CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

IMPORTANCE OF PPE
DESIGN A PPE PROGRAM
STEPS INVOLVED IN THE SELECTION OF PPE
ROLE OF PPE
REQUIRMENTS OF PPE
PPE CHECKLIST
CREATING AND IMPLEMENTING PPE MANAGEMENT
PLAN

2. HAZARDS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES 16

CLASSIFICATION OF PPE
NON RESPIRATORY
RESPIRATORY

3. LEGAL AND OTHER STANDARDS 31

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE PPE

4. PPE STANDARDS & GUIDELINES 38

5. CONCLUSION 43

6. BIBILOGRAPHY 45
 1. INTRODUCTION:

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to

minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries
and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical,
mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such
as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests
and full body suits. Handling and use of chemicals at the workplace in industries are associated
with health hazards and can cause occupational injuries or diseases. Workers exposure to
airborne chemicals above tolerable limits is a recognized causative factor of occupational
diseases. There is a direct cause and effect relationship between hazards and diseases. The body
must be protected if there is any risk of coming into contact with chemicals. Chemicals can enter
into the body by three routes through inhalation. Personal protection involves avoiding exposure
by using appropriate personal protective equipment should not be regarded as an alternative to
engineering of other suitable control measures, but should be provided and maintained where
such control measures cannot ensure protection.

What can be done to ensure proper use of personal protective equipment?

All personal protective equipment should be safely designed and constructed, and should be
maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. It should fit comfortably, encouraging worker use. If
the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can make the difference between
being safely covered or dangerously exposed. When engineering, work practice, and
administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must
provide personal protective equipment to their workers and ensure its proper use. Employers are
also required to train each worker required to use personal protective equipment to know:

 When it is necessary
 What kind is necessary
 How to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off
 The limitations of the equipment
 Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment

If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the
hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and
monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

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 1.1 IMPORTANCE OF PPE:

Safety is a major issue for day labourers and skilled labourers. Each year, accidents happen
frequently in the construction industry and often times it are due to the absence of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) or failure to wear the provided PPE. PPE is equipment that will
protect workers against health or safety risks on the job. The purpose is to reduce employee
exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective to
reduce these risks to acceptable levels. These hazard risks can be anything from wet floors to
falling debris and everything in between. PPE includes items such as protective helmets, eye
protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, safety harnesses and, sometimes, respiratory
protective equipment. Let’s explore some PPE commonly used on construction sites and their
benefits:

1. Head Protection

Hard hats are common on construction sites. Just passing by a site, you can usually identify
workers by their hard hats. They are designed to protect against flying or falling objects that
would otherwise impact or penetrate the worker. Some hard hats are equipped with accessories
such as face shields and earmuffs. Hard hats should be well-fitted; those that are too large or too
small are inappropriate for use.

2. Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection are equally as important as head protection. Safety goggles, spectacles
and full face shields can give you the protection needed for the eyes and face. Metal work,
wood-work, hot-work and air-tool operations all require this type of protection. General laborers
can also benefit from safety goggles since there is usually debris on construction sites.

3. Respiratory protection

Respiratory protection is vital on sites where toxic substances are present. Sometimes what you
can’t see can hurt you. Respiratory protections like respirators are designed to protect you from
dust, fumes, paint spray, pesticides and other dangerous substances that could cause permanent
impairment. Respiratory protection should be used in environments with air contaminants. In
work environments, respirators are relied upon when adequate ventilation is unavailable or other
engineering control systems are not feasible or inadequate.

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4. Hand & Skin protection

Construction jobs typically require the use of hands. Each year, around 150,000 hand injuries
are reported. Occupational skin diseases such as contact dermatitis, skin cancers, and other skin
injuries and infections are the second most common type of occupational disease and can be
very costly. Because a lot of work is done with the hands, gloves are an essential item in
providing skin protection. Some examples of gloves commonly used as PPE include rubber
gloves, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw gloves and heat-resistant gloves. Using gloves helps to
avoid hazards usually involved when working with chemicals, glass, sheet metal, electricity, hot
materials or slippery objects.

