A STUDY ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT’S

Project report

Submitted

By

V.MURALIDHARAN

Enrollment No.: 0511800507

DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

DEPARTMENT
OF
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORATE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
ANNAMALAI NAGAR TAMIL NADU

2018-2019
 ABSTRACT

Personal Protective Equipment is used to ensuring overall health and safety in all industries. It is useful
in preventing the loss of humans and prevent hazardous effect. Controlling a hazard at its workplace is
the best way to protect the employee’s .Depending on the hazard, engineering or work practice control
should be used to manage or eliminate hazard to greater extent. Personal protective equipment is used to
manage the hazard when it is happens. Chemical protective equipment protects the user by providing a
barrier between individual and hazardous materials. It discusses the standards of personal protective
equipment. This study focuses on studying the factors that determine the use of PPE, Understanding the
types of PPE, Basics of hazard assessment at its workplace, Selection of appropriate PPE for various
circumstances, Proper use and take care of PPE, Smart PPE.

Key Words: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Hazard, Smart PPE,

 Certificate
This is to certify that M/R V.MURALIDHARAN (0511800507), the student of ANNAMALAI
UNIVERSITY had undergone his PROJECT REPORT on A STUDY ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENTS as a part of his course DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. This project report
prepared by M/R V.MURALIDHARAN was found to be
 Acknowledgement
I express my deep sense of gratitude to the management of this esteem Quality Evaluation And Systems
Team Pvt Ltd, Chennai. (QUEST) and L&T Defense for granting me permission to complete my
Project Report and Course in DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and the other faculty of ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY
for giving me the opportunity to successfully complete my PROJECT REPORT.

Sincerely,
V.MURALIDHARAN
 CONTENTS
Chapter 1:-Introduction

1.1. PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

1.2. Purpose of using PPE

1.3. Proper use of PPE

1.4. Choosing the right PPE and Management of PPE

1.5. Personal Protective Equipment Checklist and Role of worker

Chapter 2:-Types of PPE for Industrial Workers

2.1. Respiratory protective equipment

2.2. Non-respiratory protective equipment

2.2.1. Head Protection

2.2.2. Eye and Face Protection
2.2.3. Foot and Leg Protection
2.2.4. Hand and Arm Protection
2.2.5. Hearing protection
2.2.6. Body and Skin Protection
2.2.7. Fall Protection

Chapter 3:-Smart PPE

3.1. PPE for Hazmat Workers

3.2. Smart Clothing in PPE

3.3. Smart PPE for Fire fight Workers

Chapter 4:- Conclusion

REFERENCE
1. Introduction

Industrial safety refers to the management of all operations and events within an industry in order to
protect its employees and assets by minimizing hazards, risks, accidents, and near misses.

Industrial safety is overseen by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Occupational Safety
and Health Association (OSHA) is the primary regulatory body in the United States dedicated to
ensuring industrial safety.

Hazard exists in every work place in different forms. Falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise. It
is mandatory for employers to protect their employees from work place hazards that can cause injury.
Controlling a hazard at its workplace is the best way to protect the employee’s. Depending on the hazard
engineering or work practice control should be used to manage or eliminate hazard to greater extent.

Building a barrier between hazard and employees is engineering control, changing the way in which the
employees perform their work is work practice control. When engineering and work practice control are
not feasible and do not provide sufficient protection employers must provide PPE to employees and
ensure it use.

Safety practices need to be followed in each and every activity associated with plant operation. In order
to create greater safety awareness and improve safety attitude, a thorough knowledge of safety in
Refinery operations is needed.

The public and Governmental concern should be aroused for evolving appropriate strategy for
identifying and controlling industrial hazards.

PPE involves item such as foot and hand protection, eye protection, head protection, ear protection and
body protection. The lists of potential hazards are impact, penetration, compression, chemical, heat/cold,
harmful dust, light (optical radiation) and biologic matters. Hence according to OSHA regulation PPE
should be provided to employees at free of cost.

Safety of workers in any industry is a paramount importance in accomplishing the objective of

uninterrupted operations and maximizing profitability.

Safety becomes all the more relevant to Petroleum Industry, where the risks get compounded manifold
because of highly hazardous nature of raw materials and products coupled with severe operating
conditions of high temperature and pressure.

Petroleum Refinery is prone to safety hazards and environment degradation unless utmost precaution is
taken in every operation. This had made refiners to think about developing Emergency Plans with
objectives– Minimize the safety risks, Improve Emergency Response to accidents and expedite
rehabilitation.
1.1. PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize

exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection,
protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to equipment like helmet, goggles etc. which is worn by a
contractors, workers, students or visitors to protect himself from injury and minimize the risk of the
person's safety. This does not include ordinary working clothes such as uniforms which do not have a
specific health or safety function, nor does it apply to equipment used whilst playing competitive sport.
However, equipment required for the safety of a sports instructor does fall within the category of PPE,
for example, a life jacket for a canoeing instructor.

Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks,
chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. The Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards
that can cause injury.

Issues affecting use of PPE include discomfort and inconvenience, and inappropriate or poorly
maintained equipment. It is vital that problems caused by inadequate selection, fit and maintenance do
not undermine the effectiveness of the equipment.

PPE protects only the worker wearing it, it does not remove the hazard from the work area. Our
endeavor should be to eliminate hazards completely but it may not be possible in all cases and hence the
necessity arises for providing personal protective equipment as a second line of defense. It is very
necessary that the selection of the protective equipment is proper. Most of the injuries can be eliminated
or minimized by utilizing proper equipment required for the jobs.

1.2. Purpose of using PPE

Personal protective equipment protects the person wearing it from chemicals, excessive heat, electrical
hazards and many other workplace hazards. These injuries and illness may result from contact with
mechanical, chemical, physical workplace hazards. To ensure the greatest possible protection for
employees in the workplace, the cooperative efforts of both employers and employees will help in
establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.

In general, employers are responsible for Performing a "hazard assessment" of the workplace to identify
and control physical and health hazards. Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees.
Training employees in the use and care of the PPE. Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or
damaged PPE. Periodically reviewing, updating and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program.
1.3. Proper use of PPE
PPE should of safe design and construction. Also it is necessary that it fits the persons in a workplace
and is comfortable. The employers should choose PPE providing maximum protection. The reverse can
difference it from protectively covered or dangerously exposed. Training of people wearing Personal
protective equipment should be conducted so that the worker knows what or when it is necessary, how
to wear it or take it off, what are the limitations of the equipment. Also monitoring of the Personal
protective equipment program is necessary to make sure its effectiveness. Employers have duties
concerning the provision and use of PPE at work. It is equipment that will protect the user against health
or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility
clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.

1.4. Choosing the right PPE and Management of PPE

Choosing the right PPE

All PPE clothing and equipment should be of safe design and construction, and should be maintained in
a clean and reliable fashion. Employers should take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when
selecting appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will
encourage employee use of PPE.

Most protective devices are available in multiple sizes and care should be taken to select the proper size
for each employee. If several different types of PPE are worn together, make sure they are compatible.

If PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously
exposed. It may not provide the level of protection desired and may discourage employee use. It
includes consultation with the employers and the representatives.
Management of PPE
Management of PPE must ensure that:-

a) The needs for PPE are assessed by a person who is competent to judge whether other methods of risk
control can offer better protection of safety and health than the provision of PPE

b) Professional advice is obtained, where necessary, to identify the most suitable types of PPE for the
tasks to be carried out

c) Training is provided to supervisors and employees to enable them to ensure the proper selection, fit,
use, cleaning and maintenance of PPE

d) Supervision and enforcement of the PPE policy is undertaken

e) Evaluation of the effectiveness of the PPE program is carried out on a regular basis

f) Suitable PPE is provided for visitors who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace. At UWA this
includes students where appropriate. Equipment shall be properly cleaned before re-issue

g) All equipment complies with current relevant Australian Standards and should be stamped or labeled
with an AS compliance marking. Existing PPE shall be re-assessed regularly to ensure compliance.

1.5. Personal Protective Equipment Checklist and Role of worker

PPE Checklist

A checklist of information on hazards and PPE that should be worn for each. Includes PPE such as
hardhats, eyewear, gloves and shoes.

TABLE 1.5 PPE Checklists

Role of Worker When Using PPE

a) Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of PPE at work. It is equipment that will
protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves,
eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.

b) The workers must ensure that PPE is hygienic and in well and good working state. People using the
Personal Protective Equipment should PPE is use accordingly to manufacturer's instructions. To check if
the PPE is comfortable. No interference of medical conditions of the worker while using the PPE.
Training to use the PPE should be conducted. PPE is properly used and is effective

c) Employers should make sure that each employee demonstrates an understanding of the PPE training
as well as the ability to properly wear and use PPE before they are allowed to perform work requiring
the use of the PPE.

d) If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is not demonstrating the proper
understanding and skill level in the use of PPE, that employee should receive retraining. Other situations
that require additional or retraining of employees include the following circumstances: changes in the
workplace or in the type of required PPE that make prior training obsolete.

e) The employer must document the training of each employee required to wear or use PPE by preparing
a certification containing the name of each employee trained, the date of training and a clear
identification of the subject of the certification.
2. Types of PPE for Industrial Workers

Workers in different occupations may encounter different types of threats and thus need different types
of PPE for protection. Cooperative efforts of both employees and employers are needed for the greatest
possible protection. Employees can be exposed to a large number of hazards that pose danger to their
eyes and face. So, personal protective equipment can be categorized by the types of hazard, type of
device and area of the body part protected. Also there are certain PPE items which serve as multiple
forms of protection. For example boots, a steel toe cap and steel insoles for protection of the feet from
crushing or puncture injuries, impervious rubber and lining for protection from water and chemicals,
high reflectively and heat resistance for protection from radiant heat and high electrical resistivity for
protection against electric shocks.

