PERSONAL-PROTECTIVE-EQUIPMENTPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): 

Everything you need to know


1.What is PPE at work?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work refers to the gear that workers can wear to safeguard themselves against health or safety risks on the job.

This includes items like safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and safety harnesses.

PPE also encompasses respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to prevent the inhalation of harmful substances like dust, mist, gas, or fume.

Employers are responsible for providing the necessary PPE to their employees and ensuring it’s used properly. They must also maintain, store, and replace the PPE as needed. Workers need to use the PPE according to the training and instructions provided by their employers.

2.What are the 3 PPE categories?

PPE falls into three different categories, with specific rules for each:

  1. Category I: Minor risk (e.g. sunglasses, earplugs).
  2. Category II: Major risk (e.g. protective helmet, high-visibility clothing).
  3. Category III: Fatal risk (examples: breathing apparatus, fall arrest harness, etc.).

3.What’s the difference between PPE and EPC?

The difference between PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and EPC (Collective Protective Equipment) lies in their application and usage:

  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Protects an employee against various specific risks (shocks, cuts)
  • CPE (Collective Protection Equipment): Aims to limit or avoid exposure to a hazard by reducing its probability. It protects a group of people or improves the safety of the working environment.

Both PPE and EPC are essential for ensuring the safety and health of workers, but they serve different functions within a safety system. PPE is for individual protection, while EPC is for collective protection.

4.Who is in charge of PPE at a company?

In a company, the responsibility for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) typically falls on the employer. By law, employers are required to provide their employees with suitable PPE at no cost. This includes ensuring that the PPE is adequate for the tasks, training employees in its proper use, and maintaining the equipment in a sanitary and reliable condition

Employers are responsible for PPE management. He must anticipate risks, choose the appropriate PPE, train employees, and ensure follow-up. The occupational health department can also provide advice.

Essentially, the employer has a duty of care to protect employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury or illness, and providing PPE is a part of fulfilling that duty

5. What are the benefits of using PPE?

  • Prevents Injuries: PPE helps to protect against various workplace hazards that can cause injuries, such as chemical splashes, cuts, abrasions, electrical shocks, burns, and impact from falling objects
  • Reduces Exposure: It minimizes exposure to harmful substances and conditions, including excessive chemical exposure and infectious diseases
  • Safeguarding employee health: Protects against hazards (chemical, thermal, biological, etc.)

6. Why is PPE obligatory?

PPE is obligatory because it serves as a critical line of defense against workplace hazards, ensuring the health and safety of workers. Regulations like the EU’s Regulation (EU) 2016/425 mandate the design and manufacture of PPE to meet safety standards and protect users. Employers are required to provide PPE to employees and ensure its proper use to prevent injuries and illnesses, especially when other control measures are insufficient.

The use of PPE is also part of compliance with occupational safety and health legislation, which sets out the obligations for employers to safeguard their workers. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing suitable PPE, and training employees on its correct usage.

PPE is essential in various industries, from construction and mining to healthcare, to protect against occupational hazards and maintain a safe working environment.

7.What are the specific risks covered by PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to cover a wide range of specific risks in the workplace. These risks can vary depending on the industry and job function, but generally, PPE is used to protect against:

  • Physical Hazards: Such as impacts from falling objects, cuts, abrasions, and punctures from tools or materials, and exposure to extreme temperatures
  • Chemical Hazards: Including splashes, sprays, mists, or vapors of harmful chemicals that can cause burns or skin and lung damage
  • Biological Hazards: Protection against exposure to infectious agents like bacteria and viruses, which is particularly relevant in healthcare settings
  • Radiological Hazards: Shielding from ionizing radiation used in medical imaging or industries like nuclear power generation
  • Ergonomic and Mechanical Hazards: Minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries through supportive garments and anti-vibration gloves
  • Electrical Hazards: Insulating against electrical shocks and burns, especially for electricians and construction workers
  • Noise: Protecting hearing with earplugs or earmuffs in environments with high noise levels

Employers must assess the specific risks present in their workplace and select the appropriate PPE to protect their employees effectively. The goal is to minimize the risk of injury or illness from these hazards.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - MUSTANG

8.What kind of PPE?

  • Face and Eye Protection: Safety goggles and face shields protect against eye damage from flying particles, chemical splashes, and burns
  • Respiratory Protection: Includes full-face respirators, N95 respirators, and surgical masks to prevent inhalation of harmful materials
  • Head Protection: Hard hats and bump caps shield against head injuries from impacts and electrical hazards
  • Foot and Leg Protection: Safety shoes and boots, leggings, and foot guards protect against falling objects, slippery surfaces, and electrical risks
  • Hand and Arm Protection: Gloves and arm guards safeguard against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposures.
  • Hearing Protection: Earplugs and earmuffs are used in environments with high noise levels to protect hearing.
  • Chemical Protective Suits: These offer all-round protection against chemical splashes and vapors. Check that they comply with EN 14605 or EN 13982 standards.

9. How to choose the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for a specific risk?

  • Understanding the Risk : Before choosing PPE, identify the type of risk to which workers are exposed. Is it a chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical or other type of risk?
  • Nature of the chemical: If the risk is chemical, consider the nature of the product (liquid, gas, solid), its concentration, and the way of exposure (skin contact, inhalation, etc.).
  • Safety standards: Make sure the PPE you choose complies with European and international standards. For chemical hazards, standards such as EN 14605, EN 13982, EN 374, and EN 166 are important.

10. What are the common mistakes to be avoided when choosing PPE?

Here are the points to keep in mind to ensure safe and effective use of PPE:

  • Using Damaged or Expired PPE: Always inspect PPE for damage and check expiration dates before use.
  • Wearing PPE Incorrectly: Ensure that PPE is worn correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fits properly.
  • Choosing PPE Based on Comfort Over Safety: While comfort is important, safety should always be the priority
  • Inadequate Care or Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintaining PPE
  • Using PPE for the Wrong Hazard: Select PPE that is appropriate for the specific hazards present in the workplace
  • Failing to Perform Fit Testing: Especially for respirators, proper fit testing is crucial to ensure effectiveness
  • Not Using PPE Consistently: PPE should be used consistently and as required for the task at hand
  • Sharing or Borrowing PPE: This can lead to the spread of infectious diseases or exposure to hazardous substances

By avoiding these mistakes, employers and employees can ensure that the chosen PPE will provide the intended level of protection and maintain a safe working environment. Always consult with safety professionals if you’re unsure about the correct PPE for your needs.