When it comes to workplace safety and security, choosing the right PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is very essential. The usage of PPE has been mandated by law and therefore it becomes even more important to choose the right kind of PPE for different situations that provide the maximum level of protection to the employees.
PPE has been classified into some major types based on the area of the body where they provide protection:
- Face and Eye Protection
Wearing specifically designed eyewear can reduce the risk of injuries caused by exposure to chemical splashes, flying debris or laser radiation by a large extent. Similarly, face shields can further protect the worker’s entire face from these workplace vulnerabilities.
- General Safety Glasses
Providing the most basic and bare minimum level of eye protection, these safety glasses usually have side shields or a one-piece, singular lens that wraps around and covers the temple. They are not sufficient for protecting eyes from chemical splashes and it is recommended that they are used with solutions that do not harm the eyes if they splash.
- Laser Safety Glasses
These are selected on the basis of laser power and wavelength. The protective properties of laser safety glasses can be found printed on them.
- Chemical Splash Goggles
Whenever there is a possibility of getting a chemical splash or any other infectious substance in one’s eye, it is highly recommended that the person uses chemical splash goggles. They also work as impact goggles to keep flying debris from entering the eye.
- Face Shields
Usually worn in conjunction with general safety glasses and chemical Splash goggles, face shields are required when the person is dealing with chemical splashes that can potentially damage the skin on the face. In some cases equipment such as respirators or other respiratory protective equipment is also used.
- Hand Protection
When it comes to manufacturing and construction worksites the hands are part of the body that are the most susceptible to damage. The selection of the type of gloves depends majorly on the type of work that is being performed that is what the hands are being exposed to.
There are a variety of gloves that perform their own respective functions such as latex gloves vinyl gloves nitrile gloves chemical resistant gloves insulated gloves and wire mesh gloves. What is also noteworthy is that gloves get degraded as time passes. Hence, they must be replaced on a regular basis.
- Head Protection
Any safety program will be concerned with protecting their employees from were potentially dangerous head injury can occur due to falling or flying objects. Hard hats and helmets are the most common way to safeguard employees from injuries. they offer protection from impact, penetrative hazards, electrical shocks and burn hazards.
- Body Protection
PPE such as work vests, lab coats and work shirts such as Bisley work shirts are used to protect the body from getting in touch with dangerous and infectious substances at the worksite.
- Foot and Leg Protection
Foot and leg protection is used to protect employees from foot and leg injuries that can be caused due to falling objects, crushing or penetrating materials and the exposure to heat and corrosive, poisonous materials. Electrical hazards also cause injuries to the feet and legs of the person. Hence, proper protection must be offered to combat such cases. Examples of such PPE include
- leggings
- metatarsal guards
- toe guards
- combination foot and shin guards
- safety shoes and boots
- Ear Protection
Earplugs and earmuffs can provide a great level of protection against loud noises, which can possibly damage the eardrums of the employee in case PPE is not used.
Prevention is better than cure and it is always advisable for safety guidelines offered by your company. It is also the responsibility of the management to provide proper PPE to all its employees and training them on its usage and maintenance.
