Protecting yourself at work against any hazard is essential.
It is important to first establish what hazards you may come in contact with and then develop a plan to ensure that you protect yourself. Always ask your employer what the policies are if you are unsure or if they have not been explained to you. The type of Personal Protective Equipment you use will depend on the work environment, the work process and the work conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers items that are designed to protect the worker from injury or infection. When determining hazards, look for situations that may cause physical, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazards, or airborne particular matter.
Some Examples of PPE are:
Protective Clothing – High Visibility Safety Wear (HVSA) – Safety Vests, Coveralls, Apron (Body Shield), Chaps, Full Rain Suit – Retroflective or Fluorescent Material
Head Protection – Helmets / Hard Hats / Bump Caps
Foot Protection – Safety Shoes – CSA Approved – Steel Toe / Non-slip / Insulated / Water Proof
Face Protection – Safety Goggles / Glasses / Face Shield – Plastic or Polycarbonate
Hand Protection – Safety Gloves – Neoprene / Butyl Rubber / Heat Resistant / Lead Lined / Disposable / Cotton / Leather
Hearing Protection – Ear Plugs / Ear Muffs
Fall Protection – Safety Harness / Body – Safety Belts / Lanyards / Lifelines
Breathing Protection – Respirator / Gas Mask
Other garments or equipment designed to protect the person body’s from injury or infection.
Inspect Your PPE before each use. Always complete a thorough inspection to ensure that all PPE in use are in good condition. If you inspect any PPE that is damaged or defective in any way – disregard it and it replaced immediately.
Training is required when you are introduced to any PPE for the first time. Workers should be trained in proper use, fit, and storage.
Your employer is responsible to provide you with the proper PPE and ensure that it maintained and in good condition. As well your employer must advise when to be used, how to identify when it requires repair or maintenance, and the consequences of not wearing it.
Stay Protected, Work Safe!
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