Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines

1.0 Introduction

Personal protective equipment (PPE) comprises a range of clothing and equipment which is worn by employees, students, contractors or visitors as appropriate to protect or shield their bodies from workplace hazards.

Section 19 of the Act states (in part):

1. An employer shall, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which his employees are not exposed to hazards and in particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an employer shall where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards at the workplace, provide his employees with, or otherwise provide for his employees to have, such adequate personal protective clothing and equipment as is practicable to protect them against those hazards, without any cost to the employees.

The Codes of Practice: First Aid Facilities and Services, Workplace Amenities and Facilities, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment 2002, provides guidance on the selection, provision and use of PPE. In addition it provides PPE requirements for specific hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 should also be used to provide guidance on PPE requirements.

In the Hierarchy of Controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administration and PPE), personal protective equipment is considered the least satisfactory method in the prevention of work-related injury or illness and is only to be used when other measures are not feasible or cannot be implemented immediately. PPE should also be used however, to supplement or augment other means of hazard control, to further minimise the risk of injury.

Issues affecting use of PPE include discomfort and inconvenience, and inappropriate or poorly-maintained equipment. It is therefore vital that problems caused by inadequate selection, fit and maintenance do not undermine the effectiveness of the PPE.

2.0 Types of PPE

PPE can be considered in the following categories, based on the type of protection afforded by the equipment:

2.1 Respiratory protection - eg disposable, cartridge, air line, half or full face
2.2 Eye protection – eg spectacles/goggles, shields, visors
2.3 Hearing Protection – eg ear muffs and plugs
2.4 Hand Protection – eg gloves and barrier creams
2.5 Foot protection – eg shoes/boots
2.6 Head Protection – eg helmets, caps, hoods, hats
2.7 Protection from falls - eg harness and fall arrest devices
2.8 Skin Protection – eg hats, sunburn cream, long sleeved clothes
2.9 Other personal protective equipment - eg protective clothing for cryogenic work or environments with high temperatures.

See Appendix 1 (or Code of Practice) for details on each type of PPE.

3.0 Responsibilities for PPE

Management must ensure that:

• the needs for PPE are assessed by a person who is competent to judge whether other methods of risk control can offer better protection of safety and health than the provision of PPE.
• professional advice is obtained, where necessary, to identify the most suitable types of PPE for the tasks to be carried out.
• training is provided to supervisors and employees to enable them to ensure the proper selection, fit, use, cleaning and maintenance of PPE.
• supervision and enforcement of the PPE policy is undertaken.
• evaluation of the effectiveness of the PPE program is carried out on a regular basis.
• suitable PPE is provided for visitors who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace. At UWA this includes students where appropriate. Equipment shall be properly cleaned before re-issue.
• all equipment shall comply with current relevant Australian Standards and should be stamped or labeled with an AS compliance marking. Existing PPE shall be re-assessed regularly to ensure compliance.

According to Regulation 3.35, employees:

(a) must use the protective clothing or equipment in a manner in which he or she has been properly instructed to use it;
(b) must not misuse or damage the clothing or equipment; and
(c) must, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of any -

(i) damage to;
(ii) malfunction of; or
(iii) need to clean or sterilize, the clothing or equipment, notify the person providing the clothing or equipment of the damage, malfunction or need to clean or sterilize the clothing or equipment.

4.0 Sources of More Detailed Information

• AS 1067.1 Sunglasses and fashion spectacles: Part 1 - Safety requirements
• AS 1067.2 Sunglasses and fashion spectacles: Part 2 - Performance requirements.
• AS/NZS 1269:1998 Occupational noise management
• AS/NZS 1270:1999 Acoustics - hearing protectors
• AS 1319: 1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment
• AS/NZS 1336: 1997 Recommended practices for occupational eye protection
• AS/NZS 1337: 1992 Eye protectors for industrial applications
• AS/NZS 1338 : 1992 Filters for eye protectors
• AS/NZS 1338.1: 1992 Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations
• AS/NZS 1338.2: 1992 Filters for protection against ultraviolet radiation
• AS/NZS 1338.3: 1992 Filters for protection against infra-red radiation
• AS 1558 Protective clothing for welders (inc. Amendment 1)
• AS/NZS 1715 : 1994 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1716: 1994 Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1800:1998 Occupational protective helmets - Selection, care and use
• AS.NZS 1801: 1997 Occupational protective helmets (inc. Amendment 1)
• AS/NZS 1891.1:1995 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices –

