How to Determine When PPE Is Required
PPE is an abbreviation for personal protective equipment--the clothing or equipment used in a number of occupations that involve tasks that could cause bodily injury. PPE is also used by homeowners when handling potentially dangerous home and lawn projects. PPE encompasses a wide variety of gear, such as steel-toed boots and safety glasses. Protective clothing, head protection, face protection, hearing protection, hand and foot protection, back protection, knee protection and respiratory protection are all forms of PPE.
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Things You'll Need
- Protective clothing
- Head protection
- Eye and face protection
- Hearing protection
- Hand and foot protection
- Back protection
- Knee protection
- Respiratory protection
Instructions
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Inspect your work area to determine if protective clothing is needed. Jeans, brightly colored shirts, gloves and steel-toe boots are some types of PPE that may be required on a work site. Wearing bright colors will allow you to be seen amid heavy machinery, while jeans and durable pants protect you from sharp objects and flying debris; steel-toe boots protect your toes from falling objects. Wearing gloves prevents splinters, cuts and contact with dangerous chemicals and materials.
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After arriving on the work site, determine if falling objects, such as overhead debris and materials, are a concern. This will require the use of head protection, such as a helmet, that is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) approved.
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If you are working with loud power tools and heavy machinery, wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or passive hearing protection (ear muffs), to protect delicate ear tissue.
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Wear correct eye protection, such as goggles or glasses, when dust, flying debris or sparks are present on the work site. OSHA-approved safety glasses and goggles are designed to be shatter-resistant.
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Use appropriate respiratory protection if fumes or dust are present in the work area. Hazardous materials include concrete, drywall and insulation dust and paint fumes.
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If you will be lifting heavy objects or bending over a lot while completing a task, wear back support, such as a brace or band to prevent injuries. Wearing knee pads will protect your knees, shins and joints during jobs that require you to kneel.
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