Why and when should personal protective equipment PPE be used?

Why should PPE be used?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect workers from a variety of workplace hazards, including:

* Harmful chemicals

* Electrical hazards

* Mechanical hazards

* Thermal hazards

* Radiation

* Biological hazards

By using PPE, workers can reduce their risk of injury or illness and improve their overall safety on the job.

When should PPE be used?

PPE should be used whenever there is a potential for exposure to workplace hazards. Some specific examples of when PPE should be used include:

* When working with harmful chemicals, such as acids or solvents

* When working with electrical equipment

* When working with heavy machinery or tools

* When working in extreme temperatures

* When working in areas with radiation hazards

* When working with biological hazards, such as blood or bodily fluids

It is important to note that PPE is not always enough to protect workers from all workplace hazards. In some cases, additional precautions, such as engineering controls or administrative controls, may be necessary.

How to select the right PPE

The type of PPE that is required for a particular job will depend on the specific hazards involved. Some of the factors that should be considered when selecting PPE include:

* The type of hazard

* The degree of exposure

* The worker's physical characteristics

* The job task being performed

It is important to select PPE that is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with the worker's ability to perform their job safely.

Proper use of PPE

In order to be effective, PPE must be used properly. Some of the important things to remember when using PPE include:

* Inspect PPE for damage before each use

* Put on PPE before starting work

* Wear PPE for the entire time you are exposed to hazards

* Take off PPE after leaving the hazardous area

* Clean and store PPE properly when not in use

By following these guidelines, workers can help to ensure that PPE is used effectively to protect their safety and health.