5. Hearing protection

Industrial noise is often discounted as an occupational hazard since it isn’t visible to the eye.
However, 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to potentially harmful noise
levels annually. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about
82% of occupational hearing loss cases occurred to workers in the manufacturing sector.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes occupational noise exposure
standards. NIOSH recommends that worker exposures to noise be reduced to a level equivalent
to 85 dBA for eight hours to reduce occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs and
earmuffs are common hearing protection tools. It is important to note that earmuffs are more
effective in reducing high-frequency noise while earplugs are more effective for reducing low-
frequency noise.
Using PPE, and wearing it properly, is vital to avoid unnecessary injury in the workplace.
Choosing not to wear PPE can be dangerous especially when it could save your life. Never
hesitate to ask temporary staffing agencies if they have the necessary PPE. Safety is important
and having an understanding of these various protection devices can help to prevent hazardous
injury.

To ensure workplace safety, different organizations establish regulations according to

OSHA standards.

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Here are some proactive tips about managing PPE in all types of work environments,
according to THE BEST WAY TO MANAGE PPE FOR EMPLOYEES
 Step 1: Physically remove the hazard from the workplace. If a hazard, such as dangerous
equipment, has been causing multiple injuries, a manager should remove it.
 Step 2: Replace the hazard with a safer substitute. If workers on a construction site are
getting injured because of a specific tool, the manager should substitute the tool for a safer, more
effective one.
 Step 3: Identify a way to complete the job without the hazard. Managers can look into
alternatives that avoid the hazard altogether.
 Step 4: Ensure that workers have the necessary PPE to complete the job without getting
injured.

PPE looks different in various settings. While healthcare workers might wear face shields
and gowns, construction workers might wear helmets and work boots. However, PPE is
equally important in all settings, because it can minimize the risk of employees becoming
fatally injured due to a hazard.

WHY PPE:
 Acts as barrier.
 Chances of failure of engineering controls, materials, process equipment, safety devices
etc.,
 Avoid the contact of dangerous substances including the chemicals.
 Protect from Environment.
 It is legal requirement.

The Importance of PPE in the Workplace:

For individuals in leadership positions, developing an effective PPE management plan is

essential.

Before creating a PPE plan, managers should consider their goals for their work
environments. Some goals should include the following:
 Protecting workers
 Complying with federal, state, and regional regulations
 Adhering to company guidelines
 Understanding what’s technically feasible in the workplace
 Adhering to the budget

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1.2 DESIGN A PPE PROGRAM:

A PPE program must be comprehensive. It requires commitment and active participation at

the planning, development, and implementation stages from all levels: senior management,
supervisors, and workers. A good PPE program consists of these essential elements:

 hazard identification and risk assessment

 selection of appropriate controls
 selection of appropriate PPE
 fitting
 education and training
 management support
 maintenance
 auditing of the program

The organization's occupational health and safety policy should be a statement of principles and
general rules which serve as guides to action. Senior management must be committed to
ensuring that the policy and procedures are carried out. PPE programs must be, and must be seen
to have equal importance with all other organizational policies, procedures, and programs.

The appointment of a program coordinator will help to make sure the program is successful. The
coordinator has the responsibility to make sure that each of the elements of a program is in place
and operational.

A program must be planned carefully, developed fully and implemented methodically. The
beneficial effects of the program should be publicized widely, and the target date set well ahead
for compliance. If the use of PPE is new, time should be allowed for workers to choose a style
that fits best, to become accustomed to wearing PPE, and comply with the program, with no
enforcement action taken until the target date.

Note: It would not be acceptable to gradually phase in a PPE program when there is a need to
enter hazardous atmospheres, or where failure to use the equipment poses a significant risk of
injury.

