Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to protect workers from hazards. It is important to understand how to properly maintain and use PPE in order to prevent injury or infection. You must also know the difference between different types of PPE.
Personal Protective Equipment includes gloves, goggles, safety harnesses, masks, and other protective equipment. These items are worn to protect workers from injuries and illness caused by chemicals, hazardous materials, heat, and other physical and emotional hazards. The type of PPE you need depends on the type of hazard you are working around.
The proper use of PPE is essential in health care environments. Infectious materials, such as bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents, enter the body through the skin or by inhalation. By using PPE, you can reduce the risk of exposure and the severity of the injury.
Personal Protective Equipment is a critical piece of safety equipment that must be cleaned, inspected, and maintained. Before using PPE, make sure it is in proper working order and free of chemical residue. Additionally, ensure the correct size is chosen and that it fits well.
PPE has been in use since ancient times, but the use of it in industrial settings didn’t become common until the mid-1800s. Until then, Personal Protective Equipment was only used in military or other public safety contexts. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established standards for Personal Protective Equipment, and these standards have been enforced for decades.
If your employer has a PPE program, be sure to check that it is up to standards. You must train employees on its proper use and maintenance. A management plan can help your organization develop a comprehensive PPE program. Moreover, your employees should be medically evaluated and fit for the equipment they wear.
OSHA requires that employees receive training on the proper use of PPE. When a new type of equipment is introduced, your employees must be retrained to ensure their understanding.
PPE will be classified into four general categories based on its degree of protection. They are eye, respiratory, hand, and body protection. Depending on the site and its characteristics, you may also want to consider other combinations of PPE.
Face shields, for example, are designed to prevent injuries by protecting mucous membranes from blood and flying particles. You can also opt for protective gloves, which will reduce the risk of cuts and burns. Besides, you can always use rubber gloves, which will help prevent electrical shock.
Masks, however, are an integral component of PPE. An air-purifying respirator is a NIOSH-approved full-face or half-mask. Besides, you can also get N95 filters for your face piece. Another alternative is the surgical mask, which stops the spread of germs.
Other types of PPE include safety boots, which have a steel toe and shank. Besides, you can wear a lab coat, which protects you from splashes of liquids. There are also ballistic vests, which will help you protect yourself from injury in case of accidents.