TRAINING IS KEY
Paul Mcmullan, Training Manager at ABA Technical, discusses the importance of PPE and the necessary associated training.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often mistakenly seen as a first resort to protect workers, but in fact it should be the last resort. You ask why? Well this is because no protective equipment can be guaranteed to be effective 100% of the time, as workers may fail to wear it or even wear it in an incorrect manner.
In light of this, prior to handing out PPE, it is important for employers to consider the types of training required to help staff understand what PPE to use and when.
In all hazardous areas where PPE is needed, it is important to remember that risk assessments and safe systems of work are necessary. Often one is dependent on the other. Choosing the right type of PPE can be a tough task for many, as it needs to be well thought through, and the hazards involved in the task or the work environment should be managed as well.
There are many factors to consider when assessing the suitability of PPE, including if the PPE is appropriate for the risk involved, as well as considering the place where exposure may occur. Employers also need to consider if the PPE prevents, or adequately controls, the risks involved without increasing the overall risk.
Other issues to consider are if the PPE needs to be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly and does the wearers state of health affect the
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functionality of the piece. Also before purchase employers need to consider if the equipment places any demands on the wearer, how long it needs to be worn and think of the requirements for visibility and communication.
If more than one item of PPE is being worn, it needs to be confirmed that both items are compatible.
Where PPE is needed, employees must firstly be provided with adequate information, instruction and/or training on how to use them appropriately. The extent of this will vary with the complexity and performance of the kit required for use. For example, a full Breathing Apparatus kit will require more training to use properly than a disposable face-mask would.
The information and instruction provided should cover the following points:
• The risks that are present and why the PPE is needed to deal with these.
• The operation, performance and limitations of the equipment.
• How to use the equipment correctly and how it is best to store it (including how to put it on, how to adjust and remove it).
• Any testing requirements before use.
• Any user maintenance that needs to be carried out.
• Factors that can affect the performance of the equipment — such as working conditions, personal
factors, defects and damage.
• How to recognise defects in PPE, and arrangements for reporting them.
• Where to obtain replacement PPE equipment from.
In addition to initial training, refresher training may be required from time to time by the company providing the PPE. Supervisor checks on the use of it may help determine when refresher training is required.
PPE is as important as, or in fact greater than actually ensuring employees wear it. Without adequate knowledge of the PPE being used there is a risk of employees using it incorrectly and placing themselves in serious danger.
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The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations place duties on employees to take reasonable steps to ensure that PPE provided is properly used. The regulations place the following duties on employees:
• PPE must be worn and used in accordance with the instructions provided to them.
• PPE must be examined before use.
• Any loss or obvious defect must be immediately reported to their supervisor.
• Employees must take reasonable care for any PPE provided to them.
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