The greater the workers' involvement in all stages of the program, the smoother the program will
be to implement and operate. Users must be educated about why the PPE is to be worn and
trained how to properly use it. The method of implementation affects the acceptance and
effectiveness of the whole program.

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1.3 Steps Involved in the Selection of PPE:
Once the need for PPE has been established, the next task is to select the proper type. Two
criteria need to be determined:

 the degree of protection required, and

 The appropriateness of the equipment to the situation (including the practicality of the
equipment being used and kept in good repair).

The degree of protection and the design of PPE must be integrated because both affect its overall
efficiency, wearability, and acceptance.

The following are guidelines for selection:

a) Match PPE to the hazard:

There are no shortcuts to PPE selection. Choose the right PPE to match the hazard. On some
jobs, the same task is performed throughout the entire job cycle, so it is easy to select proper
PPE. In other instances, workers may be exposed to two or more different hazards.
A welder may require protection against welding gases, harmful light rays, molten metal and
flying chips. In such instances, multiple protections are needed: a welding helmet, welder’s
goggles and the appropriate respirator, or an air-supplied welding hood.

b) Obtain advice:

Make decisions based on thorough risk assessment, worker acceptance, and types of PPE
available. Once you have determined your PPE needs, do research and shop around. Discuss
your needs with trained sales representatives and ask for their recommendations. Always ask for
alternatives and check into product claims and test data. Try out PPE and test it to see that the
equipment meets all of your criteria before it is approved.

c) Involve workers in evaluations:

It is extremely important to have the individual worker involved in the selection of specific
models. This assistance in selection can be achieved by introducing approved models into the
workplace for trials in which workers have the opportunity to evaluate various models. In this
way, much information regarding fit, comfort, and worker acceptability will be gained. When
choosing PPE, workers should select among two or three models, allowing for personal
preferences. PPE should be individually assigned.

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d) Consider physical comfort of PPE (ergonomics):

If a PPE device is unnecessarily heavy or poorly fitted it is unlikely that it will be worn. Note
also that if a PPE device is unattractive or uncomfortable, or there is no ability for workers to
choose among models, compliance is likely to be poor. When several forms of PPE are worn
together, interactions must be kept in mind (e.g., will wearing eye wear interfere with the seal
provided by ear muffs?). Use every opportunity to provide flexibility in the choice of PPE as
long as it meets required legislation and standards.

e) Evaluate cost considerations:

The cost of PPE is often a concern. Some programs use disposable respirators because they
appear to be inexpensive. However when the use is evaluated over time, it is possible that a dual
cartridge respirator would be more economical. Engineering controls might prove an even more
cost effective solution in the long term and should be considered before PPE.

f) Review standards:

Performance requirements of all standards must be reviewed to ensure that exposure to injury
will be minimized or eliminated by using PPE. If PPE is exposed to hazards greater than those
for which it is designed, it will not deliver adequate protection.

In Canada, various standards exist and the most recent should be used for guidance in the
selection process. For example, the CSA Standard Z94.3-15 “Eye and Face Protectors” outlines
types of eye wear protectors recommended for particular work hazards. The OSH Answers
on eye and face protection has more information on this topic.

g) Check the fit:

When the selection has been made, the “fitting” component should be put in place. The key is to
fit each worker with PPE on an individual basis. At the time of fitting, show each worker how to
wear and maintain PPE properly.

In some cases, individual fitting programs should be carried out by qualified personnel. For
example, for eye protection this qualified person could be an optometrist, an optician, a
manufacturers' representative or a specially trained staff member, such as a nurse.

Eye wear should cover from the eyebrow to the cheekbone and across from the nose to the
boney area on the outside of the face and eyes. When eye wear/glasses sit halfway down the
nose, protection from the hazard of flying particles is reduced, sometimes to the point where no
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protection is given. The calculated degree of protection will not be achieved in practice unless
the PPE is worn properly at all times when the worker is at risk.

h) Perform regular maintenance and inspections:

Without proper maintenance, the effectiveness of PPE cannot be assured. Maintenance should
include inspection, care, cleaning, repair, and proper storage.

