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Personal Protective Equipment BBPPE00-0113CEN

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 3 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING................................................................................... 4

Objectives............................................................................................................ 4 Clothing Material.................................................................................................. 4 Safety Concerns.................................................................................................... 4 Aprons................................................................................................................. 4 Welding Jackets.................................................................................................... 4 Chemical Suits...................................................................................................... 5 Gloves.................................................................................................................. 5 Gloves for Specific Hazards............................................................................. 5 Inspection and Testing.................................................................................... 6 Footwear.............................................................................................................. 6 Challenge Questions............................................................................................. 6

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT................................................................................ 7

Objectives............................................................................................................ 7 Hard Hat............................................................................................................... 7 Other Head Protection.......................................................................................... 7 Eye Protection...................................................................................................... 7 Safety Glasses................................................................................................ 8 Safety Goggles............................................................................................... 8 Face Shield..................................................................................................... 8 Inspection...................................................................................................... 8 Hearing Protection................................................................................................ 8 Earplugs......................................................................................................... 9 Earmuffs......................................................................................................... 9 Noise Reduction Rating................................................................................... 9 Challenge Questions........................................................................................... 10

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.......................................................................... 11 Objective............................................................................................................ 11 Breathing Hazards.............................................................................................. 11 Respirators......................................................................................................... 11 Air Purifying Respirators..................................................................................... 11 Styles........................................................................................................... 11 Disposable Filter Masks................................................................................ 12 Cartridge Respirators and Canister Respirators............................................... 12 Gas Masks.................................................................................................... 12 Replacement................................................................................................. 13 Air Supplied Respirators..................................................................................... 13 Air Line Respirators....................................................................................... 13 SCBA............................................................................................................ 13 Portable Escape Respirators.......................................................................... 13 Challenge Questions........................................................................................... 14

FALL PROTECTION........................................................................................ 15 Objective............................................................................................................ 15 General Considerations....................................................................................... 15 Types of Protection............................................................................................. 15 Requirements..................................................................................................... 15 Inspection.......................................................................................................... 15 Wearing Fall Protection....................................................................................... 16 Tying Off Fall Protection Equipment...................................................................... 16 Challenge Questions........................................................................................... 16

ANSWERS TO CHALLENGE QUESTIONS.......................................................... 17 GLOSSARY................................................................................................... 18

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

INTRODUCTION Various types of protective clothing protect workers from many job-related hazards, and protective equipment protects a worker’s head, hands, and feet. In certain situations, a worker may also need equipment that provides respiratory protection and fall protection. This course examines the types of clothing and equipment that can protect you from hazards associated with your job. It is divided into four topics. Topic one, Protective Clothing, describes basic clothing, gloves, and work shoes that provide protection from job-related hazards. Topic two, Protective Equipment, describes head protection and equipment used to protect eyesight and hearing. Topic three, Respiratory Protection, describes equipment used for respiratory protection. Topic four, Fall Protection, describes typical equipment used for fall protection.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Personal protective clothing is what you wear to protect yourself from injury. This topic describes basic clothing, gloves, and works shoes that can be worn to protect against job-related hazards.

Objectives • Describe basic clothing that can be worn to protect against job-related hazards. • Describe types of gloves worn to protect the hands from job-related hazards. • Describe types of work shoes worn to protect the feet from job-related hazards.

Clothing Material The clothing that a worker wears should always be appropriate for the job that is being done. For example, work clothes made of fire-retardant material should be worn whenever this type of clothing is required. Industrial workers should wear shirts and pants made of cotton or some other natural material. When natural fibers burn, they fall away from the body, instead of sticking to the skin like some man-made materials.

Safety Concerns How clothes are worn is also important for worker safety. Dressing right for a job is not just a matter of being neat; it save lives. For example, a long-sleeved shirt can protect the wearer from minor scrapes and burns. When long sleeves are worn, it is important to keep the cuffs buttoned and to make sure that the material is not frayed. Moreover, shirts should always be tucked in. If you work around moving machinery of any kind, you could get a loose cuff or a shirttail caught, pulling you into the works.

Aprons For some jobs, workers may be required to wear further protection, such as an apron. For example, a chemical-resistant apron protects the wearer from liquid that could splash and burn clothes or skin.

