The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) into the spotlight. From face masks on the street to visors in hospitals, PPE has become a familiar sight. But what exactly is PPE, and how does it keep people safe?
It plays a vital role in mitigating risks in the workplace, acting as a barrier between workers and potential hazards. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 561,000 non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in 2022/23. Employers need to invest in effective PPE to work towards reducing these numbers and prioritise worker safety.
Types of PPE
PPE comes in a wide variety designed to protect different parts of the body from specific hazards. Some common types include:
- Respiratory protection: This includes face masks, respirators, and full-face masks, safeguarding wearers from inhaling harmful dust, fumes, or airborne pathogens.
- Eye protection: Goggles, safety glasses, and visors shield eyes from flying debris, chemicals, and splashes.
- Head protection: Hard hats are essential for construction sites and other environments with falling object risks.
- Hearing protection: Earplugs and earmuffs minimize exposure to loud noises that can cause hearing damage.
- Hand protection: Gloves come in various materials to protect against cuts, chemicals, burns, and extreme temperatures. Site work boots with steel toe caps safeguard feet from falling objects and punctures.
- Fall protection: Harnesses, lanyards, and safety nets are crucial for working at heights to prevent falls.
Standards and Regulations
PPE is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different types of PPE adhere to specific safety standards to ensure effectiveness. The Michelle Mone PPE scandal during the pandemic highlighted the importance of supplying suitable PPE that is compliant with health and safety regulations.
Organisations like the HSE enforce regulations outlining employer responsibilities regarding PPE provision and worker training. These regulations ensure that businesses supply suitable PPE for the identified risks and that workers understand how to use and maintain it properly.
Proper Usage and Maintenace
The effectiveness of PPE hinges on proper usage and maintenance. It’s crucial to choose the right type of PPE for the specific hazard. For example, a basic surgical mask wouldn’t offer sufficient protection against hazardous chemicals.
It’s important that PPE fits correctly and is subjected to regular cleaning and maintenance as dirty or damaged PPE can compromise its effectiveness. Employers should have procedures in place for inspecting, cleaning and replacing PPE as needed.
Risk Assessment and Management
PPE should be used as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy. The hierarchy of control prioritises eliminating hazards at the source or implementing engineering controls to minimise risk. PPE serves as the final line of defence when other controls are insufficient.
A thorough risk assessment is essential for identifying potential hazards and determining the appropriate types of PPE required.