Probably the most important part of maintenance is the need for continuing inspection of the
PPE. If carefully performed, inspections will identify damaged or malfunctioning PPE before it
is used. PPE that is not performing up to manufacturers specifications, such as eye wear with
scratched lenses that have lost their ability to withstand impact should be discarded.

Procedures should be set up to allow workers to get new PPE or replacement parts for damaged
PPE, and help them to keep the PPE clean. For example, respiratory protection devices require a
program of repair, cleaning, storage and periodic testing.

Wearing poorly maintained or malfunctioning PPE could be more dangerous than not wearing
any form of protection at all. The workers have a false sense of security and think they are
protected when, in reality, they are not.

i) Conduct education and training:

No program can be complete without education and training to make sure PPE is used
effectively. Education and training should cover why it is important, how to fit and wear PPE,
how to adjust it for maximum protection, and how to care for it.

Emphasize the major goals of the program and reinforce the fact that engineering controls have
been considered as the primary prevention strategy. It is not good enough to tell someone to
wear a respirator just because management and/or legislation require it. If the respirator is
intended to prevent lung disorders, the workers must be informed of the hazards.

Workers and their supervisors will require education and training in when, where, why, and how
to use the equipment to achieve the necessary level of protection. Include workers who are
exposed on a regular basis as well as others who might be exposed on an occasional basis, for
example, in emergencies or when temporary work is performed in dangerous areas.

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Controlling a hazard at its source is the first choice because this method will eliminate it from
the workplace altogether or isolate it from the worker. This approach may require substitution of
a material with nonhazardous ones, isolation of hazards, ventilation, addition of safety features
to existing equipment, redesign of the work processes, or purchase of new equipment.
Administrative controls such as work practices, education/training, and housekeeping are also
ways to control hazards.

When the hazard cannot be removed or controlled adequately, personal protective equipment
(PPE) may be used.

PPE is considered as the last level of protection when all other methods are not available or
possible. See the OSH Answers document Hazard Control for information on a hazard control
program.

1.5 FACTORS OF SELECTION OR REQUIREMENTS OF PPE:

 They should give adequate protection against the nature, severity and type of hazard.
 They should be of minimum weight, should give minimum discomfort with protective
efficiency.
 Attachment to the body should be flexible yet effective.
 The weather should not be restricted in movement or perceptions required for the job.
 They should be durable and attractive.
 They themselves should not cause any hazard through their material design, defect or
failure.
 They should fulfill Indian Standards and tests required.
 They should be easy to clean, repair and maintain.

1.6 PPE Program Checklist:

The PPE program coordinator should consider the following:

Design a PPE Program:

 Make sure the “hierarchy of controls” methods such as elimination, substitution,

engineering controls, and administrative controls, are considered first. PPE is the last line
of defense.
 Secure the active participation of all parties.
 Ensure that a program coordinator has been appointed.
 Re-evaluate program on an ongoing basis.

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  Promotional Strategy
 Publicize commitment to the program.
 Make sure a clear, concise company policy has been formulated.

Hazard identification and risk assessment:

 Review work practices, job procedures, equipment and plant layout.

 Use job hazard analysis techniques to integrate accepted safety and health principles and
practice into specific operations.

Selection:

 Choose PPE to match the hazard.

 Get advice on proper selection.
 Have a workplace trial, whenever possible.
 Consider the physical comfort of PPE.
 Evaluate cost considerations of PPE usage.
 Ensure PPE meets standards / certification (e.g., CSA, CGSB, NIOSH, ANSI).

Fitting and wearing:

 Include fitting of PPE to the individual.

 Observe or survey users to make sure the PPE is worn and worn properly.