Figure 1. Chemical-Resistant Apron

Welding Jackets A long-sleeved welding jacket is another example of protective clothing. The jacket protects the wearer’s arms and upper body from being burned.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

Chemical Suits For even more protection, a worker may have to wear protective clothing such as a chemical suit. There are different types of protective suits, but they are all made of materials that resist damage and prevent chemicals from soaking or burning through to the skin. Protective suits are more effective against some hazards than others. Therefore, it is important to follow company or manufacturer recommendations for matching the protective suit to the hazards.

Figure 2. Vapor-Tight Chemical Suit

For instance, in situations that require protection from both splashing and gas, a vapor-tight chemical suit must be worn. This type of suit requires a pressurized source of breathing air.

Gloves For many jobs, workers need to protect their hands. You should wear the kind of glove that is best suited to the job that you are performing. For example, an operator might wear cotton gloves to protect his or her hands from minor scrapes, scratches, or blisters. Leather gloves are more durable than cotton ones and are generally used for heavier jobs. Gloves for Specific Hazards Other gloves are designed for specific hazards. For example, temperature-resistant gloves are used for jobs that involve handling extremely hot or extremely cold materials. Cut-resistant gloves can be worn to protect the hands from cuts and abrasions. Some cut-resistant gloves are covered with a rubber coating that makes them slip resistant, too.

Figure 3. Cut-Resistant Gloves

To ensure that you use the right gloves when you are going to work around unfamiliar chemicals, check the safety data sheet (SDS) for that chemical. The SDS will list the chemical’s hazards and the protection that is needed. Chemical-resistant gloves are worn when acids and other chemicals are handled. There are also special rubber insulated gloves used when work is done on live circuits.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

Inspection and Testing Gloves should be inspected before each use. Gloves that become worn, torn, or soaked with oil or chemicals should be disposed of properly, and new ones should be used. Gloves used for electrical work should be also tested and certified regularly to ensure they will protect the worker from electrical hazards.

Footwear Many of the injuries people get on the job involve their feet. That is why you may be required to wear company-approved footwear. There are several types of work shoes. Most of them have non-skid soles to help prevent you from slipping on wet or oily floor surfaces. Some work shoes have steel toes and steel soles. The steel sole prevents nails and other sharp objects from puncturing the wearer’s feet, and the steel toe protects the wearer’s toes from falling objects. It is important to inspect your work shoes before you put them on. Replace them when the sole tread becomes worn, when there are holes in the upper part, or if they become soaked in oil.

Challenge Questions 1. From what kind of materials should clothing worn by industrial workers be made? a. Polyester blends b. Oil-based fibers c. Natural fibers d. Nylon 2. Which type of gloves should be worn when acids are handled? a. Cut-resistant gloves b. Chemical-resistant gloves c. Temperature-resistant gloves d. Rubber-insulated gloves Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT This topic describes a typical hard hat and other head protection used to protect the head from job-related hazards. It also describes the different types of equipment commonly used to protect eyesight and hearing.

Objectives • Describe a typical hard hat and other head protection used to protect the head from job-related hazards. • Describe types and uses of protective equipment commonly used to protect eyesight and hearing.

Hard Hat Before you can enter many work areas, you may be required to wear a hard hat. If something strikes the hard hat, the impact will be absorbed by the shell instead of your skull. The webbing inside the hard hat maintains a space between the shell and your head to help cushion your head from any blows to the hard hat.

Figure 4. Hard Hat

The headband lets you adjust the fit so that the hat fits comfortably and the webbing is properly positioned. At one time, hard hats were made of metal. However, most hard hats are now made of impact-resistant plastic or ANSI-approved aluminum. You should inspect your hard hat before use. If there are any cracks or dents in the shell or if any of the webbing is worn or torn, get a new hard hat.

Other Head Protection Not all occupational hazards require the use of a hard hat. Other head protection can be worn to prevent hair or skin particles from contaminating clean rooms or food processing industries. There are also special-application caps available that can protect you against heat, sparks, flame, liquid, dust, and even biohazards.

Eye Protection Besides protecting your head, it is also important to protect your eyes. Eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles should be worn in accordance with your company’s procedures.