Part 1:Safety belts and harnesses

• AS/NZS 1891.3 : 1997 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices –

Part 3: Fall-arrest devices

• AS/NZS 1891.4 : 2000 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices –

Part 4 : Selection, use and maintenance

• AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational protective gloves - Part 1: Selection, use and maintenance.
• AS/NZS 2161.2:1998 Occupational protective gloves - Part 2: General requirements
• AS/NZS 2161.3:1998 Occupational protective gloves - Part 3 :Protection against mechanical risks
• AS/NZS 2161.4:1999 Occupational protective gloves - Part 4 :Protection against thermal risks (heat and fire)
• AS/NZS 2161.5:1998 Occupational protective gloves - Part 5 :Protection against cold
• AS/NZS 2161.7.1: 1998 Occupational protective gloves - Part 7.1 : Protection against cuts and stabs by hand knives – chainmail gloves and arm guards.
• AS/NZS 2210.1:1994 Occupational protective footwear – Part 1:Guide to selection, care and use.
• AS 2225 Insulating gloves for electrical purposes
• AS 2375 Guide to the selection, care and use of clothing for protection against heat and fire
• AS/NZS 2604:1998 Sunscreen products - Evaluation and classification
• AS 2865: 1995 Safe working in a confined space
• AS/NZS 4399:1996 Sun protective clothing - Evaluation and classification
• AS/NZS 4602:1999 High visibility safety garments

Appendix 1 – PPE Details

Personal Protection Equipment and Clothing - The Selection and Use

1. Head Protection

Guidance is available in AS/NZS 1800:1998 Occupational protective helmets - Selection, care and use and AS/NZS 1801:1997 Occupational protective helmets (incorporating Amendment 1)

Application

In general, a safety helmet must be worn where:

• there is a possibility that a person may be struck on the head by a falling object;
• a person may strike his/her head against a fixed object; or
• inadvertent head contact may be made with electrical hazards.

It should be noted that 'bump caps', commonly worn to protect against minimum sideways impact, do not provide protection against any of the hazards described above.

Accessories

A wide range of accessories can be fitted to helmets to make them more suitable for variable working conditions. Examples are as follows:

• A retaining strap worn either under the chin or at the nape of the neck.
• A bracket and cable clip for the attachment of a lamp.
• An eye shield, face shield or welding shield.
• A wide brim for additional shade in hot climates.
• Neck flaps for protection against weather, molten metal splash, hot substances, etc.
• A lining for cold conditions.
• Ear muffs.

Care should be taken to ensure that accessories and their attachment systems do not reduce the safety characteristics of the helmet nor adversely affect the balance or comfort of the helmet. Particular care should be given to the electrical resistance.

Selection

The following should be considered:

• Nature and location of the work.
• Extent of adjustment for comfort.
• Accessories must be compatible with the make of helmet used.
• Sweat bands.
• For general purpose use, selection of white helmets will provide better heat reflection and are easily seen in poor lighting conditions.

Unsafe Practices

The following practices are considered detrimental to the safe working life and performance of the helmet and shall be avoided.

• Storage or placement of helmets near any window, particularly the rear window of motor vehicles, through which excessive heat can be generated. Note: Helmets placed on the rear window ledge of motor vehicles may also become dangerous missiles in the event of an accident or when sudden braking occurs.
• Follow manufacturer's cleaning instructions; the helmet may be damaged and rendered ineffective by petroleum and petroleum products, cleaning agents, paints, adhesives etc., without the damage being visible to the user.
• Alteration, distortion or damage to the shell, eg. splits and cracks, or to the harness.
• The use of safety helmets for any other purpose than that for which they are designed, eg. as seats, liquid receptacles, wheel chocks.

Cleaning

It is recommended that safety helmets be cleaned regularly. In general, normal washing methods using warm water and soap are adequate. The use of solvents, very hot water, or harsh abrasives is not advisable.

Inspection and Maintenance

All safety helmet components and accessories should be visually inspected prior to use by the wearer, for signs of dents, cracks, penetration or other damage due to impact, rough treatment or unauthorised alterations which may reduce the degree of safety originally provided.

Helmets showing damage or deterioration to the shell should be immediately withdrawn from service and discarded (completely destroyed). Helmets with sound shells but with damaged or defective harness components should be withdrawn from service and the complete harness and cradle replaced.

Reissue of Safety Helmets

No safety helmet should be reissued unless the helmet has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. In general, when a helmet is being re-issued to a different person at least a new sweatband should be fitted.