Maintenance:

 Make sure that workers know how to perform regular maintenance and inspection of
their PPE.
 Make sure that workers can identify potential problems or defects with their PPE during
the pre-use inspection or while wearing/using.

Education and Training:

 Verify that all users, supervisors, selectors, buyers, and stock keepers are educated and
trained.
 Make sure that education and training programs are ongoing.

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Audit the Program:

 Review the program at least annually.

 Review and compare production and safety performance records.

Worker responsibilities include:

Use of proper PPE:

 Make sure you are wearing the right PPE for the job. Check with your safety
representative if you are not sure.

Maintenance and inspection:

 Inspect PPE before and after each use.

 Take care of PPE at all times.
 Clean all PPE after use.
 Repair or replace damaged or broken PPE.
 Store PPE in clean dry air - free from exposure to sunlight or contaminants.

Education and Training:

 Participate in education and training in how to fit, wear, and maintain PPE.
 Ask questions to make sure you know when and what PPE should be worn, and why it
should be worn.

1.7 Creating a PPE Management Plan:

According to Ready.gov, managers should create a risk assessment to “identify potential
hazards and analyze what could happen if a hazard occurs.” Having a risk assessment
allows managers to determine the hazards that can impact a large-scale PPE management
plan.

Hazards can include the following:

 Natural disasters, such as a hurricane, a flood, or an earthquake
 Power outage
 Hazardous material spill
 Water, gas, or sewage issue
 Technology issue (software or hardware)

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When creating a risk assessment report, managers should assess the following:
 Who’s at risk?
 What parts of the building or physical workplace can be compromised?
 What supply chain planning and issues can occur regarding specific tools or necessary
equipment?
 What systems are at risk?
 How will a hazard impact the surrounding environment?
 How will this create a financial setback?
 Will we lose customers, and can we face a lawsuit?

Creating a risk assessment report doesn’t eliminate the need for PPE. On the other hand, it
helps managers understand when they need certain tools and when they need to take
additional measures. Workers should use some forms of PPE, particularly a mask, at all
times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implementing a PPE Management Plan:

Managers have several things to consider when implementing a PPE plan.

After selecting the appropriate PPE plan for their companies or organizations, managers
should ensure that all employees are properly educated about the new tools or equipment
and trained to use them.

Leaders should be prepared to provide technical tools and equipment for their employees.
They should also offer training and development regarding how to effectively use the tools
and equipment.
Overseeing and maintaining the workplace PPE plan is another important aspect of a
manager’s job. Forbes argues that as regards the importance of personal protective
equipment, leaders need to assess the behavioural needs of their employees and the
technical needs of their work environments.
On an emotional level, managers can help alleviate workplace burnout and eliminate
unnecessary stressors for their employees. Improving the work-life balance of employees
increases workplace productivity and worker morale.
Managers also lead by example. They can model ways to use physical and emotional
protection in the workplace. If they aren’t using equipment properly or have a poor attitude
about using necessary tools, their behaviour may affect their employees negatively.

All these factors influence whether a PPE plan is effective.

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3. LEGAL AND OTHER STANDARDS:

A range of legislation includes PPE and there is coverage in several other chapters of this book.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 put obligations on employers
to make suitable and sufficient assessments of risks to their employees and non-employees. The
risks should be reduced using the principles of prevention outlined in Regulation 4 and Schedule
1, which make it clear that collective measures should be implemented in preference to
individual measures.

Other regulations include:

 The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012; the Control of Substances

Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; Chapter 28 - the Ionising Radiations Regulations
1999; the Noise at Work Regulations 2005. These regulations take precedence over the
PPE at Work Regulations.
 For example, a person working with asbestos would, where necessary, have to use
respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing under the Control of Asbestos
Regulations 2012.
 Very importantly, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 9 states the
worker doesn't have to pay for any PPE which is used only at work: "No employer shall
levy or permit to be levied on any employee of his any charge in respect of anything
done or provided in pursuance of any specific requirement of the relevant statutory
provisions."

