PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
PPE put a barrier between the worker and the hazard and is designed to prevent injury or illness from a specific hazard. Different kinds of PPE are as under:-
1 1. Head Protection: Head protection is provided by head wear generally called helmet or hard hat.
Parts of Helmet
· Shell: Made of metallic, plastic or fiber glass protect the head against impacts or electric shocks all around
· Six point suspension (Harness):
oHolds the shell away from the head
o Acts as a shock-absorber
o Allows air to flow freely
1 2. Face Shield:
· It protects the face from dust and splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids.
· It requires wearing safety glasses or goggles underneath.
1 3. Body Protection:
· Types may include apron, vests, jackets, coverall and fire proof suits.
· It provides a space between body, materials, and tools and saves the worker from harm.
· One should have to choose body protection apparel according to the hazard of work.
1 4. SAFETY SHOES:
Steel toe boots (known as safety shoes) have a protective reinforcement in the toe, and a sole plate which protects the foot from falling objects and punctures from below and electric shocks.
1 5. EYE PROTECTION
Types of accidents that cause blindness include:
· Objects striking the eye
· Contact with chemicals and other hazardous materials
· Struck by swinging objects such as chains and ropes
· Viewing radiant energy sources such as welding operations or lasers
To protect the eyes following equipment is used
I. Safety Glasses
· Safety glasses are perhaps the most widely used type of eye protection.
· They may look similar to regular glasses, but are much stronger and more resistant to impact and heat.
II. GOGGLES
· Goggles by surrounding the eye area give more protection against splashing liquids, fumes, vapors, powders, dust and mists.
1 6. HANDS PROTECTION
To protect the hand different types of gloves are used. It has been estimated that 20% of all disabling accidents on the job involves the hands. Hands can suffer following injuries:
· Pinched or trapped in moving machinery
· Receive cuts from sharp tools, metal pieces
· Crushed by Blow
· Contact with hazardous materials and electric shocks can cause burns
· Repetitive motion may cause numbness and loss of gripping power
· Jewellery can cause serious injuries.
1 7. RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Different kinds of face mask and respirators are used according to work situation.
1 8. HEARING PROTECTION
· Human can hear from 10 dB up to 140 dB before feeling pain (a db decibel is a unit of loudness).
· Normal conversation is 50 dB, the alarm clock is 80 dB and gunshot is 140 dB.
· Wear ear protection when sound is above 85 dB.
· Wear double ear protection (ear plugs + earmuffs) when sound is above 140 dB.
· Ear plugs offer the best protection.
Ear muffs are not effective when facial hair growth is high or when spectacles are worn.
1 9. FULL BODY HARNESS
· Full body harness is worn while working at heights and in case of fall, distributes the body weight forces and thus protect back bone from injuries.
· The harness is attached to a lanyard with shock absorber and two hooks the makes sure that the worker is always connected to the anchor wherever he goes.
· Full body harness has 5 years life and must be discarded after that.
· Never use a harness which does not carry an inspection tag.
· Discard a harness that has been damaged by a fall.
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