PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT
I OSHA
Every employer to provide and maintain
for the use of the employees in any
workplace adequate, effective and suitable
protective clothing and appliances
For eye safety suitable protection for the
eyes is required.
II To protect workers from potential
workplace hazards
These hazards arise from:
Machines
Work procedures
Hazardous substances

The first approach to offer protection:

Engineering controls Eliminate source of hazard.
Safe work practices.
Administrative controls
III Steps to use before choosing
and applying PPE
Examine (survey) workplace to identify
hazards.
Review work procedures.
Select appropriate P.P.E.
Train workers on use and care of P.P.E.
Enforcement of use of P.P.E.
(Instructions and signs).
IV Safe use of P P E
Personal Protective Equipment includes a variety
of devices and garments to protect workers
from workplace hazards.
The areas afforded protection include:
Eyes
Face
Head
Ears
Feet
Hands and arms
Whole body
1. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Potential hazards:
Dust
Flying particles e.g. metal/wood, shavings, wool
fibres etc.
Splashing liquids
Irritant liquids
Fumes and gases
Sprays
Intense light e.g. welding flashes and lasers.
Types of protectors:
Goggles
Safety spectacles with impact resistant lenses
Side shields
Eye cup types
Welding shields
Face shields
2. HEAD PROTECTION
Potential hazards:
Falling objects
Head bumping against fixed objects e.g.
frame works
Working near exposed electrical
conductors
Typical injuries:
scalp injuries: cuts, bruises.
skull fracture,
electrical shock,
mechanical shock

Types of protectors:
Helmets (hard hats):
3. HEARING PROTECTION
Potential Hazard:
Excessive noise (> 85 dB)

Types of protectors:
Ear plugs:- Inserted in ear canal
Ear Muffs: Hemispheric cups with headband
4. HAND AND ARM PROTECTION
Hazards:
Fire and heat
Cold
Electricity
Ionising radiation
Chemicals
Cuts
Abrasions/friction
Biological infections
Dirt.
Types of protectors:
Gloves (each finger in separate division) made of rubber, leather,
fabric, wool, polythene, plastic, pvc coated-cotton, latex wire mesh.
Mitts (mittens) (only thumb in separate div.)
Thimbles, finger guards/cots (made of metal or plastic, protects
single finger against friction and pressure.
Sleeves: for arm and wrist
Hand pads: protects palm from heat, cold, friction etc. Not for
precise works.
Barrier creams (dermatological)
Skin cleansers: germicidal and antiseptic soaps, detergents and
cleansing creams to remove dirt, grease, oil and chemicals.
5. FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION
Hazards.
Falling objects
Striking against objects
Stepping on sharp protrusions
Heat/sparks
Electricity
Wetness
Slippery floors
Types of protectors:
Safety shoes/boots
Safety gumboots
Leggings
Foot and shin guards
Foundry shoes
6. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Hazards:
Dusts
Smoke
Fumes
Mists
Gases
Vapour
Sprays
Oxygen deficiency
Types of protectors:
Masks
Respirators

7. BODY PROTECTION
Hazards:
Intense heat/cold
Splashes of liquids
Impacts from tools and machine
Chemicals
Dust
Oils and grease
Radiation
Rain
Types of protectors:
Vests
Jackets
Aprons
Overalls
Gowns
Full body suits