Definition of PPE (Regulation 2):

Personal protective equipment means all equipment (including clothing affording protection
against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which
protects them against one or more risks to their health and safety, and any addition or accessory
designed to meet that objective.PPE includes:

 Protective clothing such as aprons, protective clothing for adverse weather conditions,
gloves, safety footwear, safety helmets, high visibility waistcoats, etc.
 protective equipment such as eye-protectors, life-jackets, respirators, underwater
breathing apparatus, safety harnesses.

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In practice, however, these regulations will not apply to ear protectors, most respiratory
protective equipment and some other types of PPE used at work. These types of PPE are
specifically excluded from the PPE at Work Regulations because they are covered by existing
Regulations such as the Noise at Work Regulations. However, even if the PPE at Work
Regulations do not apply, the Regulations and Guidance may still be applicable, as the general
principles of selecting and maintaining suitable PPE and training people in its use are common
in all Regulations which refer to PPE

Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (Regulation 4):

When health and safety risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, employers must
provide employees with suitable PPE. Self-employed persons have a similar duty to themselves.
Suitable PPE means:

 it is appropriate for the risks involved, the conditions at the place where exposure to the
risk may occur and the period for which it is worn
 taking account of ergonomic requirements, the state of health of the persons who use the
PPE and the characteristics of the workstation
 it is capable of fitting the wearer correctly, if necessary, after adjustments within the
range for which it is designed
 so far as practicable, it is effective to prevent or adequately control the risks without
increasing the overall risk

Employers should ensure that PPE is provided for personal use to ensure hygiene and health.

Compatibility of PPE (Regulation 5):

Where there is more than one risk, employers must ensure that different items of PPE that have
to be worn together by employees are both compatible and effective.

Assessment of PPE (Regulation 6):

Before choosing any PPE, the employer must make an assessment to determine whether the PPE
they intend to provide is suitable. The assessment required should include:

 an assessment of any risks to health and safety which have not been avoided by other
means

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  defining and comparing the characteristics that the PPE must have in order to be
effective against the risks, which will also include any risks that the PPE itself may
create
 an assessment as to whether the PPE is compatible with other PPE required to be worn
simultaneously

The assessment must be reviewed if:

 here is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, or

 there has been a significant change

Maintenance and replacement of PPE (Regulation 7):

Every employer must ensure that any PPE provided is:

 maintained
 cleaned or replaced as appropriate
 in an efficient state
 in efficient working order
 in good repair

Accommodation for PPE (Regulation 8):

Appropriate accommodation must be provided for PPE when it is not in use.

Information, instruction and training (Regulation 9):

Employers must provide employees with information, instruction and training that is adequate,
appropriate and that they understand. This will ensure that employees know:

 the risks which the PPE will avoid or limit

 what the PPE is for
 how to use the PPE provided
 any action needed by the wearer to ensure the PPE remains in an efficient state, efficient
working order and in good repair

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Information must be kept available, and at suitable intervals demonstrations in the wearing of
PPE should be organized.

Use of PPE by employees (Regulation 10):

Employers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that employees properly use the equipment
provided.

Employees must:

 use the PPE in accordance with the training and instructions provided
 take all reasonable steps to ensure that the PPE is returned to the accommodation
provided for it after use

Reporting loss or defect (Regulation 11)

Employees must report to their employers any loss of or obvious defect in the PPE provided for
them.

What can safety representatives do?

Safety reps should check that their employer is observing their responsibilities under the
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

Safety reps can involve workers in identifying if there is a problem by:

 carrying out a survey with workers that may be affected

 using hazard and risk mapping with members
 doing a special inspection that concentrates on PPE, using the inspection checklist
 Doing a special inspection that concentrates on the information provided and the health
and safety training of workers who have to use PPE.

Safety reps should report their concerns and those of their members to management in writing.