Personal protective equipment is of two types:

i) Respiratory protective equipment.

ii) Non-respiratory protective equipment.

2.1 Respiratory protective equipment:

Respiratory protective equipment are given more importance because even a small failure or violation in
the use of respiratory protective equipment will affect the entire body system and will lead to
unconsciousness or severe injuries.

Example: Compressed air line breathing apparatus ,Self-contained breathing apparatus ,Open circuit
oxygen types , Regenerative oxygen types and Short distance fresh air breathing apparatus.

Oxygen Deficiency

Oxygen deficient atmosphere is a major hazard in the industry. Every living organism needs constant
supply of oxygen. Cells in the brain and the nervous system, if starved of oxygen for more than 4 to 6
minute scan be severely damaged and even die due to permanent damage. Table gives the signs and
symptoms of a person at rest at different levels of oxygen deficiency.

TABLE 2.1 Oxygen Deficiency

Oxygen content in air Sign and symptoms of person at rest

12% - 14% Respiration deeper, pulse up, co-ordination poor

10% - 12% Respiration fast & shallow, giddiness, poor judgment,

lips blue.
8% - 10% Nausea, vomiting, unconscious-ness, ashen face

6% - 8% 8 min- 100% fatal, 6 min – 50% fatal,

4-5 min –Recovery with treatment
4% Coma in 40 sec, convulsion, respiration ceases, death
It is important that one should not enter atmosphere containing less than19.5% oxygen without a
breathing apparatus set. The air we breathe is sometimes contaminated with dust, vapors, toxic fumes
or gases.

Various types of respiratory protective equipment are provided which enable us to breathe
in uncontaminated air even in the presence of contamination. Each type of equipment has a definite
purpose but its limitations must be kept in mind.

These will not provide protection in an atmosphere contaminated by a substance which can be absorbed
by skin.

Fresh air breathing apparatus

Necessity, It must be used in all cases when it is necessary to enter an enclosed area where Hydrogen
sulphide, Carbon Monoxide or any other combustible/toxic gas is present even in slight concentration.
Canister cannot be used because the concentration exceeds the limit for canister. There is a heavy
smoke. There is an oxygen deficiency.

Types

i. Antipoy industrial breathing apparatus.

ii. Blowman blower operated breathing apparatus.

Operation

The face piece should be adjusted and tested. See that the hose and the lifeline are not entangled. The
blower must be placed where there is plenty of fresh uncontaminated air. Where a hand driven blower is
used, the crank must be turned continuously from the time the man puts on the face piece until here turns
to pure air and removes the face piece completely. Two persons must be deputed to perform the
cranking operation alternatively and as stand by.
Do not use more than 76 feet of hose on each blower connection. Do not place the blower where the
air may be contaminated, such as in the vicinity of sewer manholes or catch basins. Use only those men
who are experienced in this type of work. Always have a man present to assist in any emergency which
may arise. A separate lifeline must be attached.

Oxygen breathing apparatus

It is designed primarily for emergency conditions. It may be used when a gas hazard or lack of oxygen
exists or may exist except in atmosphere which irritates or poisons through the skin. Pure oxygen from a
high pressure bottle is supplied to the face piece.

The full face piece gives excellent vision. The fraction of the oxygen component of a breathing gas
mixture is sometimes used when naming the mix:

 hypoxic mixes, strictly, contain less than 21% oxygen, although often a boundary of 16% is
used, and are designed only to be breathed at depth as a "bottom gas" where the higher pressure
increases the partial pressure of oxygen to a safe level. Trimix, Heliox and Heliair are gas blends
commonly used for hypoxic mixes and are used in professional and technical diving as deep
breathing gases.
 normoxic mixes have the same proportion of oxygen as air, 21%. The maximum operating depth
of a normoxic mix could be as shallow as 47 meters (155 feet). Trimix with between 17% and
21% oxygen is often described as normoxic because it contains a high enough proportion of
oxygen to be safe to breathe at the surface.
 hyperoxic mixes have more than 21% oxygen. Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) is a typical
hyperoxic breathing gas. Hyperoxic mixtures, when compared to air, cause oxygen toxicity at
shallower depths but can be used to shorten decompression stops by drawing dissolved inert
gases out of the body more quickly

Description and Technical Details:

This apparatus which is supported upon a broad body belt composed of leather and reinforced canvas,
and by braces passing over the shoulders, consists of the following parts:
Oxygen cylinder

It is a steel cylinder with six cubic feet of oxygen gas which is compressed to120 atmospheres (1,800
pounds per square inch) and will last for one hour when fully charged.
Main supply valve, Safety locking bolt, Pressure gauge valve, Reducing valve, Breathing bag, Relief
valve, By-pass valve, Cooler, Mouth piece and nose-clip, Skull cap and Goggles.

Operational Use

Consult the gauge frequently, Gently shake the protosorb at regular intervals, Open by-pass valve when
the bag collapses, Use relief valve when the bag is too much inflated or heated. Pressure gauge valve to
be always kept open. Come out of the place of incident with at least five minutes of oxygen left in the
cylinder.

Care and Maintenance

Grease, oil, fat, paint etc. should not come in contact with the set. Undue force should not be used to
tighten any joint. Washer should be replaced, if necessary. Use distilled water to lubricate all washers.
The set should preferably be kept in a hanging position to avoid knocking of the valve group. The set
should not be kept near the exhaust pipe of the motor or fire appliances. Mouth piece plug should be
kept filled when the set is not in use. Skull-cap, goggles, spanners and B.A. lamp should always be
provided with a set to keep the set in commission.

CO2 absorbent to be kept always air tight, once the CO2 absorbent is used even for a few minutes, it
should be discarded and not to be kept for future use. The reducing valve must not be opened by any
unauthorized person.

Compressed air breathing apparatus

A bonded air-cushion seal round the inside edge of the mask forms a leak-proof seal on the face with
only light tension on the adjusting straps. It is similar to Roberts‟ compressed air set with a little
variations. The facemask is of molded rubber and incorporates a demand regulator, a speech transmitter
and a wide vision perspex visor. The demand regulator is such that the wearer is supplied with whatever
air he requires depending on his physical exertion. During light work and hallow breathing, it supplies
on a small volume of air. The flow of air is increased with harder work and deeper breathing.

This variation of flow of air is automatic and no further adjustment of the regulator is necessary. As the
demand regulator provides ample air for the highest possible rate of work, no by-pass value is required.

Care and Maintenance of compressed air sets

The apparatus should be cleaned after use. The face mask and breathing tube, where provided, should be
washed and disinfected. The whole apparatus should be thoroughly dried before assembling. The eye-
pieces or visor should be anti-dimmed. If the cylinder pressure is less than five sixths of the maximum
charging pressure, it should be replaced with a fresh cylinder. Washers and other parts found defective
during tests should be renewed. When tightening nuts, excessive force should not be used. Oils or grease
should not be allowed to come into contact with any part of the apparatus. This should be observed
during routine maintenance

Working duration of breathing apparatus

It is not always possible to determine actual duration of a breathing apparatus as there are certain
variable factors depending on the circumstances in which the set is used. In the case of a closed circuit
oxygen set the duration is fairly determined, though it can be reduced by the use of by-pass valve,
whereas in case of compressed air open circuit set it varies widely depending on the physical exertion of
the wearer.

It is therefore, necessary to allow for a wider variations in duration with compressed air sets, than with
an oxygen set. The following terms are to be understood by the breathing apparatus wearer before he
tries to find out the working duration of breathing apparatus sets.

i. Full duration- It is the time a breathing apparatus is expected to last from the moment it is started-up
until the cylinder is exhausted.

ii. Working duration- It is time a breathing apparatus is expected to last from the time it is started up
until the cylinder pressure is reached at which the low cylinder pressure warning device, i.e. the whistle,
starts to operate.

iii. Safety margin- It is the time from the moment the whistle starts to sound until the cylinder is
exhausted. In short, Working duration = Full duration - Safety margin.

The duration of a breathing apparatus depends on the quantity of oxygen or air in the cylinder and
the average rate of consumption. The contents of a cylinder are referred in liters and consumption in
liters per minute. For example, if the cylinder of an oxygen breathing apparatus set contains 150liters
and the constant flow is 2.5 liters per minutes.
The full duration would be 150 / 2.5 = 150x2/5 = 60 minutes.

Formula for determining the working duration of breathing apparatus

i. Oxygen Apparatus

Working duration in minutes = Contents of cylinder in ltrs - 15 (or 2 for salves)

ii. Compressed air apparatus

Working duration in minutes = Contents of cylinder in ltrs - 10

Average rate of consumption

For oxygen sets with a constant flow, the average rate of consumption is taken as 2.5 liters per
minutes for Proto and 2 liters for Salvas sets. In the case of oxygen apparatus with a smaller constant
flow augmented by a lung-governed valve, 2 liters per minute is also taken as the average rate of
consumption.
In the case of compressed air sets the average rate of consumption is to be taken as 40 liters per minutes
which is the average rate for a man walking at 4 miles per hour. Where a wearer undertakes
exceptionally heavy work, the rate may well be higher and the duration correspondingly becomes less.
Safety Margin

The safety margin recommended for all types of breathing apparatus sets is 10 minutes. In the case of
one hour Proto set the whistle operates when the cylinder is at one quarter pressure i.e. when the
cylinder is one quarter full, so that theoretically the set still has 15 minutes to run.