Working Life

Excessive discolouration of the shell colour or weathering of the surface may indicate a loss of strength. Helmets which have been in service for longer than 3 years should be thoroughly inspected and replaced as necessary.

Plastic components of harnesses may deteriorate more rapidly under aggressive service conditions and in these cases harnesses should be replaced at intervals not longer than 2 years.

Sun Hats

People who are required to work outdoors shall be provided with a hat which affords maximum protection from the sun. The hat chosen for this purpose will reflect the nature of the work, duration of exposure, and other PPE required e.g goggles, earmuffs etc. Sun hats shall provide a suitable brim, peak or neck flap as appropriate.

Wet Weather Hats

People who are required to work outdoors during periods of rainfall, shall be provided with a waterproof hat or hood which offers the maximum amount of protection practicable having regard to the nature of the work, duration of exposure and other PPE required e.g goggles, earmuffs etc.

2. Eye Protection

Guidance is available in :

• AS/NZS 1336:1997 Recommended practices for occupational eye protection
• AS/NZS 2211.1:1997 Laser Safety: Part 1 Equipment, classification, requirements and uses guide
• AS/NZS 2211.1:1997 Laser Safety: Part 2 Safety of optical fibre communication systems
• AS/NZS 4173: 1994 Guide for the safe use of lasers in health care
• AS/NZS 1337:1992 Eye protectors for industrial applications
• AS/NZS 1338 :1992 Filters for eye protectors
• AS/NZS 1338.1 :1992 Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations
• AS/NZS 1338.2 :1992 Filters for protection against ultraviolet radiation
• AS/NZS 1338.3 :1992 Filters for protection against infra-red radiation
• AS 1067.1 Sunglasses and fashion spectacles : Part 1 - Safety requirements
• AS 1067.2 Sunglasses and fashion spectacles : Part 2 - Performance requirements.

Application

Appropriate hazard specific eye protection shall be provided for all people where a risk of eye injury exists. Typical hazards might include: flying particles, dust, splashing substances, harmful gases, vapours, aerosols, and high intensity radiation from welding operations, lasers, transilluminators and strong heat sources.

Consideration must be given to the need for protecting persons who are working nearby or passing close to hazardous areas. It is essential that the maximum degree of eye protection is provided. Tables 4.1 and 4.2 of AS/NZS 1336:1997 provide guidance on selection of eye protection.

Selection

The following should be considered:

• Nature of risk to the eyes e.g radiation, impact, dust/abrasive particles, liquid/chemical splash or spray etc.
• Conditions under which the person is working .
• Visual requirements of the task .
• Personal preference/comfort of wearer. This may include appearance, weight, ventilation and unrestricted vision.
• Condition of person’s eyesight.

The following general eye protectors are available:

• Goggles - An eye protector fitting the contour of the face and held in position by an adjustable headband.
• Wide Vision Goggles - An eye protector in which the lens or lenses extend over the full width of the face affording a large field of vision.
• Welding Helmet - A rigid eye protector which is worn by the operator to shield the eyes, face, forehead and front of the neck.
• Welding Handshield - A rigid eye protector which is held in the hand to shield the eyes, face, forehead and front of the neck.
• Faceshield - A device which includes a transparent visor, supported in front of the face to shield the eyes.
• Safety Spectacles - An eye protector with protective lenses mounted in spectacle-type frames, or integrally moulded into the frames with or without side shields, and held in position by the side arms.
• Tinted Safety Spectacles/Goggles - These may be provided to employees who require eye protection and who are generally required to work outdoors.

Eye Protection against Ultraviolet and Infrared Radiation

Processes requiring moderate reduction of visible radiation and protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation:

• For gas welding and cutting, and resistance welding and brazing, suitable eye protection must be provided to guard against possible invisible radiation. Sufficient protection will usually be given by goggles fitted with filters of shade number 3 to 7 inclusive. (See AS/NZS 1338.1 :1992).

Processes requiring considerable reduction of visible radiation and protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation:

• In processes producing ultraviolet light but where infrared radiation is not a hazard, e.g photographic reproduction work or use of transilluminators, eye protectors with ultraviolet filters should be used in accordance with AS/NZS 1338.2 : 1992.
• For work near furnaces or other intense heat sources, where both heat and visible light are produced but ultraviolet light is not a hazard, eye protectors with infrared filters in accordance with AS/NZS 1338.3 :1992 should be used.
• For arc welding and cutting operations, protection must be provided against invisible radiation. Adequate face and eye protection in these cases can be obtained by the use of a helmet or hand shield fitted with filters having shade numbers 8 to 15 inclusive, as appropriate.