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Risk assessments:
Safety reps should ask for copies of the risk assessments that the employer has done to ensure
that they are preventing and controlling hazards without resorting to PPE as a first option. Reps
should check that they are being consulted on the purchase of PPE to ensure the employer makes
an assessment to determine that the PPE is appropriate for the hazard and for the workers using
it.

Safety policies:
Safety reps can also monitor the employer's safety policy regarding PPE, and check that:

 there are competent personnel that prevent or control hazards without resorting
automatically to PPE
 there is consultation "in good time" about arrangements for the appointment of
competent people
 where there is any potential risk, that their employer has given all their workforce
appropriate training and information
 PPE is suitable to be worn by women workers and all workers with special
characteristics such as facial hair, spectacles or disabilities
 The introduction of PPE does not create new hazards, such as latex gloves (often used in
the health service) causing latex allergy, or risk of causing a musculoskeletal disorder, or
absorption of harmful chemicals.

3.1 Who is Responsible for Paying the PPE:

By law, workers must use personal protective equipment in the workplace when it is required.
Employer responsibilities include providing instruction on what PPE is needed, maintenance and
cleaning of the equipment, and educating and training workers on proper use of PPE. In every
jurisdiction, it is clear that the employer is responsible for making sure these requirements are
met.

However, the law is not always clear about who is responsible for paying for the PPE itself. It
depends on the jurisdiction, and in some jurisdictions, it depends on the type of PPE required.
For example:

 Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, and Saskatchewan require the employer to

provide the worker, free of charge, with all the PPE either selected by the health and
safety committee or required by the legislation.

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  British Columbia, Manitoba, and Yukon state in their legislation who is responsible for
each specific type of PPE.
 Alberta requires employers to provide workers with, and pay for, PPE for emergency
response, hearing and respiratory protection if it is required for the job. The worker is
responsible for providing and using PPE such as hard hats, safety boots, flame resistant
clothing, or eye protection if they are required for the job.
 Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova
Scotia, and those organizations that follow legislation from the Canadian federal
government use the term “provide”. However the term “provide” is not always clearly
defined, and its intention should be verified with your jurisdiction.

REMEMBER: The above is a general summary only. For any information about legislation and
the requirement to provide PPE, always check directly with your jurisdiction for the exact legal
interpretation.

4. PPE STANDARDS & GUIDELINES:

The existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) personal protective
equipment (PPE) standards are found in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910
Subpart I for General Industry, Part 1915 Subpart I for Maritime, Part 1917 Subpart E for
Marine Terminals, Part 1918 Subpart J for Long shoring and Part 1926 Subpart E for
Construction. This document will focus on standards for PPE intended for use in general
industry.

A Look at the Standards:-

29 CFR 1910.133 Eye and Face Protection: “The employer shall ensure that each affected
employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from
flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or
vapours, or potentially injurious light radiation.” Eye and face protection must comply with:
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1American National Standard for Eye and Face Protection which was last
updated in 2015.

29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory protection: “The employer shall provide a respirator to each
employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The
employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose
intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a
respiratory protection program."

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29 CFR 1910.135 Head protection: “The employer shall ensure that each affected employee
wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head
from falling objects. The employer shall ensure that a protective helmet designed to reduce
electrical shock hazard is worn by each such affected employee when near exposed electrical
conductors which could contact the head.” Performance criteria for head protection are provided
in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1 American National Standard for
Industrial Head Protection. This standard is incorporated by reference in 29 CFR 1910.135 and
29 CFR 1910.6. The most recent revision was issued on May 15, 2014.

29 CFR 1910.136 Occupational foot protection: “The employer shall ensure that each affected
employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot
injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee's
feet are exposed to electrical hazards.” Protective footwear must comply with ASTM F-2412-
18a: Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection and ASTM F-2413-18 Standard Specification
for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear.