The whistle, however, consumes nearly 2 liters per minute and so the actual safety margin is about 10
minutes. In the case of compressed air sets, however, the loss of air due to the whistle is small compared
with the rate of consumption and has a negligible effect on the remaining duration of the set. Therefore,
no allowance is made for the consumption of the whistle.

It is a constant flow airline respirator which provides complete respiratory, eye and facial protection and
is designed for use with a factory compressed air line or a low pressure air compressor.

The respirator assembly consists of a vista full face mask fitted with a mushroom type non return
exhalation valve assembly and a 'T' piece linked to two narrow bore PVC breathing tubes. The tubes are
designed to pass over the wearer's shoulders and to join at a 'Y' union on the wearer's back. This union is
connected by a single PVC tube to a combined filter box and hand operated regulating valve mounted on
a PVC waist belt. The filter box is fitted with a nut and serrated tail connection for attaching the air
supply line.

The regulating valve on the filter box allows the wearer to control the flow of air into the mask but bleed
holes in the valve prevent the wearer shutting off the air supply completely and provide a built-in safety
device. The respirator is recommended for use with inlet pressures up to 120 psi.

The vista full face mask is comfortable to wear, provides unrestricted vision and the flow of air is
directed over the Perspex visor to prevent misting up and to provide a cooling effect for the wearer. The
filter unit in the regulating valve assembly utilizes replaceable cotton wool filter pads, which are
designed to remove any solid particle contained in the air. The filter will not remove toxic vapours or
very fine dust particles, which means the air supplied to the respirator must be both clean and dry.

The vista mask air line respirator can be fitted with a PVC belt or alternatively with a Terylene harness
suitable for connection to a safety line. Normally manufactured in black rubber, the vista mask is also
available in white rubber for use in Tetra Ethyl Lead atmosphere.

Applications

It is used for extended work in a toxic or oxygen deficient atmosphere either in a factory from the
works‟ airline or in an outside location from a low pressure air compressor. Applications include tank
cleaning, zinc spraying and paint spraying or as a maintenance breathing apparatus.

BA set entry procedure:

 A Breathing Apparatus field center shall be set up outside the area where entry has to be made.
 A Fire & Safety Officer shall manage the Breathing Apparatus field center.
 Breathing Apparatus field center shall have sufficient number of ready BA sets, as per nature of
job
 A BA Control Board for recording the details of the BA set wearer entering into area shall be
positioned.
  Before making entry into a hazardous area with Breathing Apparatus set, pre-entry test shall be
done.

Breathing apparatus pre-entry test:

 Check the general condition of BA set.

 Check the available pressure in BA set as per nature of job.
 Check the leak test & positive pressure test.
 Check the function of warning whistle.
 BA wearers shall always go in pairs while making entry into a building with guide line.
 BA Control Room officer shall note the expected time of return of BA wearers and immediately
send two more persons with BA sets to search for the BA wearers if they do not return back on
time.

Dust Respirator

Where to use

Respirators may be used for all operations where annoying or irritating gases or dust may be present in
such small quantities that the canister gas mask is not needed.

How to use

The face piece should be adjusted so as to fit snugly on the face. The head straps should be adjusted to
maintain tension without discomfort.

Limitation and Caution

 It must not be used in closed vessels where there is oxygen deficiency.

 Do not wear a respirator which has been worn by someone else until it has been sterilized.
 Keep the respirator dry.
Air purifying devices

These devices cannot be used in oxygen depleted atmospheres. Air purifying devices fall into four major
categories.

Dust masks– used for protection against nuisance dusts such as sawdust, chalk, plant-related and
sanding dusts. These are generally not suitable for toxic substances

Gas filters - filter fitted into a half face mask, full face mask or hood, suitable for removing low
concentrates of certain gases and vapours. Filters have limited use and storage lives and are specific to
certain gases or vapours. They are not generic - a specific filter needs to be matched to a specific make
of mask.

Particulate filters - used to remove finely divided solid or liquid particles from inhaled air. Particulate
filters have a prefix 'P' and a number indicating a class corresponding to filtration efficiency against a
laboratory challenge aerosol of sodium chloride. P1, P2 and P3 filters roughly correspond to the former
L, M and H cartridges. There are three types of particulate filter suitable for filtering finely divided solid
or liquid particles, or both, from inhaled air. These are classified, in accordance with tests in AS 1716,
as:

CLASS (P1) Intended for use against mechanically generated particulates, (for example, silica,
asbestos).

CLASS (P2) Intended for use against both mechanically and thermally generated particulates, (for
example, metal fumes).

CLASS (P3) Intended for use against all particulates including highly toxic materials, (for example,
beryllium). Class P3 requires a full face mask.

Note: Cotton fiber or plastic foam pads are not permitted.

Combined gas and particulate filters - filter combinations are used where both hazard types may exist.

2.2. Non-respiratory protective equipment

Non-respiratory Protective Equipment hand non-respiratory protection equipment can be further

classified according to the part of the body to be protected.

2.2.1 Head Protection

Protecting employees from head hazards is a key element of any safety program ANSI Z89.1 is used for
head protection.

Hard hats: Class A: Protects from falling objects and from electrical shocks up to 2,200 volts, Class
B: Protect from electrical shocks up to 20,000 volts ,Class C:Protect you from falling objects.

Bump Caps: Bump caps are made from lightweight plastic and are designed to protect you from
bumping your head on protruding objects.
Safety helmets are rigid headgear of different materials designed to protect the workman's head – not
only from impact but from flying particles and electric shock or any combination of the three.

Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury
can impair a worker for life or it can be a very severe damage.

Wearing a safety helmet (hard hat) is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee's head from injury.
Hard hats can protect employees from impact and penetration hazards as well as from electrical shock
and burn hazards.

Employers must ensure that their employees wear head protection if any of the following apply:

a) Objects might fall from above and strike them on the head

b) They might bump their heads against fixed objects such as exposed pipes or beams

c) There is a possibility of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.

Some examples of occupations in which employees should be required to wear head protection include
construction workers, carpenters, electricians, linemen, plumbers and pipefitters, timber and log cutters.

There are 3 types of head hazards:

Impact

i) Falling or flying objects

ii) Falling or walking into hard objects

iii) Injuries include neck sprains, concussions, and skull fractures

Electric Shock

i) Live exposed electric wires

ii) Injuries include electrical shocks and burns

Drips

Toxic liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can irritate and burn the head/scalp.

Safety Hats or Hard hats

Industrial safety helmets injected from HDP/ABS fitted with a snap on polyethylene harness and a head
band. Head bands are available in two sizes to suit head sizes from 540mm to 590mm and 580mm and
640mm. These helmets are made to Bureau of Indian Specifications made to IS2925 standards.
 Helmets are designed to withstand an impact load of 4 pounds. A hard hat is a type of helmet
predominantly used in workplace environments such as construction sites to protect the head from injury
such as debris or falling objects and bad weather.

Hardhats may be fitted with a visor, ear protectors or a helmet light mount. Hard hats must have a hard
outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell
from 1 to 1/14 inches away from the head. Whenever there is a danger of objects falling from above,
such a working below others who are using tools or working under a conveyor belt, head protection
must be worn.

Hard hats must be worn with the bill forward to protect employee's property. However accidents that
cause head injuries are difficult to control.

Helmets are made out of materials such as fiber-glass reinforced plastic; HDPE, aluminum alloy etc. for
protection against falling bodies, the FRP or HDPE helmets are preferable because of their superior
impact resistance. These are also suitable against chemical spills.

In general protective helmets should do the Resist penetration by objects, Absorb the shock of a blow,
Be water resistant and slow burning , Have clear instruction explaining proper adjustment and
replacement of the suspension and headband.

Types of hard hats

Type I hard hats are only designed to protect workers from objects and blows that come from above and
strike the top of a helmet.

Type II hard hats are designed to offer protection from lateral blows and objects. This includes from the
front, back, and side as well as from the top.

Type III hard hats are also tested for off-center penetration resistance and chin strap retention.
Classes

Hard hats are also divided into classes that indicate how well they protect against electrical shock.

• Class E (Electrical) hard hats can withstand up to 20,000 volts of electricity

• Class G (General) hard hats are able to withstand 2,200 volts of electricity

• Class C (Conductive) hard hats offer no protection from electric shock

Material & Suspensions

Most hard hats are made of non-conductive, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and come equipped with
a suspension that can be adjusted for a custom fit. Suspensions are available with 4, 6, or 8 load-bearing
points and can be fitted using several different types of adjustments.

The most common are pin lock, where the hard hat is removed and a pin is matched to a corresponding
hole, and ratchet, which uses a knob to tighten or loosen the suspension's fit around the head while
wearing the hard hat.

Styles

When considering tasks and situations, hard hats are available in different styles. Cap hard hats have a
short front brim that helps to shade the face from the sun and keeps rain away from the eyes.

Some cap hard hats can also be worn backwards so the front brim is over the back of the neck. Full brim
styles feature a brim that goes around the entire cap and shades the face, back of the neck, and ears. The
full brim can also help to channel rain and snow away from the face and head.
Maintenance

Periodic cleaning and inspection will extend the useful life of protective headgear. A daily inspection of
the hard hat shell, suspension system and other accessories for holes, cracks, tears or other damage that
might compromise the protective value of the hat is essential.

Paints, paint thinners and some cleaning agents can weaken the shells of hard hats and may eliminate
electrical resistance.

Consult the helmet manufacturer for information on the effects of paint and cleaning materials on their
hard hats. Never drill holes, paint or apply labels to protective headgear as this may reduce the integrity
of the protection. Do not store protective headgear in direct sunlight, such as on the rear window shelf of
a car, since sunlight and extreme heat can damage them.