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Personal Protective Equipment Safety Glasses Regular safety glasses will protect you from objects coming at you from the front, and the required side shields give protection from the sides. The lenses and frames of safety glasses and other protective face gear must meet rigid safety standards. For instance, codes on safety glasses may show that the glasses meet safety standards, such as strength and impact resistance, set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

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Figure 5. Safety Glasses

Figure 6. Safety Goggles

Safety Goggles In many work areas, safety goggles must be worn for additional eye protection. Goggles are designed for specific limited applications. For example, some type of goggles are better at protecting against dust and fumes, while other types of goggles are better suited to protect you from splashes or flying particles. Most goggles can be adjusted for a good fit. They should fit snugly against the face. Face Shield Some jobs require that a face shield be worn along with goggles or safety glasses to protect all of the face. A face shield will protect your eyes and the rest of your face from flying particles. Inspection Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields must be inspected before use and always handled with care. If they become scratched or damaged, they should be replaced. Lenses should be cleaned regularly with lens tissues or a soft cloth.

Hearing Protection Another one of your senses that you may need to protect is your hearing. Protecting your hearing requires particular attention because your ears may not always give a warning when they are being damaged. Continuous exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss even when the noise is not loud enough to cause pain. In addition to continuous exposure to loud, steady noises over a period of time, some sounds can cause discomfort and hearing loss when you are exposed to them for even a short period of time.

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Personal Protective Equipment Earplugs Ear plugs are one form of hearing protection used to filter out noise. Foam-type ear plugs are commonly used. To use a foam-type ear plug, first ensure your fingers are clean, and then roll and compress the ear plug. Next, reach one hand around the back of your head and pull up on the outer ear to straighten the ear canal. Then, gently insert the plug with your other hand and wait for the foam to expand, forming an airtight fit. Repeat the steps to plug the other ear.

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Figure 7. Foam Earplugs

Figure 8. Pre-molded Earplug

Another type of ear plug is a pre-molded ear plug. This type of ear plug is pre-shaped to fit the ear. Pre-molded ear plugs are reusable. However, they should be routinely inspected and cleaned with soapy water. Pre-molded ear plugs that have become hard, torn, or deformed should not be used. Earmuffs Earmuffs are another form of hearing protection. When you wear earmuffs, make sure that the cushions fit snugly around your ears. You can keep earmuffs clean by wiping the cushions with a damp cloth. If the cushions get stiff, worn, or cut, they should be replaced.

Figure 9. Earmuffs

In extreme cases, both ear plugs and earmuffs may be required. Noise Reduction Rating The type of hearing protection you need to use depends on the noise level and the rating of the hearing protection. Hearing protection devices are tested and given a noise reduction rating. The higher the number, the greater the protection provided.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

Challenge Questions 1. Which statement is TRUE about the use of safety goggles? a. All safety goggles are designed for use in any application. b. Safety goggles should fit snugly against the face. c. Safety goggles should have a relaxed fit against the face so that they can be removed quickly. 2. Which statement is TRUE about potential hearing loss and ear protection? a. Your ears will always give a warning when they are being damaged. b. Only continuous exposure to loud, steady noises over a period of time can cause discomfort and hearing loss. c. Some sounds can cause discomfort and hearing loss when you are exposed to them for a short period of time. Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION This topic describes equipment used for respiratory protection.

Objective • Describe equipment used for respiratory protection.

Breathing Hazards All of the hazards on a job cannot necessarily be seen. For example, one type that cannot be seen is a lack of oxygen. Other breathing hazards are toxic gases or unsafe concentrations of airborne contaminants in the form of vapors, gases, dusts, mists, or very small particles of solid or liquid matter called particulates.

Respirators To protect yourself from breathing hazards, there are different types of protective devices called respirators that you can use. The specific respirator that you should use depends on factors such as the nature of the hazard, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, the presence of toxic vapors or gases, and the concentration, or amount, of a particulate in the air. The two basic types of respirators are air purifying respirators and air supplied respirators.

