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Safety Update: Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment, most commonly referred to as PPE, is equipment used by workers to minimize the risk or effects of hazards that cannot be completely or adequately controlled. Obviously elimination, isolation and substitution at the source through engineering controls are the best control methods, however, in some cases, there is residual risk in existence. PPE is used as "a last resort" method in ensuring protection of the worker.

When it comes to the use of PPE there are varying levels of needs and use. So, how does one know and decide on what types of PPE is necessary for the tasks being done within their workplace? Before any decision is made in terms of the types of PPE required, it is important to have a strategy that is compliant with the law to protect all workers. The most important method of choosing the appropriate PPE as a control method is by first identifying and assessing the hazards. Minimum requirements for PPE can then be deciphered and deployed.

It is then very important to review the control measures frequently to ensure that PPE is still the best method of control. In other words, the protection provided would be drastically reduced if workers remove the PPE for even short periods of time. The loss of protection during the periods when the PPE is not worn may easily outweigh the protection when it is used.

Next week we will explore the laws regarding PPE use, maintenance, storage and training.

The Topic for March 6th: Personal Protective Equipment 2

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