ANSI and CSA require end users to conduct a thorough inspection of their hard hats and suspension
before each use. Visually inspect the hat for evidence of cracking and gouging and replace the hat
immediately if any such instance is found.

If the hat suffers from any type of impact or impalement or has experienced a fall greater than 8 feet,
replace it immediately even if there is no visible damage.
Next, check the structural integrity of the cap. Many conditions adversely affect the hat's useful lifespan,
including ultraviolet exposure, temperature extremes, chemical exposure, and daily wear. Prolonged
exposure to sunlight can degrade the shell and lead to flaking or crazing. Extreme temperatures also can
impact protective properties.

Chemicals found in some paints, paint thinners, cleaning agents, and even insect repellant can interfere
with the integrity of the shell and may eliminate electrical resistance, and therefore these should never
be applied to a cap.

Finally, inspect the suspension. Check to ensure that fabric is not frayed or torn and plastic parts are not
cracked or damaged. If the suspension exhibits signs of wear, replace it immediately. A cap's suspension
must be replaced with one from the same manufacturer to ensure it meets protection criteria, because
shells and suspensions are tested to perform as a complete system.

While ANSI and CSA do not regulate the service life of protective caps, industries recommends
replacing a hard hat shell every five years and suspension every 12 months from its first day of service.
Noting a cap's first day of service on its label is an easy way to track its service life.

Protecting workers from potential hazards to the head should be a top safety priority for every employer.
If your site contains any such hazards, it is important to understand how fit, comfort, and design
contribute to proper hard hat wear and positive outcomes. Providing the appropriate level of protection
and encouraging workers to wear hard hats wherever needed are excellent first steps toward building a
lasting and successful culture of safety.

Size and Care

Head protection that is either too large or too small is inappropriate for use, even if it meets all other
requirements. Protective headgear must fit appropriately on the body and for the head size of each
individual. Most protective headgear comes in a variety of sizes with adjustable headbands to ensure a
proper fit (many adjust in 1/8-inch increments). A proper fit should allow sufficient clearance between
the shell and the suspension system for ventilation and distribution of an impact. The hat should not
bind, slip, fall off or irritate the skin.

Some protective headgear allows for the use of various accessories to help employees deal with
changing environmental conditions, such as slots for earmuffs, safety glasses, face shields and mounted
lights. Optional brims may provide additional protection from the sun and some hats have channels that
guide rainwater away from the face. Protective headgear accessories must not compromise the safety
elements of the equipment.

Periodic cleaning and inspection will extend the useful life of protective headgear. A daily inspection of
the hard hat shell, suspension system and other accessories for holes, cracks, tears or other damage that
might compromise the protective value of the hat is essential. Paints, paint thinners and some cleaning
agents can weaken the shells of hard hats and may eliminate electrical resistance.

Consult the helmet manufacturer for information on the effects of paint and cleaning materials on their
hard hats. Never drill holes, paint or apply labels to protective headgear as this may reduce the integrity
of the protection. Do not store protective headgear in direct sunlight, such as on the rear window shelf of
a car, since sunlight and extreme heat can damage them. Hard hats with any of the following defects
should be removed from service and replaced.

Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell, Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to
heat, chemicals or ultraviolet light and other radiation (in addition to a loss of surface gloss, such signs
include chalking or flaking).
Always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not noticeable. Suspension systems
are offered as replacement parts and should be replaced when damaged or when excessive wear is
noticed. It is not necessary to replace the entire hard hat when deterioration or tears of the suspension
systems are noticed. Clean your hard hat at least once a month by soaking it in a solution of mild soap
and hot water for 5-10 minutes. Because sunlight and heat can damage the suspension of your hat,
always store your hat in a clean, dry, and cool location

Hard hats with any of the following should be removed immediately from service, Perforation, cracking
or deformity of the brim or shell. Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals or
ultraviolet light and other radiation (in addition to the loss of surface gloss, such signs include chalking
or flaking).

Industrial safety helmets must not be subjected to chemicals or an environment which could reduce
strength (such as excessively hot, humid or in direct sunlight). Helmets must be replaced when the
helmet has received a severe impact including being dropped (even if no damage is visible), or when
cracks or deep scratches appear or when the "Use By" date is exceeded.

Reissue of safety helmets

No safety helmet should be reissued unless the helmet has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. In
general, when a helmet is being re-issued to a different person at least a new sweatband should be fitted.

Working life

Excessive discoloration of the shell color or weathering of the surface may indicate a loss of strength.
Helmets which have been in service for longer than three years should be thoroughly inspected and
replaced as necessary. Plastic components of harnesses may deteriorate more rapidly under aggressive
service conditions and in these cases harnesses should be replaced at intervals not longer than two years.
Hard Hat Color Code

It is essential to know the types of helmet color code in construction and industries.
Though this list is a standard one. Each company can represent their own standard. The reasons for
different color codes are,

 To identify a person and his responsibility

 To avoid any accidents and protects the impact from falling objects.
 It protects the penetration of any dangerous objects at a workplace. (Rods, bricks etc.)

Although this colour coding system differs from country to country and even within individual
organizations, there are a few basic rules that can help you to identify workers from the colour of hats.

TABLE 2.2.1 Safety helmets Color Code

White Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and Foremen

Blue Electricians, Carpenters and other technical operators apart

from civil workers

Green Safety Officers

Red Fire Fighters

Yellow Laborers

Brown Welders and workers with high heat application

Grey Site Visitors

2.2.2 Eye and Face Protection

Most eye injuries occur when solid particles such as metal slivers, wood chips, sand or cement chips get
into the eye. Smaller particles in smokes and larger particles, such as broken glass also account for
particulate matter causing eye injuries.

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of
these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and
contusions.

While working in a hazardous area where the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and
particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn.
Secondary protective devices such as face shields are required in conjunction with primary protective
devices during severe exposure to impact hazards.

Blunt force trauma can occur to the eye when excessive force comes into contact with the eye.
Chemical burns, biological agents, and thermal agents, from sources such as welding torches and UV
light also contribute to occupational eye injury. While the recommended usage of eye protection varies
by occupation, the provision of safety furnished by said piece of equipment can be generalized.

Safety glasses provide minimum protection from external debris, and are recommended to provide side
protection via a wrap-around design or via side shields. Goggles provide better protection than safety
glasses, and are effective in preventing eye injury from chemical splashes, impact, dusty environments
and welding.

It is recommended that goggles with high air flow be used, in order to prevent fogging. Face shields are
a useful form of additional protection to be worn over the standard eyewear, and provide protection from
impact, chemical, and blood-borne hazards. Full-face piece respirators are considered the best form of
eye protection when respiratory protection is needed as well, but may be less effective against potential
impact hazards to the eye.

Eye protection used for welding operations is shaded to different degrees, depending on the specific
operation. Employees can be exposed to a large number of hazards that pose danger to their eyes and
face. OSHA requires employers to ensure that employees have appropriate eye or face protection if they
are exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic
liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material or potentially harmful light radiation.

Many occupational eye injuries occur because workers are not wearing any eye protection while others
result from wearing improper or poorly fitting eye protection.Employers must be sure that their
employees wear appropriate eye and face protection and that the selected form of protection is
appropriate to the work being performed and properly fits each worker exposed to the hazard.

Eye and face injuries commonly are caused by flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye.
Swinging objects, such as a rope or chain, also contribute to eye injuries in occupational settings.
Different types of hazards may require different types of protection, including goggles, faceshields or
wielding shields. OSHA provides the following recommendations regarding eye and face protection:

 Ensure eyewear is properly fitted and maintained, and that it is the appropriate type for the
hazard.
 Know how to use personal protective equipment in an emergency situation.
 Seek equipment from another manufacturer if eye protection does not fit properly.
 Eyeglass wearers must be able to fit goggles comfortably over their glasses. Contact lens wearers
must shield their contacts behind protective lenses. Eyeglasses with prescription lenses are not
considered eye protection.
 Eye and face protection must be kept clean, especially when dirty or fogged goggles have the
potential to impair vision.
 Shared eyewear must be disinfected after every use.
 Store routinely worn goggles in a case after every use.
 Face shields alone will not protect employees against impact hazards – the best protection is
afforded when goggles and face shields are worn together.

Selection

The following should be considered while selection:-

 Nature of risk to eyes. For example, radiation, impact, dust / abrasive particles, liquid / chemical
splash or spray
 conditions under which the person is working
 visual requirements of the task
 Personal preference/comfort of wearer. This may include appearance, weight, ventilation and
unrestricted vision.
Condition of person's eyesight.

The following general eye protectors are available:

 Goggles - An eye protector fitting the contour of the face and held in position by an adjustable
headband.
 Wide-vision goggles - An eye protector in which the lens or lenses extend over the full width of
the face affording a large field of vision.
 Welding helmet - A rigid eye protector which is worn by the operator to shield the eyes, face,
forehead and front of the neck.
 Welding hand shield - A rigid eye protector which is held in the hand to shield the eyes, face,
forehead and front of the neck.
 Face shield - A device which includes a transparent visor, supported in front of the face to shield
the eyes.
 Safety spectacles - An eye protector with protective lenses mounted in spectacle-type frames, or
integrally molded into the frames with or without side shields, and held in position by the side
arms.
 Tinted safety spectacles/goggles - provided to employees who require eye protection and who
are generally required to work outdoors.

Prescription Lenses

Everyday use of prescription corrective lenses will not provide adequate protection against most
occupational eye and face hazards, so employers must make sure that employees with corrective lenses
either wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription into the design or wear additional eye
protection over their prescription lenses.

