WHAT IS Personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses and possible death. These injuries, illnesses and possible death may result from contact with chemical, physical, radiological, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, earplugs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, fall protection, and so on.
THE IMPORTANCE OF Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) IN A WORK PLACE
There are lots of risks involved when working in certain industries, such as manufacturing or construction, and Personal protective equipment (PPE) are used to reduce those risks which is why they are very important in a work place. This is why so much time and effort is spent on training, equipping, and re-educating new and current employees. Below are the different types of Personal protective equipment;
THE IMPORTANCE OF Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) IN A WORK PLACE
In general, employers are responsible for:
- • Performing a “hazard assessment” of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards.
- • Identifying and providing appropriate Personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees.
- • Training employees in the use and care of the Personal protective equipment (PPE).
- • Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or damaged Personal protective equipment (PPE).
- • Periodically reviewing, updating and evaluating the effective-ness of the PPE program.
In general, employees should:
- • Properly wear Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- • Attend training sessions on Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- • Care for, clean and maintain Personal protective equipment (PPE), and
- • Inform a supervisor of the need to repair or replace Personal protective equipment (PPE).
