PPE : Body protection

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Chapter : Personal Protective Equipment 

Body protection

You must provide your employees body protection if they are at risk for bodily injury caused by: intense heat, hazardous chemicals, splashes of hot metals and liquids, impacts from tools, machinery and materials, and contact with potentially infectious materials such as blood and radiation.
 
Types of body protection.
 
Protective clothing my include:

• Vests
• Jackets
• Aprons
• Coveralls
• Surgical gowns
• Full body suits

Protective clothing comes in a variety of materials, each suited to particular hazards. Materials for protective clothing include:

• Paper-like fiber. Disposable suits made of this material provide protection against dust and splashes.
• Treated cotton and wool. Adapts well to changing temperatures, is comfortable and fire-resistant. Protects against dust, abrasions and rough and irritating surfaces.
• Duck. Protects employees against cuts and bruises while handling heavy, sharp or rough materials.
• Leather. Leather protective clothing is often used against dry heat and flame.
• Rubber and plastics. Protects against certain acids and other chemicals.

Work Clothes and Safety

Has it ever occurred to you that your work clothes may cause you to be injured?

The fact is that the work clothes you wear to the job can affect your safety.  A simple example is the length of your pants.  If they are too long you can easily catch your heal in them coming down a ladder or trip yourself while backing up, or catch them while going down stairs.

Although you don’t see very many construction workers wearing ties that can catch in moving machinery, you do see a lot of long sleeves which can pose the same threat as a tie. 

If your sleeves are long, keep them buttoned at the wrist.  Don’t roll them up or leave them loose.  Also keep your shirt tucked in and your belt tight.  This may all sound silly but there many people who have been maimed or killed because their shirt got caught in moving machinery.  Also it is not a good idea to wear gloves around moving machinery. Never touch moving parts or machinery with or without gloves.

Watch your shoes.  Make sure they are in good condition and are suited for the job you are doing.   Good leather work boots with rubber soles are best.  Steel toes are required.

Keep your work clothes clean.  Work clothes that are dusty and greasy can cause skin irritations.  Work clothes that are soaked with oil and grease can catch fire from a spark or cigarette.

I’m sure you have heard the phrase, ”Dress for Success”. That might be true in many cases but when it comes to personal protection you should “Dress for Safety”.