It is important to ensure that the protective eyewear does not disturb the proper positioning of the
prescription lenses so that the employee's vision will not be inhibited or limited. Also, employees who
wear contact lenses must wear eye or face PPE when working in hazardous conditions.

Eye Protection for Exposed Workers

Employers of workers in other job categories should decide whether there is a need for eye and face
PPE through a hazard assessment. OSHA suggests that eye protection be routinely considered for use by
carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics, millwrights, plumbers and pipefitters, sheet metal
workers and tinsmiths, assemblers, sanders, grinding machine operators, sawyers, welders, laborers,
chemical process operators and handlers, and timber cutting and logging workers.

Examples of potential eye or face injuries include Dust, dirt, metal or wood chips entering the eye from
activities such as chipping, grinding, sawing, hammering and the use of power tools or even strong wind
forces. Chemical splashes from corrosive substances, hot liquids, solvents or other hazardous solutions.
Objects swinging into the eye or face, such as tree limbs, chains, tools or ropes. Radiant energy from
welding, harmful rays from the use of lasers or other radiant light (as well as heat, glare, sparks, splash
and flying particles).
 TABLE 2.2.2 Lenses for Protection against Radiant Energy

Lenses for Protection against Radiant Energy

Operations Electrode size in Arc current Minimum*
1/32” (0.8mm protective shade
Shielded metal
arc welding <3 < 60 7
3-5 60 – 160 8
5-8 160 - 250 10
>8 250 - 550 11
Gas metal arc welding
and flux cored
arc welding < 60 7
60 - 160 10
160 - 250 10
250 - 500 10
Gas tungsten
arc welding < 50 8
50 – 150 8
150 - 500 10
Air carbon (light) < 500 10
Arc cutting (heavy) 500 - 1,000 11
Plasma arc welding < 20 6
20 - 100 8
100 - 400 10
400 - 800 11
Plasma arc cutting (light)** < 300 8
(medium)** 300 - 400 9
(heavy)** 400 - 800 10
Torch brazing 3
Torch soldering 2
Carbon arc welding 14

Gas welding:
Light < 1/8 < 3.2 4
Gas welding:
Medium 1/8 - 1/2 3.2 - 12.7 5
Gas welding:
Heavy > 1/2 > 12.7 6
Oxygen cutting:
Light <1 < 25 3
Oxygen cutting:
Medium 1–6 25 - 150 4
Oxygen cutting:
Heavy >6 > 150 5
Types of Eye Protection

Selecting the most suitable eye and face protection for employees should take into consideration the
following elements:

 Ability to protect against specific workplace hazards.

 Should fit properly and be reasonably comfortable to wear.
 Should provide unrestricted vision and movement.
 Should be durable and cleanable.
 Should allow unrestricted functioning of any other required PPE.

The eye and face protection selected for employee use must clearly identify the manufacturer. Any new
eye and face protective devices must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989 or be at least as effective as this
standard requires. Any equipment purchased before this requirement took effect on July 5, 1994, must
comply with the earlier ANSI Standard (ANSI Z87.1-1968) or be shown to be equally effective. An
employer may choose to provide one pair of protective eyewear for each position rather than individual
eyewear for each employee. If this is done, the employer must make sure that employees disinfect
shared protective eyewear after each use.
Protective eyewear with corrective lenses may only be used by the employee for whom the corrective
prescription was issued and may not be shared among employees. Some of the most common types of
eye and face protection include the following:

Eye protection PPE is Safety glasses. It should be much stronger and more resistant to impact and heat
than regular glasses.

Face protection PPE are Face shields. It provides full face protection. And it is used around operations
where molten metal, chemical splashes, or flying particles. It can be used simultaneously as a hard hat.

Welding helmets. It provides both face and eye protection and absorptive lenses that filter the intense
light and radiant energy that is produced during welding operations.

Safety spectacles. These protective eyeglasses have safety frames constructed of metal or plastic and
impact-resistant lenses. Side shields are available on some models.
Goggles. These are tight-fitting eye protection that completely cover the eyes, eye sockets and the facial
area immediately surrounding the eyes and provide protection from impact, dust and splashes. Some
goggles will fit over corrective lenses.

Welding shields. Constructed of vulcanized fiber or fiberglass and fitted with a filtered lens, welding
shields protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light; they also protect both the
eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips produced during welding, brazing,
soldering and cutting operations. OSHA requires filter lenses to have a shade number appropriate to
protect against the specific hazards of the work being performed in order to protect against harmful light
radiation.

Laser safety goggles. These specialty goggles protect against intense concentrations of light produced
by lasers. The type of laser safety goggles an employer chooses will depend upon the equipment and
operating conditions in the workplace.

Face shields. These transparent sheets of plastic extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across
the entire width of the employee's head. Some are polarized for glare protection. Face shields protect
against nuisance dusts and potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids but will not provide
adequate protection against impact hazards. Face shields used in combination with goggles or safety
spectacles will provide additional protection against impact hazards.
 Each type of protective eyewear is designed to protect against specific hazards. Employers can identify
the specific workplace hazards that threaten employees' eyes and faces by completing a hazard
assessment as outlined in the earlier section.

Welding Operations

The intensity of light or radiant energy produced by welding, cutting or brazing operations varies
according to a number of factors including the task producing the light, the electrode size and the arc
current. The following table shows the minimum protective shades for a variety of welding, cutting and
brazing operations in general industry and in the shipbuilding industry. The intense light associated with
welding operations can cause serious and sometimes permanent eye damage if operators do not wear
proper eye protection.

Laser Operations

Laser light radiation can be extremely dangerous to the unprotected eye and direct or reflected beams
can cause permanent eye damage. Laser safety goggles should protect for the specific wavelength of the
laser and must be of sufficient optical density for the energy involved. Safety goggles intended for use
with laser beams must be labeled with the laser wavelengths for which they are intended to be used, the
optical density of those wavelengths and the visible light transmission. Laser retinal burns can be
painless, so it is essential that all personnel in or around laser operations wear appropriate eye
protection.

Potential Hazards:

Eye and face injuries may result from: Contact with flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, welding
arc, lasers or radiant energy (such as bright light, UV, infrared). Not wearing safety glasses when
welding shields are raised to inspect welds or use chipping hammer or needle gun. Additionally,
obscured vision due to dirty or scratched lenses may cause workers injuries (such as trips, falls, struck-
by, collisions).
Requirements and Example Solutions:

Face shields or welding helmets (for example hoods) should be worn only over primary eye protection
such as safety glasses or goggles. Protective equipment can be clear or shaded, depending upon the type
and amount of shielding needed to protect workers' eyes. Safety glasses should include optical
correction for workers who need corrective lenses, otherwise, cover lens or goggles must be provided.

Glasses or goggles must provide protection from hazards such as particles, objects, radiation, or liquids
entering the eye from the sides as well as the front. Side shields (for example wrap-around, clip-on,
slide-on) must be used. Metal-frame protective eyewear should not be used when electrical hazards may
be present.

Ensure that eye protection is cleaned frequently and replaced when necessary. Make sure the eye
protection chosen has the right combination of impact/dust/splash/molten metal eye protection for the
task and fits the user properly.

Ultraviolet and infra-red radiation

Processes requiring moderate reduction of visible radiation and protection from ultraviolet and infrared
radiation for gas welding and cutting, and resistance welding and brazing, suitable eye protection must
be provided to guard against possible invisible radiation. Sufficient protection will usually be given by
goggles fitted with filters of shade number 3 to 7 inclusive.

Processes requiring considerable reduction of visible radiation and protection from ultraviolet and
infrared radiation. In processes producing ultraviolet light but where infrared radiation is not a hazard,
for example, photographic reproduction work or use of trans illuminators, eye protectors with ultraviolet
filters should be used. For work near furnaces or other intense heat sources, where both heat and visible
light are produced but ultraviolet light is not a hazard, eye protectors with infrared filters should be used.

For arc welding and cutting operations, protection must be provided against invisible radiation.
Adequate face and eye protection in these cases can be obtained by the use of a helmet or hand shield
fitted with filters having shade numbers 8 to 15 inclusive, as appropriate.

Issue and fitting of eye protection

Arrangements should be made for the issuing of personal eye protectors to ensure use of the correct type
of eye protector fitting of the eye protector to the wearer, wherever practicable by a person who is
competent to select the correct size and type. Eye protectors may be issued for exclusive use by one
employee/student temporary use by an employee/student for a particular operation temporary use by a
visitor.

The choice between issue for exclusive use by one employee and temporary issue to different employees
or students will depend on the frequency and duration of exposure to hazards and the type of eye
protector provided.

Replacement

Eye protectors and lenses should be replaced when usage, accidental damage or age has resulted in
deterioration of the properties of the eye protectors to a stage where continued use could be hazardous,
or where the eye protectors no longer comply with the relevant standard. The appropriate safety
footwear should be selected in each instance, e.g. anti-slip footwear if the worker is on slippery floors,
steel toe-capped boots if there is likelihood of crush or impact injuries. In areas such as the
laboratory/kitchens/grounds where any crush or chemical injury may be sustained, sandals, open toed
shoes or bare feet ARE NOT acceptable. . In particular, lenses which have been scratched,
abraded, pitted or otherwise damaged should be replaced because the protection they offer may be
reduced and vision impaired.

2.2.3 Foot and Leg Protection

Employees who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects, from
crushing/penetrating materials should wear protective footwear.