Eye Protection for Welders

Where a welder is likely to be exposed to stray radiation from similar nearby processes, it is essential that the person be protected while the helmet or handshield is not in use. This can be acheived by wearing either goggles or safety spectacles assembled with glass or plastic lenses of appropriate thickness and incorporating opaque sideshields. These eye protectors will also offer protection during the removal of slag after welding.

Any person who is required to remain in the vicinity of welding operations shall be protected against the possible harmful effects of ultraviolet and infrared radiation and, in addition, should be protected against excessive visible radiation. See AS/NZS 1338.1 :1992 Table A2.

Eye Protection for Persons Not Engaged in Welding Operations

Persons (other than welders and welders' assistants) whose duties require them to remain in the vicinity of arc welding operations or to pass through areas in which such operations are carried out should be protected against the possible dangerous effects of erythemal ultraviolet radiation. (See AS/NZS 1338).

Eye Protection Against Stray Radiation

Arc welding and similar operations should be carried out in screened enclosures. Where this is not possible, the use of mobile screens is recommended to shield other persons from stray radiation. Galvanised sheeting used for screening or other materials, which have relatively large reflective surfaces should be painted or treated with some form of light-absorbing substance.

Issue and Fitting of Eye Protection

Arrangements should be made for the issuing of personal eye protectors to ensure:

• Use of the correct type of eye protector; and
• That, wherever practicable, eye protectors are fitted to the wearer by a person who is competent to select the correct size and type.

Eye protectors may be issued in any of the following ways:

• For exclusive use by one employee/student.
• For temporary use by an employee/student for a particular operation.
• For temporary use by a visitor.

The choice between issue for exclusive use by one employee and temporary issue to different employees or students will depend on the frequency and duration of exposure to hazards and the type of eye protector provided.

Fogging and Perspiration

When necessary, suitable anti-fogging compound should be made available for use with eye protectors. Sweat bands may be necessary for extreme conditions. Anti-fog type goggles are readily available.

Maintenance and Re-Issue

Measures should be taken to ensure proper maintenance of eye protectors. These measures include the following:

• The provision of proper facilities for storage, cleaning, servicing, and replacement of eye protectors and lenses.
• A system to ensure that all personnel are familiar with the arrangements for cleaning, repairing and replacing damaged or faulty equipment, and for correcting or adjusting uncomfortable eye protectors.
• Inspection and cleaning of all eye protectors at regular intervals, after use, and before re-issue to another person.

The manufacturer's instructions for the cleaning of eye protectors should be adhered to, and in the absence of such instructions the following affords guidance: e.g wash the eye protector thoroughly with non-abrasive soap or detergent and warm water using a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Avoid the use of any substance likely to scratch the surface of the lenses. Suitable tissues in wall-mounted dispensers for the work situation should be available for lens cleaning.

Replacement

Eye protectors and lenses should be replaced when usage, accidental damage or age has resulted in deterioration of the properties of the eye protectors to a stage where continued use could itself by hazardous, or where the eye protectors no longer comply with the relevant standard. In particular, lenses which have been scratched, abraded, pitted or otherwise damaged should be replaced because the protection afforded by them may be reduced and vision impaired.

3. Hearing Protection

• Guidance is available in AS/NZS1269 :1998 Occupational noise management

And AS/NZS 1270:1999 Acoustics - hearing protectors

Application

It is a statutory obligation for an employer to provide personal hearing protection

as necessary for any person working in or near a noisy environment. The need for hearing protection shall be assessed by implementing noise surveys in potential noise hazard areas. Noise surveys can be arranged by the Safety and Health.

Types of Hearing Protection

The following hearing protection devices are commonly available.

• Disposable Hearing Protection Device - A hearing protection device formed by packing a suitable material into or around the ear canal. Disposable hearing protection devices are discarded after a single wearing.
• Earplug- A hearing protection device, other than disposable hearing protection devices, that is inserted into the ear canal.
• Ear Canal Cap- A hearing protection device that covers the ear canal entrance and is held in place by a headband.
• Earmuff- A hearing protection device that covers the entire ear and is held in place by a suspension system.
• Helmet- A hearing protection device that covers the ears and an appreciable part of the head.
• Suspension System- A device that holds the hearing protection device in proper position on the wearer's head. A suspension system may be a headband, a neckband or a safety helmet.

