the level of protection. Periodic inspection will ensure the level of protection is not reduced. Replace damaged eye and face PPE immediately.

Maintaining Protective Hard Hats

Carefully examine the condition of the suspension system. Look for torn cradle straps, broken sewing lines, loose rivets, defective lugs, and other defects. The suspension system must be in excellent condition to help absorb the shock of a blow. Do not store or carry your hard hat on the rear-window shelf of a car. Discard hard hats that have signs of damage, which include a dulling, chalking, crazing, or flaking on the surface of the shell. Exposure to temperature extremes, sunlight, or chemicals can damage, degrade, and shorten the life of thermoplastic hard hats.

Workplace Accidents Accidents occur most often during:

Craft work Manufacturing/industrial equipment operation Construction.

The workplace evaluation should be used to establish standard operating procedures for employees. The two basic objectives of any PPE program should be to:

Protect the wearer from safety and health hazards Prevent injury to the wearer from incorrect use and/or malfunction of the PPE.

Goggles hazardous situations involving splashes, fumes, vapors, and dust.

Goggles are similar to safety glasses but fit closer to the eyes. They provide additional protection in hazardous situations involving splashes, fumes, vapors, and dust. Some models can be worn over prescription glasses. Approved goggles will have the manufacturer's name and the word "ANSI" on them. Single lens goggles are vinyl-framed goggles of soft pliable body design. Single lens goggles: Provide adequate eye protection from many hazards Are available with clear or tinted lenses, perforated, port-vented, or non-vented frames Provide similar protection to spectacles and may be worn in combination with spectacles or corrective lenses to ensure protection along with proper vision.

Hard Hats

Hard hats lessen injury because the hard outer shell and the inner suspension system work together to absorb impacts. Hard hats that protect against electrical hazards are constructed of electrically-insulating materials. Hard hats do not provide complete head protection from side, rear, and severe impact blows. Be on the alert, constantly looking at work areas to see if there are items that could fall. Move any such items to a safer location.

Maintaining Protective Hard Hats

Hard hats should be inspected every day. Here are some suggestions on maintaining your hard hat: Check your hard hat for cracks (even hairline cracks), dents, or penetration every time it is worn. Cracks and dents can reduce the degree of safety a hard hat provides. Do not use the hard hat if any of these signs of damage are found.

Proper Fit for PPE

If PPE can be adjusted, make sure the device is properly positioned and the fit is comfortable. Take particular care in fitting eye protection devices against dust and chemical splash. Eye protection should be sealed to the face. Proper fitting of hard hats may require a chinstrap. It is important that hard hats don't fall off during work operations.

Written PPE Program Employers are required to identify and evaluate hazards in the workplace. If PPE will be used, employers should develop and maintain a written PPE program. Although inclusion of the following steps in a written program may not be required, including them would help ensure compliance with the regulations. In the program, determine:

If PPE use is an appropriate control measure How PPE is to be selected How PPE is to be maintained Evaluation of PPE use Training of employees using PPE Effectiveness in preventing employee injury or illness.

Step 1. The first step in conducting a hazard assessment is to conduct a walk-through survey of the job site. Your company's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) probably spells out what type of equipment you must use on the job site. The purpose of the site specific survey is to identify additional sources of hazards that are not covered by the SOP. Look for hazards in these categories:

Impact Penetration Compression (roll-over) Chemical Heat Inhalation Light (optical) radiation.

Eye and Face Hazards Workers must wear appropriate eye and face protection when working around any of the following sources of hazards:

Impact and penetration Heat Chemicals Dust Light and/or radiation.

Evaluate safety footwear before buying it to make sure it protects against hazards that will be encountered:

Impact protection is required for carrying or working with heavy materials or tools that could be dropped or fall onto the feet. Compression protection is required for work activities involving skid trucks, around bulk rolls, and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee's feet. Puncture protection is required where sharp objects could be stepped on by employees.

Lasers

Lasers are another type of optical radiation that can pose serious and deadly hazards if used improperly or without caution. All employees working near or with lasers must be trained on the hazards associated with lasers and the measures they can take to protect themselves. The lens of laser protective eyewear should be a filter/absorber designed to reduce light transmittance of a specific wavelength. You want to filter out the hazardous light, but still allow enough light transmission from other wavelengths so you can see. If the beam can be seen through laser eyewear, the protection is inadequate. Use Table E-2 Selecting Laser Safety Glass from OSHA to select the proper PPE.

