Many employers require their employees to use or wear personal protective equipment (PPE gear) to promote workplace health and safety and protect workers from hazards.
This is important because it ensures employees do not compromise their own safety to complete a job and supports maintaining workplace safety across different industries. Not only do employers have legal obligations, but a safe workplace can also lead to increased productivity and retention amongst staff by reducing injury risk and improving employee productivity. Here’s everything you need to know about site safety accessories and PPE in the workplace, and how the use of PPE supports a safe working environment.
When should PPE be worn?
According to WorkSafe WA, PPE should be used when no other methods of hazard control are available, when other control measures don’t provide enough protection, during emergencies, and as a last resort when risk controls cannot fully mitigate hazards. It should not be worn for the sake of it. It’s also important to note that personal protective equipment isn’t considered a safety control method and should be used alongside other safety and control measures.
PPE regulations may change from time to time, so it’s important to keep up to date with the latest guidance from reliable sources such as the Department of Health or WorkSafe to ensure compliance and proper use of PPE. For example, the coronavirus pandemic has led to the introduction of new PPE requirements in health care settings for both health workers and people with the virus to minimise exposure to infectious diseases.
Examples of workplace hazards that may require PPE include:
- Exposure from radiation sources
- Fire or heat hazards
- High noise levels that require ear muffs for hearing protection
- Pesticides and other chemicals may irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
- Airborne particles, e.g. dust, asbestos removal.
- Working from heights where safety harnesses may be required
- Heavy machinery that presents physical hazards
- Interaction with patients and exposure to infectious diseases
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Australian Standards
The PPE you purchase for your visitors, staff, patients, or yourself must meet Australian Standards to ensure appropriate PPE is provided. Some workplace guidelines should also be followed. These include:
- Ensuring PPE clothing and gear are kept clean and properly maintained through regular checks and testing.
- Use PPE gear in accordance with training and/or manufacturer instructions to ensure proper use and PPE safety.
- Ensure PPE, including safety clothing and shoes, is the proper size for each person wearing the equipment.
- Place safety signage that conveys clear information in areas required to support workplace safety and other control measures.
The different types of PPE, safety clothing, and equipment
There are many different types of Personal Protective equipment (PPE) for a variety of jobs and applications. Safety equipment can range from safety clothing to sunscreen for body protection. Different industries may have different PPE requirements depending on the nature of work and exposure risks. Some of the different types of PPE you may come across include:
- Safety glasses or goggles for eye protection
- Earmuffs for working in loud environments
- Face shields to protect from flying particles and chemicals
- Hard hats for head protection against the risk of objects falling
- Gloves for hand hygiene, hand protection, or handling hazardous materials
- Hi-vis clothing to ensure you are visible
- Safety boots and shoes, such as those with a steel cap, to protect your feet
- Sunscreen for outdoor work with high sun exposure
- Respirator masks offer protection from particles
- Hand sanitiser for hand hygiene
- Face masks for protection and hygiene
- Knee pads to protect your knees from injury or strain from hard surfaces
How to choose the right PPE gear for workplace safety
With so many different PPE manufacturers and suppliers on the market, it can be hard to decide what PPE is right for you. Whether you are looking for PPE clothing or equipment, such as a face shield or safety glasses for eye protection, here are a few things to look out for when purchasing new PPE gear for yourself or employees to ensure appropriate PPE is worn.
Complete a hazard assessment
Is there a specific hazard in your workplace? Does it require specific PPE items that others don’t? For example, is heat an issue for you, and do you need to wear high visibility clothing or reflective gear as well? It’s best to conduct a hazard assessment first to identify the PPE you need to minimise risk and exposure. Chances are, your company’s risk management plan may also outline these hazards and existing risk controls.
Know the limitations of different types of PPE equipment
You should also be aware of what PPE can and cannot offer you in terms of protection, and how PPE helps mitigate but not eliminate risk. For example, wearing a mask over your mouth is great for protecting against certain types of fumes, but it won’t protect you from exposure to harmful materials and inhaling larger particles that could irritate your lungs. If there are risks to breathing from airborne or chemical hazards, additional controls will be needed.
Check the regulatory guidelines
The law states that employers must provide employees with PPE and appropriate clothing for their work roles, as well as when required by the nature of their duties, to ensure workplace safety and compliance. It is worth checking with the Department of Health, WorkSafe or any other authorised source before purchasing to ensure you meet the guidelines and Australian Standards. PPE guidelines may also vary by state. Be sure to also check local state regulations to support maintaining workplace safety.
Research different suppliers and manufacturers
There are many suppliers and manufacturers of PPE, so you will need to research them all. Cheaper international suppliers might not manufacture PPE that meets Australian Standards. It’s important to do your research and find quality PPE that will withstand the hazards your workplace may expose workers to, to protect them from injury and fatalities. You can find this information by visiting a showroom, browsing an online store, or contacting the supplier directly for more advice on their products.
Get input from workers about their PPE equipment
Another good idea is to get input from your workers when selecting PPE. They will be able to give you feedback on the different types and brands available for purchase. Employees won’t want to wear PPE that is too uncomfortable, which can reduce proper use of PPE.
Make sure you get the correct sizes for protective clothing
It’s important that you know how to use the PPE properly and ensure proper size and fit for each person. You should be trained on how to put the PPE on and take it off, its limitations, etc. Not using PPE correctly defeats its purpose and reduces protection. For example, respirators that don’t fit or are the wrong size won’t do their job of protecting you from inhaling hazardous particles and harmful substances.
Training employees for PPE Safety
You and the people wearing or using PPE must know how to do so properly by training employees on WHS. You should be trained in putting on and taking off PPE. Don’t forget about its limitations. When using personal protective equipment, make sure you don’t exceed any restrictions for a particular piece, and don’t move between environments without appropriate controls.
Not using PPE correctly defeats its purpose. Training will teach you when your PPE needs replacing and is no longer protecting people or ensuring proper storage and maintenance.
Want more information on work health and safety and PPE?
Workplace safety doesn’t end with personal protective equipment; it should also include other safety measures and controls. Ensure your workplace has enough safety measures in place to keep you and your employees safe, as well as minimise risk exposure.
Looking for workplace safety solutions? Contact Safe Work Australia in your state/territory to find out more information on how you can improve workplace health and safety and support the use of PPE as part of a safe workplace for workers and employees.