Also, employees whose work involves exposure to hot substances or corrosive or poisonous materials
must have protective gear to cover exposed body parts, including legs and feet. If an employee's feet
may be exposed to electrical hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn. On the other hand,
workplace exposure to static electricity may necessitate the use of conductive footwear. Examples of
situations in which an employee should wear foot and/or leg protection include When heavy objects
such as barrels or tools might roll onto or fall on the employee's feet. Working with sharp objects such
as nails or spikes that could pierce the soles or uppers of ordinary shoes. Exposure to molten metal that
might splash on feet or legs. Working on or around hot, wet or slippery surfaces. Working when
electrical hazards are present.

Protection against falling objects – safety footwear with steel toe

Protection against sharp objects – protective mid soles (for ground workers)
Protection against falling and - safety boots and shoes
Crushing hazards, Puddles, wet ground, toxic chemicals - rubber or PVC ankle boot
Selection

All risks associated with the job should be assessed to determine the specific requirements of the
footwear. Footwear should provide adequate protection from injury and comfortable support for the feet.

Occupational protective footwear is classified by the type of duties performed. The parameters include:
grade of protective toecap, thickness and type of upper materials, and thickness and type of sole. Special
features such as chemical resistant soles, penetration resistant mid soles and electrical
conductive/antistatic properties are also available.

Workshop, maintenance and people working in mechanical laboratories or on geological, agricultural or

engineering field trips should wear suitable boots with steel caps. All people working in laboratories
should wear enclosed footwear. People working in chemical laboratories should wear enclosed footwear
that is resistant to spills of hazardous substances. People standing or walking for long periods should
wear supportive, enclosed footwear. Check the product's labeling or consult the manufacturer to make
sure the footwear will protect the user from the hazards they face. Safety footwear must meet ANSI
minimum compression and impact performance standards in ANSI Z41-1991 (American National
Standard for Personal Protection-Protective Footwear) or provide equivalent protection.

All ANSI approved footwear has a protective toe and offers impact and compression protection. But the
type and amount of protection is not always the same. Different footwear protects in different ways.

Shoes should have:

 A firm heel counter and deep heel seat that holds the heel well and
 doesn't slip when walking
 Sufficient depth and width at the toes to prevent pressure on toes and nails
 A sole that does not bend at the ball of the foot. The shoe should not bend in the middle of the
shoe under the arch.
 Firm, well-padded synthetic or rubber sole with non-slip tread
 Soft upper with minimal stitching
 A heel less than 2.5 cm high
 Little distortion on attempting to twist the shoe
 A shape that matches your feet.
 Socks manufactured from natural fibres, preferably free of seams should be worn with footwear
at all times. Other items such as gaiters or overshoes may be required for use with footwear.

Foot and leg protection choices include the following:

Leggings protect the lower legs and feet from heat hazards such as molten metal or welding sparks.
Safety snaps allow leggings to be removed quickly.

Metatarsal guards protect the instep area from impact and compression. Made of aluminum, steel, fiber
or plastic, these guards may be strapped to the outside of shoes.

Toe guards fit over the toes of regular shoes to protect the toes from impact and compression hazards.
They may be made of steel, aluminum or plastic.
Combination foot and shin guards protect the lower legs and feet, and may be used in combination
with toe guards when greater protection is needed.

Safety shoes have impact-resistant toes and heat-resistant soles that protect the feet against hot work
surfaces common in roofing, paving and hot metal industries. The metal insoles of some safety shoes
protect against puncture wounds. Safety shoes may also be designed to be electrically conductive to
prevent the buildup of static electricity in areas with the potential for explosive atmospheres or
nonconductive to protect workers from workplace electrical hazards.

Special Purpose Shoes

Electrically conductive shoes provide protection against the buildup of static electricity.

Employees working in explosive and hazardous locations such as explosives manufacturing facilities or
grain elevators must wear conductive shoes to reduce the risk of static electricity buildup on the body
that could produce a spark and cause an explosion or fire. Foot powder should not be used in
conjunction with protective conductive footwear because it provides insulation, reducing the conductive
ability of the shoes. Silk, wool and nylon socks can produce static electricity and should not be worn
with conductive footwear. Conductive shoes must be removed when the task requiring their use is
completed. Note: Employees exposed to electrical hazards must never wear conductive shoes

Electrical hazard, safety-toe shoes are nonconductive and will prevent the wearers' feet from
completing an electrical circuit to the ground. These shoes can protect against open circuits of up to 600
volts in dry conditions and should be used in conjunction with other insulating equipment and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of a worker becoming a path for hazardous electrical energy. The
insulating protection of electrical hazard, safety-toe shoes may be compromised if the shoes become
wet, the soles are worn through, metal particles become embedded in the sole or heel, or workers touch
conductive, grounded items.

Foundry Shoes

In addition to insulating the feet from the extreme heat of molten metal, foundry shoes keep hot metal
from lodging in shoe eyelets, tongues or other shoe parts. These snug-fitting leather or leather-substitute
shoes have leather or rubber soles and rubber heels. All foundry shoes must have built-in safety toes.

Care of Protective Footwear

Shoes and leggings should be checked for wear and tear at reasonable intervals. As with all
protective equipment, safety footwear should be inspected prior to each use. This includes looking for
cracks or holes, separation of materials, broken buckles or laces. The soles of shoes should be checked
for pieces of metal or other embedded items that could present electrical or tripping hazards. Employees
should follow the manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning and maintenance of protective footwear.

2.2.4 Hand and Arm Protection

Employees who face possible foot or head injuries from falling or rolling objects or from crushing or
penetrative material should wear protection.If a workplace hazard assessment reveals that employees
face potential injury to hands and arms that cannot be eliminated through engineering and work practice
controls, employers must ensure that employees wear appropriate protection.

There is a vast range of hand protection. To make sure that the correct type is used for a specific
task, refer to suppliers' catalogues and if in doubt seek advice from the manufacturer or
supplier. Sufficient stocks should be held to ensure that there is an adequate supply, particularly in the
event that gloves become damaged.

Consideration should be given to the need for a glove lining or inner glove or moisturizer/barrier cream
where prolonged use of waterproof gloves is envisaged. A range of sizes should be available to
accommodate individual requirements.

Potential hazards include skin absorption of harmful substances, chemical or thermal burns, electrical
dangers, bruises, abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures and amputations. Protective equipment includes
gloves, finger guards and arm coverings or elbow-length gloves. Employers should explore all possible
engineering and work practice controls to eliminate hazards and use PPE to provide additional
protection against hazards that cannot be completely eliminated through other means.
For example, machine guards may eliminate a hazard. Installing a barrier to prevent workers from
placing their hands at the point of contact between a table saw blade and the item being cut is another
method.

Types of Protective Gloves

There are many types of gloves available today to protect against a wide variety of hazards. The nature
of the hazard and the operation involved will affect the selection of gloves. The variety of potential
occupational hand injuries makes selecting the right pair of gloves challenging. It is essential that
employees use gloves specifically designed for the hazards and tasks found in their workplace because
gloves designed for one function may not protect against a different function even though they may
appear to be an appropriate protective device. The following are examples of some factors that may
influence the selection of protective gloves for a workplace.

 Type of chemicals handled.

 Nature of contact (total immersion, splash, etc.).
 Duration of contact.
 Area requiring protection (hand only, forearm, arm).
 Grip requirements (dry, wet, oily).
 Thermal protection.
 Size and comfort.
 Abrasion/resistance requirements.
 Gloves made from a wide variety of materials are designed for many types of workplace hazards.
In general, gloves fall into four groups:

 Gloves made of leather, canvas or metal mesh;

 Fabric and coated fabric gloves;
 Chemical- and liquid-resistant gloves;
 Insulating rubber gloves

Leather, Canvas or Metal Mesh Gloves: Sturdy gloves made from metal mesh, leather or canvas
provides protection against cuts and burns. Leather or canvass gloves also protect against sustained heat.

Gloves: Padded cloth gloves: protect hands from sharp edges, slivers, dirt, and vibration.

Heat resistant gloves: Protect hands from heat and flames.

Latex disposable gloves: Used to protect hands from germs and bacteria.

Lead-lined gloves: Used to protect hands from radiation sources.

Leather gloves: protect against sparks, moderate heat, blows, chips and rough objects.

Aluminized gloves: provide reflective and insulating protection against heat and require an insert made
of synthetic materials to protect against heat and cold.

Aramid fiber gloves: protect against heat and cold, are cut - and abrasive - resistant and wear well.

Synthetic gloves: protection against heat and cold, are cut - and abrasive - resistant and may withstand
some diluted acids. These materials do not stand up against alkalis and solvents.

Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves: Fabric and coated fabric gloves are made of cotton or other fabric
to provide varying degrees of protection.

Fabric gloves: protect against dirt, slivers, chafing and abrasions. They do not provide sufficient
protection for use with rough, sharp or heavy materials. Adding a plastic coating will strengthen some
fabric gloves.

Coated fabric gloves: It is normally made from cotton flannel with napping on one side. By coating the
unnapped side with plastic, fabric gloves are transformed into general-purpose hand protection offering
slip-resistant qualities. These gloves are used for tasks ranging from handling bricks and wire to
chemical laboratory containers. When selecting gloves to protect against chemical exposure
hazards, always check with the manufacturer or review the manufacturer's product literature to
determine the gloves' effectiveness against specific workplace chemicals and conditions.

Chemical - and Liquid - Resistant Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves are made with different kinds of
rubber natural, butyl, neoprene, nitrile and fluorocarbon (viton); or various kinds of plastic: polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene. These materials can be blended or laminated for
better performance. As a general rule, the thicker the glove material, the greater the chemical resistance
but thick gloves may impair grip and dexterity, having a negative impact on safety. Some examples of
chemical-resistant gloves include.
Butyl gloves: It was made of a synthetic rubber and protect against a wide variety of chemicals, such as
peroxide, rocket fuels, highly corrosive acids(nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and red-fuming
nitric acid),strong bases, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and nitro compounds.