Step 2. Look for sources of hazards. During the walk-through survey observe:

Motion High temperatures Chemical exposures Inhalation hazards.

Maintenance and PPE Fit Fitting the PPE

PPE does not eliminate the hazard. It only serves as a last resort defense against the hazard. If you or your workers use PPE that doesn't fit or is uncomfortable, the PPE probably won't be used correctly. If the equipment isn't used correctly, it won't provide the right amount of protection. This photo shows what happens when a welder's face shield is uncomfortable. The welder is trying to look through the eye glass while holding the shield in his hand. He is not protected.

The following actions will help keep workplaces free from recognized hazards that could cause serious injury or death:

Perform a hazard assessment Control the hazards Establish standard operating procedures

PPE, Engineering Controls, and Administrative Controls

Personal protective equipment alone should not be relied on to provide protection against all hazards. Hazards are usually present on construction sites, and employers must determine if engineering controls, such as barriers or ventilation systems, would reduce the hazard to an acceptable level or risk. Some administrative controls may be able to minimize or eliminate the hazard by keeping workers out of the danger area when hazards exist. Employers are responsible to determine which PPE is needed to protect against the hazards present in the workplace. PPE should be used in conjunction with engineering controls and sound manufacturing practices.

Requirements for Eye Protection According to OSHA Publication Personal Protective Equipment, eye protectors must meet certain minimum requirements:

Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions Fit snugly without interfering with the movements or vision of the wearer Be durable Be capable of being disinfected Be easily cleanable Be kept clean and in good repair Eye and face PPE must be clearly marked to identify the manufacturer Have side shields. They must comply with one of the following consensus standards:ANSI Z87.1-2010ANSI Z87.1-2003ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998)

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are the most common type of eye protection. They may look like normal street glasses, but they are made with much stronger (impact resistant) materials. Safety glasses must be replaced if they do not meet the requirements. Safety glasses which meet ANSI specifications have the word "ANSI" stamped on them along with the name of the manufacturer. Combinations of normal street-wear frames with safety lenses are not in compliance.

Hard Hats and the Workplace

Some occupations almost always require employees to wear appropriate hard hats. Construction, tree trimming, logging, electrical utility work, shipbuilding, mining, and petroleum/chemical work all require hard hats. Head protection should be routinely worn by carpenters, electricians, linemen, mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, assemblers, packers, wrappers, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 10. Once you get all this information, analyze the data. Review each of the hazards and determine what type of PPE can protect the workers.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 3. Look for all possible exposures to hazards. Don't forget to look at what the subcontractors and vendors are doing on your job site.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 4. Make a list of job classifications that are exposed to hazards that would require PPE.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 5. Identify affected employees. Ask them to explain each step of their jobs and point out potential job hazards. Note any situations where PPE is currently used, what type, and for what purpose. If your company has a policy that PPE be worn at all times in the job site, point that out.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 6. Report accidents and near misses to the safety office so that they can compile this type of information. Your safety coordinator will review injury/accident data to help identify areas with high incidence of accidents and injuries.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 7. Identify areas where tools or equipment need to be repaired or replaced before an accident occurs. Get in the habit of repairing equipment immediately or tagging them and getting them out of the area.

Workplace Evaluation

Step 9. Ask fellow workers to participate in a walk-through safety survey.

Safety Glasses

The choice of lens material will depend on the work situation. Prescription lenses are for those persons who need corrective lenses. Tinted lenses and anti-glare protection are available for daylight use as well as nighttime situations where very bright lights are present. Special coatings are available that prevent fogging of lenses. The choice of frame material will depend upon the work situation. Safety glasses with metal frames are forbidden when working on energized electrical systems.

Face Shields Face shields are used when the entire face needs protection.

They protect against flying particles, metal sparks, molten metal, biological, and chemical splashes. Face shields must always be used with other eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles. Face shields normally consist of an adjustable hard hat and face shield of tinted/transparent acetate or polycarbonate materials or wire screen. They are available: In various sizes, tensile strength, impact/heat-resistance, and light ray filtering capacity To fit over a hard hat or to wear directly on the head With absorptive lenses for absorbing or screening out unwanted light and glare when welding or working with torches.

