HSE advice on personal protective equipment

Red V-Gard 500 Safety Helmet
From MSA
Vented with Fas-Trac Suspension

Business owners and managers should be aware of their responsibilities concerning the issuance of personal protective equipment.

As a business owner or manager, one has certain responsibilities towards staff safety and this includes knowing when to issue personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published advice on the use of PPE to protect workers from damage to the lungs, head, feet, eyes, skin and body and bosses would be wise to familiarise themselves with the document, which can be found here.

It states that the use of helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and harnesses should be as a last resort and are no substitute for the correct control measures and risk assessments being put in place.

If PPE is still required after implementing other controls, it must be provided free of charge and carefully selected to ensure it is adequate and that workers are fully trained in the proper use and maintenance of such equipment.

ChemPro Goggles
From MSA

Bosses should consider the dangers; who is exposed to them and the quantities and length of time involved.

The choice of products should also warrant careful reflection - the CE standard means they apply to the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002, but items should also be the correct fit for the user.

Multiple PPE items being used at once is only acceptable if they are compatible for such use and do not interfere with each other, while training is vital to ensure they are utilised properly.

Left/RIGHT FM Pro
Headband
From MSA

To ensure that you are fully protected and using PPE items which are compatible, check with the manufacturer of the items.

PPE is as important for jobs that only take a few minutes as it is for those involving exposure to danger over a longer period. Therefore, no exemptions should be made for quick fixes.

Maintenance and regular reviews of the suitability of equipment for the task are also advised in order to keep a high standard of safety in the workplace.

This is as true for hazmat suits as it is for respirators, eye protection equipment, safety gloves and any other form of PPE.

As a national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness, the HSE website contains a wealth of helpful information allowing businesses to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting workers and the general public.

Posted by Dawn Mitchell