Air Purifying Respirators An air purifying respirator can be defined as a mask that either filters out particulates or chemically adsorbs relatively small amounts of toxic vapors or gases. An air purifying respirator does not, however, provide protection against oxygen deficiency (that is, atmospheres that contain less than 19.5 percent oxygen). Air purifying respirators are also not suitable for conditions that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). Styles Air purifying respirators come in a variety of styles. Some are disposable, while others require regular maintenance and cleaning. Three common styles of air purifying respirators are disposable filter masks, chemical cartridge or filter respirators, and canister respirators, which are commonly referred to as gas masks. Each style has an approval rating that is issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The approval rating indicates the type of atmospheric hazard for which a respirator can provide suitable protection.

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Personal Protective Equipment Disposable Filter Masks One example of a disposable filter mask is a paper filter mask respirator. A paper mask has very small, microscopic pores that admit air while removing particulates.

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Figure 10. Disposable Filter Masks

Some disposable filter masks are available with an exhalation valve through which air can leave the face mask. This type of respirator is relatively inexpensive, requires no care, and is disposable. Cartridge Respirators and Canister Respirators Another type of air purifying respirator uses replaceable chemical cartridges, filters, or canisters to remove contaminants from incoming air. One of the basic parts of these respirators is a face mask, or facepiece. This may be a full face mask that covers the entire face or a half face mask that covers only the mouth and nose. Figure 11. Full Mask and Half Mask

Cartridge-style respirators can be used to remove contaminants such as low concentrations of organic gases, pesticides, and some paint vapors. Different types of cartridges and canisters are each designed to remove a different specific contaminant, or range of contaminants, such as organic vapors or acid gases. For this reason, it is important to use the appropriate type for the type of hazard in a work area. Gas Masks Canister-style respirators, often called Figure 12. Gas Mask gas masks, usually have full face masks. In addition to particulates, gas masks can provide respiratory protection against acid gases, organic vapors, or a combination of these two contaminants. Many gas masks are equipped with all-purpose canisters that protect against many different types of particulate and toxic hazards for a limited period of time. Gas masks are often used as a means of escape from contaminated areas in emergency situations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

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Replacement After a certain amount of use, cartridges, filters, and canisters become ineffective and must be replaced. It is important to follow company procedures and the manufacturer’s recommendations on their replacement.

Air Supplied Respirators An air supplied respirator supplies the user with breathable air from a clean air source, such as a compressed air cylinder. Air supplied respirators provide protection from particulates, high and low concentrations of gases and vapors, and, in some cases, oxygen-deficient atmospheres. The supply of breathing air used by air supplied respirators may be contained in portable tanks connected by a hose to a face mask, or it may be supplied from a stationary source such as cylinders of safe breathing air. Air supplied respirators can be classified according to the type of air flow that is provided. Air flow can be demand, pressure demand, or continuous flow. A demand, or negative pressure, respirator provides air only when the user inhales. A pressure demand respirator uses positive pressure. It supplies air when the user inhales but maintains a positive pressure inside the face mask during both inhalation and exhalation. A continuous flow respirator supplies breathable air to the user continuously, rather than only on demand. Three common types of air supplied respirators are air line respirators, self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), and portable escape respirators. Air Line Respirators An air line respirator supplies breathable air to the user through a hose that connects the respirator’s face mask to a grade D air supply.

Figure 13. Air Line Hose and Tank

SCBA An SCBA supplies breathable air to a full face mask through a breathing tube that is connected to a compressed air cylinder that is mounted on the user’s body with a harness and backframe assembly. Portable Escape Respirators A portable escape respirator provides about 5–10 minutes of breathing air, which enables the user to escape an area when abnormal conditions cause an oxygen-deficient or IDLH environment.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

Challenge Questions 1. Which of the following is NOT a factor that needs to be considered when selecting a respirator for a given job? a. The amount of oxygen in the atmosphere b. The presence of toxic vapors or gases c. The concentration (amount) of a particulate in the air d. The respirator’s manufacturer 2. Which respirator provides only about 5–10 minutes of breathing air? a. Air line respirator b. SCBA c. Portable escape respirator Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

FALL PROTECTION This topic describes typical equipment used for fall protection.

Objective • Describe typical equipment used for fall protection.

