Personal protective equipment (PPE) is always in the news lately because healthcare workers have to rely on it to protect themselves from COVID-19 and keep their patients from being infected and spreading the infection to others.
However, PPE has always been crucial in the construction industry, and training is a critical part of this. Employees have to learn how to use the equipment and to protect themselves.
According to the specific risks and equipment, this training should include:
What PPE is for: Employees shouldn’t see PPE only as manager-mandated accessories. Explain the specific function that each piece of equipment serves, together with the hazards it protects against.
When and how to wear PPE: It’s not enough to talk about using PPE. You need to demonstrate how to use each of the pieces in different situations. Then, allow workers to put it on to see how it should fit.
How to notice problems: To prevent workers from using improper PPE, ensure they inspect the equipment regularly. I.E. Helmets and Visors that have cracks need replacing.
Whether you perform training for groups or individuals, make sure both new and veteran workers are up-to-date on your equipment and policies.
Types of PPE
The common types of PPE in construction include:-
Protection for your face and eyes
Safety glasses or face shields are worn every time work operations can cause foreign items to get in the eye. For instance, these should be worn during grinding, welding, cutting, nailing, or when working with harmful chemicals or even concrete. Also, they should be used when exposed to electrical hazards, such as while working on energised electrical systems.
Protection for your skin and hands
Occupational skin diseases are as common as skin cancers, dermatitis, and other skin injuries. Infections are the second most common kind of occupational disease. Wearing gloves is crucial to protect the skin. Use gloves to avoid hazards involved with chemicals, sheet metal, glass, or electrical work.
Protection for your head
Workers should wear a hard hat to protect their heads wherever there is a danger from bumps or accidental contact with electrical hazards.
Protection for your feet
Construction workers should wear work shoes with puncture-resistant and slip-resistant soles. They should prevent crushed toes when working around falling objects or heavy equipment.
Protection for your hearing
Earplugs and Earmuffs are common hearing protection tools. Keep in mind that earmuffs are used for reducing high-frequency noise, while earplugs are effective in reducing low-frequency noise.
Protection for your body
Coveralls, aprons, splash suits, lab coats, jackets, vests, and full-body suits are some examples of body protection PPE. This PPE comes in a variety of different materials that are suitable for different types of occupational hazards.
Protection for your breathing
This kind of PPE protects workers from inhaling hazardous substances. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is usually divided into two types: breathing apparatuses and respirators. It's important to remember that RPE should be used only as a last line of defence after all other ways of preventing inhalation hazards have been exhausted.
In Conclusion
PPE is important in any industry, but in construction—with its many obvious hazards—it’s essential. Construction companies should ensure that their employees have the appropriate PPE, regularly inspect it, and insist on its use.
PPE Stores is run by a Health and Safety Consultancy with a wealth of knowledge and expertise on what PPE is suitable for what job. For advice, assistance and all your PPE needs, look no further than PPE Stores. Contact us on 0115 952 3096 or email sales@ppestores.com.