29 CFR 1910.137 Electrical Protective Equipment: details the design requirements for
specific types of electrical protective equipment—rubber insulating blankets, rubber insulating
matting, rubber insulating covers, rubber insulating line hose, rubber insulating gloves, and
rubber insulating sleeves used for the primary insulation of employees from energized circuit
parts. It also details the in-service care and use of all electrical protective equipment covered by
this standard.

29 CFR 1910.138 Hand protection: “Employers shall select and require employees to use
appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from
skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures;
chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.” Employers should select
appropriate hand protection relative to the application, present conditions, duration of use and
any identified or potential hazards.

29 CFR 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems: “Employers shall ensure that each
personal fall protection system used to comply with this part must meet all applicable
requirements of this section. This section establishes performance, care, and use criteria for all
personal fall protection systems such as personal fall arrest systems and positioning systems.”

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29 CFR 1910.132: General Requirements say that all PPE has to meet these minimum
requirements:
 Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed

 Be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed

 Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions

 Fit snugly and not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer

 Be durable

 Be capable of being disinfected

 Be easily cleanable

 Be distinctly marked to facilitate identification only of the manufacturer

Hazard Assessment:

Employers must assess their workplaces to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be
present, which require the use of PPE. A documented and certified walk-though survey (hazard
assessment) of each work area must be done. The certification must show the date of
assessment, area evaluated and the name of the person certifying the evaluation. The survey
should consider the following potential exposures:
 Impact

 Penetration

 Compression (roll-over)

 Chemicals

 Heat

 Harmful dust

 Light (optical) radiation

After the survey has been completed, the employer must select proper PPE. Employees who
purchase their own equipment must follow the same criteria the employer uses.

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Training:

OSHA states in 29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1), each employee who is required to wear any type of PPE
must be trained to know at least the following:

 When PPE is necessary

 What PPE is necessary

 How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE

 Limitations of the PPE

 Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE

To ensure each employee is properly trained, clear measurable objectives should be thought out.
Since the regulation requires the employee to demonstrate an understanding of the above list,
objectives should centre on these criteria. For example, in reviewing limitations of gloves, the
employee should know about permeation and breakthrough times of the chemicals they are
working with. They should also know how to clean and inspect the gloves, and how to properly
dispose of a glove that cannot be decontaminated.

The employer must verify that all the necessary training has been provided. A written
certification showing the name of the employee and date of training is required. The document
must be identified as a certificate of training. Retraining must be completed if there is a change
in workplace conditions, a change in the PPE used or the employee demonstrates inadequacies
in the skills required to use the PPE.

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5. CONCLUSION:

Accident:
It is unexpected & unintended occurrence that result personal injury, property damage
98% – Unsafe accidents/Unsafe acts & Preventable
2% – Natural calamities (Earth Quakes, Cyclones, Floods etc.)
70-80% – Unsafe acts
20-30% – Unsafe conditions
Unsafe acts:
 operating without authority, clearance

 operating at higher speed

 making safety devices ineffective

 unsafe posture, using defective tools

 unsafe loading, mixing

 working on moving, dangerous equipment

 not using PPE

Unsafe conditions:
 inadequate guarding

 improper illumination

 improper ventilation

 poor housekeeping

 improper design

 unsafe processes

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Accident Sequence:
Accident Prevention :
 Engineering controls (preventing unsafe condition) isolation, guarding, revision of
procedures, substitutions, illumination, ventilation etc.,

 Education & training (to prevent unsafe acts)

Hazards, safety rules, safe procedure etc.

 Enthusiasm (to motivate & maintain interest)

Praising, competition, prize, awards, publicity

 Example (for others)

 Good housekeeping

 Enforcement

 Personal protection equipment

It is a barrier between the human & hazard to save from injury.

 Act as a barrier

 Chances of failure of engineering controls, materials, process, equipment, safety devices

etc.,

 Avoid the contact of dangerous substances including the chemicals

 Protect from environment

 It is legal requirement

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