Fit

To ensure adequate protection by your hard hat, make sure you adjust the headband. Headbands are adjustable in 1/8 inch increments. When the headband is adjusted to the right size, it provides sufficient clearance between the shell and the headband.

Maintaining Protective Hard Hats

Wash your hard hat (especially the sweatbands and cradles) monthly in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You may need to use a solvent to remove tar, paint, oil, or other materials. Consult the hard hat manufacturer to find out what solvents should be used since some solvents can damage the shell. Inspect the shell for damage after it has been cleaned. Replace worn sweatbands, if needed. Do not paint your hard hat. Paint contains solvents that may reduce the dielectric properties or damage or weaken the shell.

Foot protection guards your toes, ankles, and feet from injury especially if you know:

When protective footwear is necessary What footwear is necessary How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear protective footwear Limitations of the footwear Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of protective footwear.

Hard Hat Classes

When purchasing hard hats, you will find these classes designated by ANSI Z89.1-1997. These classes are (G) General, E (Electrical), and C (Conductive).

Surveying the Workplace

When the foreman surveys the jobsite, he should actively involve construction workers in the process. In addition, workers must report safety hazards to the supervisor as soon as they become aware of them. By working together as a team, the job site becomes safer for everyone.

Preventing Head Injuries

When you are working in an area where there is a possible danger of head injury from the impact of falling or flying objects, or where there is a risk of electrical shock and burns, you must wear your hard hat. Wear your hard hat correctly. Unless they are specifically marked indicating the bill can be worn to the rear, they must be worn with the bill to the front. Regular hard hats do not give adequate protection when worn backwards! 2005 - 2022 © AdvanceOnline Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Maintain the PPE

While proper fit is important, the condition of the equipment also greatly affects its reliability. Maintain PPE in a clean and serviceable condition. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.

Chemicals

Workers are injured by contact with chemical splashes or irritating mists. The sources of these hazards include acid and chemical handling, degreasing, and plating. For less severe exposures workers can select goggles that are either the eyecup or the cover types. For severe exposures, workers must use a face shield over their primary eye protection. For irritating mists, workers must wear special-purpose goggles (these goggles look like other goggles, but are designed to protect more effectively in special situations). Notes from the chart that apply to chemical hazards are (3) and (11).

Heat

Workers are injured by heat hazards from hot sparks, splashing molten metals, and high temperature exposure. The sources of these hazards include furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding. For less severe exposures, workers can select face shields, goggles, spectacles with side protection, or reflective face shields. For severe exposure, workers must use a face shield over primary eye protection. Notes from the chart that apply to heat hazards are (1), (2), and (3)

Impact

Workers are injured by impact from flying hazards such as flying fragments, objects, large chips, particles, sand, and dirt. The sources of these hazards include chipping, grinding, machining, drilling, chiseling, riveting, and sanding. For less severe exposures workers can select spectacles with side protection, goggles, or face shields. For severe exposures, workers must use a face shield over their primary eye protection. Notes from the chart that apply to impact hazards are (1), (3), (5), (6), and (10).

Light and/or Radiation

Workers can be injured because of activities and conditions that cause optical radiation and poor vision hazards such as electric arc welding and gas welding, cutting, torch brazing, torch soldering, and glare. Selection of eye protection depends upon the source of hazard. Electric arc welders should select welding helmets or welding shields in shades 10-14. See notes (9) and (12). Gas welders should select welding goggles or welding face shields in shades 4-8 for gas welding, 3-6 for cutting, and 3-4 for brazing. See note (9). For cutting, torch brazing, and torch soldering, workers should select spectacles or welding face shields in shades 1.5-3. See notes (3) and (9). For protection from glare, workers should select spectacles with shaded or special-purpose lenses, as suitable. See notes (9) and (10). Notes from the chart that apply to light and radiation hazards are (3), (9), (10), and (12).

More Causes of Foot Injuries Other hazards include:

sharp objects Sharp objects and cutting tools can cut through or puncture ordinary safety shoes. extreme heat or cold Insulation or ventilation is required in extreme hot or cold conditions. wetness Although the primary hazard is slipping, wetness also causes discomfort and even fungal infections if your feet are wet for long periods of time. electricity Contact with electricity is a hazard in jobs where workers use power tools or electric equipment.