Selection

The following factors must be considered:

• The device must attenuate noise to a level not greater than 85 dB(A).
• Weight.
• For earmuffs, and ear canal caps, the clamping force.
• Suitability for use with other personal protection equipment such as helmets, goggles etc.
• Acceptability to the wearer.

Marking

The following information shall be marked on every hearing protection device, except earplugs for which the information shall be on their storage container or on a nameplate securely attached thereto:

• The name or registered tradename or mark of the manufacturer.
• Product identification or catalogue number.
• Directions to indicate how the hearing protection device has to be worn if it cannot be worn symmetrically, e.g. 'top', 'front'.

No hearing protection device shall be used unless it complies with current relevant Australian Standards and carries the AS compliance mark.

4. Respiratory Protection

• Guidance is available in AS/NZS 1715 : 1994 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices and AS/NZS 1716:1994 Respiratory protective devices

Application

• The University shall take all practicable measures to ensure that no employee is exposed to an atmosphere that is or may be injurious to health.
• The University shall also ensure that no person at the workplace is exposed to an atmospheric contaminant at concentrations in excess of exposure standards or an un-breatheable atmosphere as outlined in Division 3 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.
• In complying with this requirement, the University shall, as far as practicable, avoid the presence of the contaminant concerned or control the level of the contaminant using:
  • a ventilation or exhaust system that effectively extracts the contaminant or, if impractical;
  • other suitable means.

Where it is not possible to so remove the contaminant the University shall provide suitable respiratory protective equipment in accordance with Section 6 of AS/NZS 1715 :1994.

Classification of Hazards

• Deficiency of oxygen;
• Particulate contaminants;
• Gaseous or vapour contaminants.

Types of Protective Devices

There are 2 main types:

• Air purifying devices;
• Devices which supply air.

Air Purifying Devices

NOTE: These can not be used in oxygen depleted atmospheres.

Air purifying devices fall into major categories as follows:

• Dust masks – used for protection against nuisance dusts such as sawdust, chalk, plant related and sanding dusts. These are generally not suitable for toxic substances.

• Gas filters - filter fitted into a half face mask, full face mask or hood, suitable for removing low concentrates of certain gases and vapours.

• Particulate Filters - These are used to remove finely divided solid or liquid particles from the inhaled air. Particulate filters have a prefix 'P' and a number indicating a class corresponding to filtration efficiency against a laboratory challenge aerosol of sodium chloride. P1, P2 and P3 filters roughly correspond to the former L, M and H cartridges.

• CLASS (P1) Intended for use against mechanically generated particulates, (e.g silica, asbestos).
• CLASS (P2) Intended for use against both mechanically and thermally generated particulates, (e.g metal fumes).
• CLASS (P3) Intended for use against all particulates including highly toxic materials, (e.g beryllium). Class P3 requires a full face mask.

• Combined gas and particulate filters Filter combinations are used where both hazard types may exist.

Devices which Supply Air

These include airline respirators and self contained breathing apparatus. Use of this equipment requires detailed training. Example of use areas may be spray booths, PC4 biohazard labs and sandblasting. Further details are available from the Safety and Health.

Selection

If in doubt contact the Safety and Health.

Factors which influence selection include:

• Adequacy of warning available.
• Type of hazard.
• Concentration of contaminant.
• Acuteness of hazard i.e. effect of short exposure.
• Time spent in contaminated atmosphere.
• Nature of the working environment.
• Activity of the wearer.
• Mobility of the wearer.
• Whether for routine or emergency use.

Fitting

Achieving a good facial seal is essential. Facial hair such as beards and sideburns prevent a close fit and spectacles or even facial irregularity may also present problems. Tests involving detection of odour and gross leakage should be carried out as described in AS/NZS 1715:1994.

Instruction

Training in the correct use of equipment is required by law.

Instruction shall include:

• How to recognise the need to wear the device.
• Importance of conscientiously wearing the device.
• How the device works.
• Application and limitations of the device.
• How to determine if it is working properly.
• The time for which the device will give protection.
• Procedure for dealing with an emergency when the device is being worn.
• Importance of not removing the device until it is safe to do so.
• Importance of taking care of the device, cleaning, maintenance, storage etc.

Maintenance

The Head of School/Section/Unit shall ensure that all respiratory protective devices are regularly checked, properly stored and maintained, cleaned and replaced (both mask and cartridges as appropriate) according to applicable standards and manufacturers advice. Appropriate supervision shall be exercised to ensure that equipment is used in accordance with instructions.

5. Skin Protection

Solar Radiation

Employees who are required to work outdoors and are exposed to the sun's rays should :