OSHA requires the first line of defense against workplace hazards to be engineering controls. Controlling a hazard at its source is the first choice because this method can either eliminate it from the workplace altogether or isolate it from the worker. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is our last line of defense because it means the hazard has actually made it to us—and without the PPE, injury may very likely occur. PPE includes items such as respirators, gloves, lab coats, boots, face shields, goggles, hearing protection, etc.

 

OSHA requires documentation that the equipment selection is based on the hazard, that employees have properly fitted equipment, they are trained on the equipment assigned, and that the equipment is kept in good repair. A good PPE program also includes a monitoring aspect of the program to ensure the equipment used is still appropriate for the job and that the employees are actually wearing and maintaining it properly.

 

Selection of Appropriate PPE: Most use a system where each body area is considered: eyes, face, head, hands, feet, ears/hearing, respiratory system, whole body. Protection from spray back into mucous membranes or mouth or into the eyes and face might well be accomplished using chemical goggles and a face shield. Gloves would be selected that prevent skin wetting and contamination by the disinfectant spray. This may involve consulting chemical compatibility charts (available from all major chemical glove manufacturers or distributors) before a decision is made. The selection of hearing protection might be made considering the noise levels, whether the noise is continuous or intermittent, and the nature of the environment. Employees should also be given a choice, where possible, of several different PPE options (that meet the safety requirement) based on personal comfort and preference.

 

Fitting: If PPE does not fit properly, its effectiveness is often drastically reduced. If you have safety glasses that slide down your face because they are too large, protection is lost. Respirators must fit properly or they are ineffective. There are respirator fit test methods using specialized equipment to quantitatively assess fit or challenge tests where isoamyl acetate, saccharin, bitrex, or irritant smoke is used. Gloves may be too large creating entanglement hazards or may be too tight. Once the proper fit is identified it should be in the employee’s records.
 
Training: Workers need to know:

Maintenance: All too often we see old, damaged, and potentially dangerous PPE used by employees. Examples include: dirty, misshapen respirators with ancient cartridges or missing valves, glasses or goggles so scratched, one could not imagine wearing them, filthy torn-up ear muffs, contaminated gloves or coveralls, etc. PPE must be taken care of to adequately protect the worker. Poorly maintained and cleaned equipment can actually put workers in greater danger. Making sure that equipment is properly maintained is a key component of the program.

 

From The Last Line of Defense – PPE from the Safety Guys