Personal protective equipment (PPE) safeguards workers against on-the-job hazards. As such, it is important to provide your workers with the right PPE to protect them against accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
The right PPE for a workplace varies depending on the business, its industry, and its workers’ responsibilities. If you analyze workplace safety, you can determine which PPE best suits your workforce.
Now, let’s examine eight types of PPE.
1. Head Protection
Head protection includes helmets, hard hats, and equipment that safeguards the head against falling materials or swinging or stationary objects. It is required for construction workers and others who perform building repairs or tunnel work. Additionally, workers who drive a motorcycle require head protection.
2. Hand Protection
Hand protection includes gloves, wrist cuff arm nets, and other equipment that minimizes the risk of hand, finger, and arm injuries. Employees who work in hot or cold settings, handle hazardous chemicals, or operate vibrating machines require hand protection. Along with these workers, employees who work in construction, perform outdoor work, or handle sharp or abrasive objects must wear hand protection.
3. Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection includes goggles, visors, and other equipment that helps workers guard against eye and face injuries. Welders, construction workers, and other employees who handle heavy machinery usually require eye and face protection. Furthermore, workers who use gas or vapor under pressure or lasers need eye and face PPE.
4. Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection includes full- or half-mask respirators, protective hoods, and other PPE that enable workers to breathe safely and comfortably. Workers who manage large amounts of vapors, gases, and powder require respiratory protection.
5. Hearing Protection
Hearing protection includes earplugs, noise meters, and other PPE that safeguard workers against excessive noise and loud sounds. This type of protection is crucial for employees who work in environments with high sound levels. It should also ensure that workers can protect their hearing without sacrificing their productivity or putting others in danger.
6. Body Protection
Body protection includes life jackets, harnesses, and other PPE that helps employees work safely outdoors or in high-traffic environments. PPE to protect the body is often required for employees who work in inclement weather conditions. Moreover, body protection is necessary for workers who require high visibility in mixed vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
7. Height and Access Protection
Height and access protection include body harnesses, fall-arrest systems, and other PPE that safeguard workers at heights. Height and access PPE must be inspected and tested periodically to ensure it remains safe for workers to use.
8. Foot Protection
Foot protection includes safety boots and other footwear that safeguards the legs and feet against injury. It is required for workers who handle heavy objects, perform construction activities, or are regularly exposed to foot and leg hazards.
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