Butyl gloves also resist oxidation, ozone corrosion and abrasion, and remain flexible at low
temperatures. Butyl rubber does not perform well with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and
halogenated solvents.

Natural (latex) rubber gloves: comfortable to wear, which makes them a popular general-purpose
glove. They feature outstanding tensile strength, elasticity and temperature resistance. In addition
to resisting abrasions caused by grinding and polishing, these gloves protect workers' hands from most
water solutions of acids, alkalis, salts and ketones

. Latex gloves have caused allergic reactions in some individuals and may not be appropriate for all
employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liner sand powder less gloves are possible alternatives for
workers who are allergic to latex gloves.

Neoprene gloves: It was made of synthetic rubber and offer good pliability, finger dexterity, high
density and tear resistance. They protect against hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids and
alkalis. They generally have chemical and wear resistance properties superior to those made of natural
rubber.

Nitrile gloves: It was made of a copolymer and provide protection from chlorinated solvents such as
trichloroethylene and perchloro ethylene. Although intended for jobs requiring dexterity and sensitivity,
nitrile gloves stand up to heavy use even after prolonged exposure to substances that cause other gloves
to deteriorate.

They offer protection when working with oils, greases, acids, caustics and alcohols but are generally not
recommended for use with strong oxidizing agents, aromatic solvents, ketones and acetates.

Note: When selecting chemical-resistant gloves be sure to consult the manufacturer's recommendations,
especially if the gloved hand(s) will be immersed in the chemical.

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to latex gloves. To avoid reactions, you can provide
reduced-protein and powder-free gloves, ensure good housekeeping to reduce latex build up and advise
workers to wash hands thoroughly after removing latex gloves.

The following table from the U.S. Department of Energy (Occupational Safety and Health Technical
Reference Manual) rates various gloves as being protective against specific chemicals and will help you
select the most appropriate gloves to protect your employees. The ratings are abbreviated as follows:
VG: Very Good; G: Good; F: Fair; P: Poor (not recommended). Chemicals marked with an asterisk (*)
are for limited service.
 TABLE 2.2.4 Chemical Resistance Selection Chart for Protective Gloves

Chemical Resistance Selection Chart for Protective Gloves

Chemical Neoprene Latex/Rubber Butyl Nitrile
Acetaldehyde* VG G VG G
Acetic acid VG VG VG VG
Acetone* G VG VG P
Ammonium hydroxide VG VG VG VG
Amy acetate* F P F P
Aniline G F F P
Benzaldehyde* F F G G
Benzene* P P P F
Butyl acetate G F F P
Butyl alcohol VG VG VG VG
Carbon disulfide F F F F
Carbon tetrachloride* F P P G
Castor oil F P F VG
Chlorobenzene* F P F P
Chloroform* G P P F
Chloronaphthalene F P F F
Chromic acid (50%) F P F F
Citric acid (10%) V G VG VG VG
Cyclohexanol G F G VG
Dibutyl phthalate* G P G G
Diesel fuel G P P VG
Diisobutyl ketone P F G P
Dimethylformamide F F G G
Dioctyl phthalate G P F VG
Dioxane VG G G G
Epoxy resins, dry VG VG VG VG
Ethyl acetate* G F G F
Ethyl alcohol VG VG VG VG
Ethyl ether* VG G VG G
Ethylene dichloride* F P F P
Ethylene glycol VG VG VG VG
Formaldehyde VG VG VG VG
Formic acid VG VG VG VG
Freon 11 G P F G
Freon 12 G P F G
Freon 21 G P F G
Freon 22 G P F G
Furfural* G G G G
Gasoline, leaded G P F VG
Gasoline, unleaded G P F VG
Chemical Neoprene Latex/Rubber Butyl Nitrile
Glycerin VG VG VG VG
Hexane F P P G
Hydrazine (65%) F G G G
Hydrochloric acid VG G G G
Hydrofluoric acid (48%) VG G G G
Hydrogen peroxide (30%) G G G G
Hydroquinone G G G F
Isooctane F P P VG
Kerosene VG F F VG
Ketones G VG VG P
Lacquer thinners G F F P
Lactic acid (85%) VG VG VG VG
Lauric acid (36%) VG F VG VG
Lineolic acid VG P F G
Linseed oil VG P F VG
Maleic acid VG VG VG VG
Methyl alcohol VG VG VG VG
Methylamine F F G G
Methyl bromide G F G F
Methyl chloride* P P P P
Methyl ethyl ketone* G G VG P
Methyl isobutyl ketone* F F VG P
Methyl metharcrylate G G VG F
Monoethanolamine VG G VG VG
Morpholine VG VG VG G
Naphthalene G F F G
Napthas, aliphatic VG F F VG
Napthas, aromatic G P P G
Nitric acid* G F F F
Fuming P P P P
Nitromethane (95.5%)* F P F F
Nitropropane (95.5%) F P F F
Octyl alcohol VG VG VG VG
Oleic acid VG F G VG
Oxalic acid VG VG VG VG
Palmitic acid VG VG VG VG
Perchloric acid (60%) VG F G G
Perchloroethylene F P P G
Petroleum distillates
(naphtha) G P P VG
Phenol VG F G F
 Chemical Neoprene Latex/Rubber Butyl Nitrile
Phosphoric acid VG G VG VG
Potassium hydroxide VG VG VG VG
Propyl acetate G F G F
Propyl alcohol VG VG VG VG
Propyl alcohol (iso) VG VG VG VG
Sodium hydroxide VG VG VG VG
Styrene P P P F
Styrene (100%) P P P F
Sulfuric acid G G G G
Tannic acid (65) VG VG VG VG
Tetrahydrofuran P F F F
Toluene* F P P F
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) F G G F
Trichloroethylene* F F P G
Triethanolamine (85%) VG G G VG
Tung oil VG P F VG
Turpentine G F F VG
Xylene* P P P F

Care of Protective Gloves

Gloves that are discolored or stiff may also indicate deficiencies caused by excessive use or degradation
from chemical exposure. Protective gloves should be inspected before each use to ensure that they are
not torn, punctured or made ineffective in any way.

A visual inspection will help detect cuts or tears but a more thorough inspection by filling the gloves
with water and tightly rolling the cuff towards the fingers will help reveal any pinhole leaks.

Any gloves with impaired protective ability should be discarded and replaced. Reuse of chemical-
resistant gloves should be evaluated carefully, taking into consideration the absorptive qualities of the
gloves. A decision to reuse chemically-exposed gloves should take into consideration the toxicity of the
chemicals involved and factors such as duration of exposure, storage and temperature.
2.2.5 Hearing Protection

Exposure to noise during various processes can result in temporary or permanent deafness if the
appropriate precautions are not taken. Hearing is at risk during the following:

 Constant noise above 80db for an 8 hour work period

 Impact noise
 Explosive noise.

Noise is measured in units called decibels (dB). It should be noted that dB (A) is a logarithmic scale thus
a change of approximately 3 dB (A) is the equal to a doubling of noise levels. A good indicator of noise
level being above the db threshold has to raise your voice to speak to someone ½ m away. However, the
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires a risk assessment to be conducted. Protection must
be selected to provide sufficient noise attenuation from the frequencies to which the worker is exposed.

Employee exposure to excessive noise depends upon a number of factors, including the loudness of the
noise as measured in decibels (dB). The duration of each employee's exposure to the noise. Whether
employees move between work areas with different noise levels. Whether noise is generated from one or
multiple sources. Generally, the louder the noise, the shorter the exposure time before hearing protection
is required.

Noise related hearing loss has been one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in us for
more than 25 years. Bureau of labour statistics (BLS) reported more than 21000 hearing loss due to high
workplace noise level. OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90dBA for all workers for eight hours
on a day. Hearing protection include single use of earplugs waxed cotton, foam, silicon rubber fiber
glass wool or molded earplugs
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for noise are typically given as the maximum duration of exposure
permitted for various noise levels The OELs depend on two key factors that are used to prepare
exposure-duration tables: the criterion level and the exchange rate.

TABLE 2.2.5 Noise Exposure Limits

Noise Exposure Limits when Criterion Level = 90 dB(A)

3 dB(A) Exchange Rate 5 dB(A) Exchange Rate

Maximum Permitted
Daily Duration (hours)
Allowable Level dB(A) Allowable Level dB(A)

90 8 90

93 4 95

96 2 100

99 1 105

102 0.5 110

105 0.25 115

 On the other hand, if the noise level reaches 115 dB hearing protection is required if the anticipated
exposure exceeds 15 minutes.

Table above shows the permissible noise exposures that require hearing protection for employees
exposed to occupational noise at specific decibel levels for specific time periods.

Noises are considered continuous if the interval between occurrences of the maximum noise level is one
second or less.

Noises not meeting this definition are considered impact or impulse noises (loud momentary explosions
of sound) and exposures to this type of noise must not exceed 140 dB. Examples of situations or tools
that may result in impact or impulse noises are powder-actuated nail guns, a punch press or drop
hammers.

If engineering and work practice controls do not lower employee exposure to workplace noise to
acceptable levels, employees must wear appropriate hearing protection. It is important to understand that
hearing protectors reduce only the amount of noise that gets through to the ears.

The amount of this reduction is referred to as attenuation, which differs according to the type of hearing
protection used and how well it fits. Hearing protectors worn by employees must reduce an employee's
noise exposure to within the acceptable limits.

