| There are so many considerations to look at | | | | safety equipment supplier will have the |
| when committing to PPE safety. Obviously the | | | | appropriate legislation to hand at point of sale, so |
| safety of the workforce is your main concern, | | | | it's worth doing it then. |
| but how do you go about ensuring that universal | | | | Storage and maintenance is a key aspect of this. |
| safety? This article will cover the key points in | | | | It's easy for PPE to become useless if left in the |
| PPE safety assessment. Firstly, what exactly is | | | | wrong conditions for too long. The key point to |
| PPE? | | | | raise here is that each individual product will have |
| PPE is defined as any kind of equipment (this | | | | its manufacturer's storage instructions, and in |
| includes clothing which protects against the | | | | many cases this will be pretty straightforward. |
| weather) which is used, or intended to be used | | | | Appropriate replacements should be kept on hand. |
| by a person at work to lessen risks to his or hers | | | | There are a number of questions you should ask |
| health and safety. One important aspect of PPE | | | | when assessing PPE safety. Is the risk level |
| safety is that hearing protection and respiratory | | | | appropriate for the piece of PPE? Is an obvious |
| protective equipment may often not be covered | | | | one. Does it increase the overall risk? This is a |
| in the same legislation, as they have different | | | | key point, because even if it satisfies all other |
| regulations covering them. Similarly, motorcycle | | | | criteria, a small blemish may increase the risk of |
| helmets are not covered, as they are dealt with | | | | an unassociated hazard or injury. Is it possible to |
| under road traffic regulations. | | | | adjust for weather conditions? We work in all |
| Both users and suppliers should make sure of the | | | | conditions, and something that's appropriate for a |
| equipment's suitability for the job. This is one of | | | | light shower may not work properly in a hail |
| the first stages of PPE safety. If you are not | | | | storm. Is it compatible with other kinds of PPE? |
| sure that the equipment will reduce the risk of | | | | This is especially important when dealing with |
| injury, then it is required that you make sure. This | | | | respirator and eyewear issues. |
| can be done a number of ways. Preferably a | | | | So you see there are many more issues than |
| suitable test should be made of the durability of | | | | simply providing the right gear, and doing a little |
| gloves, or chemical testing. You will be ahead of | | | | training. PPE safety is a serious aspect of any |
| the game if you have an understanding of PPE | | | | construction safety plan, and should be treated as |
| safety usability. In a vast majority of cases, your | | | | such. |