PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - 09.10.2006

Compatibility issues

A simple solution

The easy solution for managing a safety problem - provide your staff with personal protective equipment (PPE). Actually it isn’t an easy solution and to make matters worse, in a lot of cases PPE isn’t that effective. Don’t get us wrong; we’re not suggesting you stop your staff wearing hi-vis clothing and protective footwear etc. but there are times when too much PPE or the wrong type can actually increase the risks.

I can’t wear all of it?

If your safe systems of work require your staff to wear numerous items of PPE you need to ensure they can be worn together. There are a few examples when wearing certain items of PPE with others actually diminishes or even invalidates any protection. One example is wearing safety glasses and certain types of hearing protection together. The arms of the glasses actually stop the hearing protection achieving a seal, allowing noise to get to the ear. This only happens with the larger style ear protection which covers the whole ear. But it’s this style which provides the greatest protection and is used commonly in areas with higher noise levels.

Tip. Look at the risk assessment. If both items are stated as necessary, see if the PPE can be worn together. Look at the seal around the ear in particular. If the risk cannot be managed out another way (which is a common problem), your best bet is to contact a PPE manufacturer and ask them for advice. They should be able to offer you alternative products that can be worn together and offer the amount of protection you need. Glasses and masks

Safety glasses again, but this time with protective facemasks - the glasses steam up. But if there is a chance of fumes being inhaled as well as a splash risk to they eyes both need to be worn. In fact, they can, they just need to be worn properly. One of the most common problems is that when a facemask is put on it isn’t adjusted properly and a tight seal isn’t formed. This allows exhaled air to mist the glass lens.

Tip. One option is a closed facemask that covers the whole head. But a cheaper simpler solution is to train your staff in how to fit a mask properly. Some of the PPE manufacturers have DVDs that show how to wear a mask (see The next step). These can be purchased but if you’re buying in bulk, some will provide them for free.

Finding a solution

Some PPE manufacturers will actually send one of their experts to your site to help you solve your problem or even train your staff. You might have to put up with a bit of a sales pitch, but it’ll be worth it, as most of them do know what they’re talking about and can give you good advice.

Tip. Many will be keen to hand out free trial equipment, so if you do have a visit, try and get as much as you can. You can then mix and match equipment to get a good fit without having to buy.

The next step

For further information on PPE manufacturers and training DVDs visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk (HS 05.02.07).