Personal Protective Equipment

PURPOSE

Hazards exist in every workplace. It is our priority to eliminate and control hazards; however, if a hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled, and the work must continue, Personal Protective Equipment must be used. Personal Protective Equipment is designed to protect many parts of the body, including the eyes, face, head, hands, feet and ears. It does not reduce the hazard, but merely acts as a primary barrier between the hazard and the worker.

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
OHSA: Occupational Health and Safety Act

RESPONSIBILITIES

Role of Manager/Head Office

Senior management will prepare and implement the policy and ensure that PPE is available and maintained in good condition. Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment are present or are likely to be present. If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are found, employers must train appropriate individuals regarding the use of properly fitted personal protective equipment suitable for protection from existing hazards. OHSA s. 25 (1)(a)(b)(c)

Role of Supervisors

Supervisors shall ensure that the workers are trained in the use of the appropriate PPE, and that the required PPE is used or worn as prescribed. Periodic inspections for defective and/or damaged PPE will be conducted, and all damaged and defective PPE shall not be used and shall be replaced immediately. OHSA s. 25 (1)(c)(d)

Role of Workers

Employees must use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the employer requires be used or worn. Employees are also required to the employer or supervisor the absence of, or defect in any equipment or protective device of which the employee is aware, and which may endanger any employee. OHSA s. 28 (1)(b)(c)

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES

General

Care should be taken to ensure the PPE fits properly and is in good condition. Equipment should be checked regularly and damaged equipment should not be used. It should be identified and removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Protective Face and Eyewear

An individual exposed to eye injury shall wear eye protection appropriate to the circumstances. The types of eye and face protection include safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets and full hoods. Coverage from the front and sides is required any time there is a danger of something striking the eye.
In those cases where prescription safety glasses are required, they will be provided by the individual. Such glasses must meet all the requirements for safety glasses as specified by the CSA Standard for Eye and Face Protectors (CSA-Z94.3-92).
If contact lenses are worn, full coverage eye protection should be used.

Head Protection

Head protection is required when working where there is risk of injury from moving, falling, or flying objects or when working near high-voltage equipment. Hard hats are designed to protect from the impact and penetration caused by objects hitting the head or from limited electrical shock or burns.

Foot Protection

Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against a variety of injuries. Impact, compression and puncture are the most common types. Footwear should be chosen according to the hazard and should be properly rated. (Protective Footwear CSA -Z195-M92)

Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors reduce the amount of sound energy reaching the ears. Hearing protection is required for noise levels above 90 dBA. There are different types of hearing protection for different types of work. Ear plugs are inserted into the ear to block the ear canal. Ear muffs fit around the ear. Radio headsets may not be used as a substitute for hearing protection. (Hearing Protectors CSA - Z94.2-M1984)

Other

Shop coats protect clothing and prevent contact with hazardous materials or sparks/hot debris from industrial equipment that may melt, char or burn through clothing that contains polyester.