PPE Protection

© Sembcorp Industries 2011


But my PPE will protect me !


Are YOU Storing Dirty Gloves In

Your Hard Hat?

Infection?

The use of hard hats has undoubtedly saved

hundreds of lives in recent years. However, it

was recently reported that an employee of a

major contractor (not on Wilton site) developed

a severe skin infection on his head, called

cellulitis.

The most likely cause was storing dirty / soiled

gloves within the individual’s hard hat.


Although it may be a “convenient” storage area, your hard hat is not

designed for storage, and it must not be used to store and carry dirty

gloves.

Additionally, the sweat band on your helmet will need some periodic

cleaning.

Wipe plastic sweat bands with a clean damp cloth.

Wash foam sweat bands with mild soap, ensure they are thoroughly

rinsed, and then dry them before reattaching them to your helmet.


Other hazards posed by our PPE ……….

1. Don’t assume that just any PPE item will protect you – it needs to

be the right item (see the CE label) to protect you against the hazard

If in doubt you can check the information on the PPE Product Guide,

within Safety on the Intranet, or see the Manufacturers Information

on the packaging the item comes in.

2. Examine your PPE before use – if damage is evident, dispose of it

appropriately and obtain a new item

• Asbestos protective PPE should be bagged and disposed of in an

Asbestos skip as soon as it is removed

• Chemical protective PPE may need to be segregated from general

waste – check COSHH Data Sheets or with the Environmental

Manager

http://www.123rf.com/photo_2817633_safety-helmet-goggles-and-ear-defenders-isolated-on-white.html

http://www.123rf.com/photo_2817633_safety-helmet-goggles-and-ear-defenders-isolated-on-white.html


Helmet mounted Ear Muffs when

pushed up on the helmet – are in

danger of being deformed as well

as contaminated by anything that

drips or lands on the outside of

your helmet – and the parts

contaminated are the seals in

contact with your skin round your ears

Note the deformed seal, which

will develop a “memory”


Goggles If carried on your helmet –

are in danger of being contaminated

by anything that drips or lands on the

outside of your helmet – and in use

the part contaminated will be the face

seal in contact with your skin round

your eyes.

Also if carried / stored on your helmet in this way,

both the strap and the face seal will lose their

elasticity, and you will not get a good fit and correct

protection from the item.


Face screens or goggles hanging near bench or pedestal

grinders, fixed drills etc ……….

– are in danger of being contaminated by abrasive dusts and

metal swarf

– anything that falls on or in the PPE will potentially contaminate

your skin or eyes during use


If contaminated - Rubber or Neoprene type gloves can often be

wiped clean on the outside

- but if cloth type gloves are impregnated or dirty inside, get rid of

them, and ask yourself ……

- “Are these the right ones for my task ?”

…………..before getting a new pair

Gloves –Work gloves are designed to protect the hands from

injury and contamination by preventing entrance to the body

through the skins surface.


Overalls get dirty, and need frequent and correct laundering –

this is supplied by SembCorp

Don’t carry oily rags in overall pockets – they have been linked

to skin and other cancers.


“Face Masks” – better described as

Filtering Face Pieces or ½ masks –

When left hanging up in workshops or

out on the job – any dust and debris

which falls on or in the PPE will

contaminate your lungs or skin if you

use the “Mask”.

Filtering Face Pieces and ½ mask

filters need replacing regularly if they

have been used.


People who use PPE regularly in dirty work areas or for dirty tasks

must frequently check it to make sure it remains fit for purpose.

The dirtier the task – the more frequent and thorough those check

need to be.

Finally – for PPE….

• Take the opportunity to inspect its condition

• Clean it or change it if required

• Ensure its appropriate for the intended use

PPE Protection

Business

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