General Considerations Various devices, including a body harness and a safety line, or lanyard, are used to protect workers from falls. All fall protection equipment should be properly inspected prior to use, used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and attached only to approved structures.

Types of Protection When you are working at elevated heights from which you might fall, you must wear some kind of fall protection system. A variety of fall protection systems are available for use under different conditions.

Figure 14. Full Body Harness

One type of fall protection system consists of a safety harness that consists of shoulder and chest straps and leg straps. It also has a D-ring, which is used to attach a lanyard. The other end of the lanyard is attached to a strong anchor point located above the work area.

Requirements Fall protection equipment should be worn when required by company policy. For example, fall protection may be required for working near a large opening in a floor, working near a deep hole, or working over protruding rebar.

Inspection Fall protection equipment should be inspected before each use. For example, the harness should be checked for cuts, damaged fibers, frayed edges, and broken stitches. The buckles and the D-ring should be checked to ensure that they are not bent or deeply scratched, that they are not cracked or distorted, and that they do not have any breaks. The belt tongue should also be inspected for loose, distorted, or broken grommets. If any damage is found, the harness should be removed from service and turned in for testing or replaced in accordance with your company’s procedures.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

Wearing Fall Protection When a full body harness is put on, the straps of the harness should be positioned so that the forces of a fall are distributed throughout the body. This distribution of force decreases the worker’s chance of injury. Fall protection equipment must be worn exactly as required by procedures and the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to ensure that the straps are not twisted and that they are all properly buckled.

Tying Off Fall Protection Equipment A fall protection device is useless unless it has been tied off properly. For example, the attachment point should be able to support at least 5,000 pounds. In addition, a fall protection device should never be tied off to sharp angles or hot surfaces that could damage the lanyard.

Challenge Questions 1. Fall protection equipment should be inspected only once a year. a. True b. False 2. Fall protection equipment must be worn exactly as required by procedures and manufacturer’s instructions. a. True b. False Please refer to the end of the handbook for answers.

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Personal Protective Equipment

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ANSWERS TO CHALLENGE QUESTIONS Protective Clothing 1. c Clothing worn by industrial workers should be made from natural fibers. 2. b Chemical-resistant gloves are worn when acids and other chemicals are handled.

Protective Equipment 1. b Safety goggles are not designed for use in any application, and different safety goggles are designed for specific limited applications. And safety goggles should fit snugly against the face. 2. c Some sounds can cause discomfort and hearing loss when you are exposed to them for even a short period of time.

Respiratory Protection 1. d Factors that should be considered when selecting a respirator for a given job include the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, the presence of toxic vapors or gases, and the concentration, or amount, of a particulate in the air. 2. c A portable escape respirator provides about 5–10 minutes of breathing air, which enables the user to escape an area when abnormal conditions cause an oxygen-deficient or IDLH environment.

Fall Protection 1. b (False) Fall protection equipment should be inspected before each use. 2. a (True) Fall protection equipment must be worn exactly as required by procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.

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Personal Protective Equipment

BBPPE00-0113CEN

GLOSSARY This glossary contains terms pertinent to the study of personal protection equipment. The meanings of the terms are given in that context. Air purifying respirator – A mask that either filters out particulates or chemically adsorbs relatively small amounts of toxic vapors and gases. Air supplied respirators – A respirator that supplies users with breathable air from a clean air source, such as a compressed air cylinder. Earmuffs – Large, padded covers for the entire ear; used to provide protection from discomfort and hearing loss from noise. Earplugs – A form of hearing protection worn in the ear canal to filter out noise. Face shield – A piece of protective equipment that protects the entire face from flying particles and liquids. Goggles – Protective glasses set in a flexible frame that sits snugly against the face. IDLH – Conditions considered to be immediately dangerous to life or health. Protective clothing – Clothing worn to prevent injury. Protective suit – Protective clothing made of materials that resist damage and prevent chemicals from soaking or burning through to the wearer’s skin. Respirator – Any device designed to protect the user from airborne contamination or to supply the user with breathable air in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Safety data sheet (SDS) – A document containing information on the specific hazards of a chemical, its health effects and treatment, cleanup instructions, and other information. Safety glasses – Glasses, usually with side shields, that meet the minimum recognized standards for impact resistance.

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