Exposure, for detailed information on methods to estimate the attenuation effectiveness of hearing
protectors based on the device's noise reduction rating (NRR). Manufacturers of hearing protection
devices must display the device's NRR on the product packaging. If employees are exposed to
occupational noise at or above 85 dB averaged over an eight-hour period, the employer is required to
institute a hearing conservation program that includes regular testing of employees' hearing by qualified
professionals.

Some types of hearing protection include:

Single-use earplugs are made of waxed cotton, foam, silicone rubber or fiberglass wool. They are self-
forming and, when properly inserted, they work as well as most molded earplugs. Pre-formed or molded
earplugs must be individually fitted by a professional and can be disposable or reusable. Reusable plugs
should be cleaned after each use. Earmuffs require a perfect seal around the ear. Glasses, facial hair,
long hair or facial movements such as chewing may reduce the protective value of earmuffs.

Selection

Following must be kept in mind while selecting:

 Requirement for the device to attenuate noise to a level not greater than85 dB (A)
 Weight
 Clamping force of earmuffs, and ear canal caps
 Suitability for use with other personal protection equipment such as helmets or goggles
 Acceptability to the wearer.

The following types of hearing equipment are commonly available.

Disposable hearing protection device - A hearing protection device formed by packing a suitable
material into or around the ear canal. Disposable hearing protection devices are discarded after a single
wearing.

Earplug - A hearing protection device, other than disposable hearing protection devices, that is inserted
into the ear canal.

Ear canal cap - A hearing protection device that covers the ear canal entrance and is held in place by a
headband.

Earmuff - A hearing protection device that covers the entire ear and is held in place by a suspension
system.

Helmet - A hearing protection device that covers the ears and an appreciable part of the head.

Suspension system - A device that holds the hearing protection device in proper position on the
wearer's head. A suspension system may be headband, a neckband or a safety helmet.

2.2.6 Body and Skin Protection

Employees who face possible bodily injury of any kind that cannot be eliminated through engineering,
work practice or administrative controls, must wear appropriate body protection while performing
their jobs. In addition to cuts and radiation, the following are examples of workplace hazards that could
cause bodily injury:

 Temperature extremes
 Hot splashes from molten metals and other hot liquids
 Potential impacts from tools, machinery and materials
 Hazardous chemicals

Employers are required to ensure that their employees wear personal protective equipment only for the
parts of the body exposed to possible injury. Examples of body protection include laboratory coats,
coveralls, vests, jackets, aprons, surgical gowns and full body suits.

There are many varieties of protective clothing available for specific hazards. If a hazard assessment
indicates a need for full body protection against toxic substances or harmful physical agents, the clothing
should be carefully inspected before each use, it must fit each worker properly and it must function
properly and for the purpose for which it is intended.

Occupational skin diseases such as contact dermatitis, skin cancers, and other skin injuries and
infections are the second-most common type of occupational disease and can be very costly. Skin
hazards, which lead to occupational skin disease, can be classified into four groups. Chemical agents can
come into contact with the skin through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, deposition of
aerosols, immersion or splashes. Physical agents such as extreme temperatures and ultraviolet or solar
radiation can be damaging to the skin over prolonged exposure.
Mechanical trauma occurs in the form of friction, pressure, abrasions, lacerations and contusions.
Biological agents such as parasites, microorganisms, plants and animals can have varied effects when
exposed to the skin.

Any form of PPE that acts as a barrier between the skin and the agent of exposure can be considered
skin protection. Because much work is done with the hands, gloves are an essential item in providing
skin protection. Some examples of gloves commonly used as PPE include rubber gloves, cut-resistant
gloves, chainsaw gloves and heat-resistant gloves.

For sports and other recreational activities, many different gloves are used for protection, generally
against mechanical trauma.
Other than gloves, any other article of clothing or protection worn for a purpose serves to protect the
skin. Lab coats for example, are worn to protect against potential splashes of chemicals. Face shields
serve to protect one's face from potential impact hazards, chemical splashes or possible infectious fluid.

Many migrant workers need training in PPE for Heat Related Illnesses prevention (HRI). Based on study
results, the research identified some potential gaps in heat safety education. While some farm workers
reported receiving limited training on pesticide safety, incoming groups of farmer workers could also
receive video and in-person training on HRI prevention.

These educational programs for farm workers are most effective then they are based on health behavior
theories, use adult learning principles and employ train-the-trainer approaches.

This form of PPE is all-encompassing and refers to the various suits and uniforms worn to protect the
user from harm. Lab coats worn by scientists and ballistic vests worn by law enforcement officials,
which are worn on a regular basis, would fall into this category. Entire sets of PPE, worn together in a
combined suit, are also in this category.

Below are some examples of ensembles of personal protective equipment, worn together for a specific
occupation or task, to provide maximum protection for the user.

Chainsaw protection (especially a helmet with face guard, hearing protection, kevlar chaps, anti-
vibration gloves, and chainsaw safety boots).

Bee-keepers wear various levels of protection depending on the temperament of their bees and the
reaction of the bees to nectar availability. At minimum most bee keepers wear a brimmed hat and a veil
made of fine mesh netting. The next level of protection involves leather gloves with long gauntlets and
some way of keeping bees from crawling up one's trouser legs. In extreme cases, specially fabricated
shirts and trousers can serve as barriers to the bees' stingers.

Diving equipment, for underwater diving, constitutes equipment such as a diving helmet or diving mask,
an underwater breathing apparatus, and a diving suit.

Firefighters wear PPE designed to provide protection against fires and various fumes and gases. PPE
worn by firefighters include bunker gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, a helmet, safety boots, and
a PASS device.

Protective clothing comes in a variety of materials, each effective against particular hazards, such as
Paper-like fiber used for disposable suits provide protection against dust and splashes. Treated wool and
cotton adapts well to changing temperatures, is comfortable and fire-resistant and protects against dust,
abrasions and rough and irritating surfaces. Duck is a closely woven cotton fabric that protects against
cuts and bruises when handling heavy, sharp or rough materials. Leather is often used to protect against
dry heat and flames.

Rubber, rubberized fabrics, neoprene and plastics protect against certain chemicals and physical hazards.
When chemical or physical hazards are present, check with the clothing manufacturer to ensure that the
material selected will provide protection against the specific hazard.
 Employees who are required to work outdoors and are exposed to the sun's rays should Attempt to
schedule work in full sun to take place outside the hours of10am to 3pm, use shade wherever possible,
wear dark, loose and closely woven clothing (long sleeved, button up, collared shirt), wear a 10 cm wide
brimmed hat or hat with a neck flap, wear gloves, put on broad spectrum water resistant SPF30+
sunscreen at least 10-15minutes before going out in the sun. Re-apply every two hours while outdoors,
drink plenty of water, wear close fitting EPF10 rated sunglasses that meet AS 1067 and check your skin
regularly for changes.

Insect Repellants

Employees who are required to work outdoors in areas where insect borne disease may be contracted
(such as Ross River Virus) shall be provided with an adequate supply of insect repellent. Selection of
insect repellents must take account of:

 Form of the product suitable for environmental conditions

 User acceptance of product (odour, consistency, colour)
 Existence of product literature on health effects (for example, allergic reactions, dermatitis, long
term effects)
 Suitability and durability of packaging
 Adequacy and permanence of labeling.

Use of Protective Creams

Barrier creams may also be used as a form of body protection. These include

 Sunscreens to protect parts of your body from UV radiation that are not easily protected by
clothes and thus protect against subsequent skin cancer when working
 outdoors or on field trips
 Hand creams to be used when wearing gloves for long periods of time which reduce
 the chances of developing contact dermatitis
 Where workers have to frequently wash their hands.
2.2.7 Fall Protection

A fall protection system is needed where there is a potential for injury due to falling while working at
elevated height. Consult with EH&S prior to procurement of any items for a fall protection system. Fall
protection regulations are contained in both General Industry Standards and Construction Standards.
Proper training and inspection of equipment is required under these regulations. Consult EH&S for
additional information.

Full body harness

Characteristics: Provides protection from injury while falling from heights

Applications: Working at heights (greater than 6 feet) and confined space retrieval

Locking carabiner

Characteristics: Connect components of a fall protection system

Applications: Working at heights (greater than 6 feet) and confined space retrieval
Shock absorbing lanyard

Characteristics: Provides connection from harness to anchor point with ability to lessen fall force factor,
working length of 6 feet
Applications: Working at heights (greater than 18.5 feet of fall clearance) for fall arrest situations

Self-retracting lifeline w/swivel

Characteristics: Provides connection from harness to anchor, shorter activation distance reduces fall
force factor
Applications: Working at heights for fall arrest situations where greater worker mobility is needed

Anchor

Characteristics: Primary point of attachment for a fall protection system, minimum 5,000 pound
breaking strength
Applications: Working at heights (greater than 6 feet) and confined space retrieval
3. Smart PPE

Wearable digital technology can be defined as clothing and PPE enhanced with built-in intelligent
electronic devices that advance workplace safety from head to toe and unlock unprecedented
opportunities to protect people. Vulnerable areas of the body are equipped with sensors and actuators
which, when interconnected, react, interact and communicate with the wearer, imparting increased
safety, protection and comfort.

The benefits

Compared to traditional PPE, smart PPE’s advanced features heighten usability and boost efficiency.
Smart PPE leads to a reduction in errors, and therefore the number and severity of workplace accidents
and injuries, giving rise to improved productivity, performance and efficiency and consequent long-term
cost savings.

Smart PPE could allow site managers to know the location of their workers and whether they are
protected and safe.

It saves time and increases compliance, resulting in improved worker protection, comfort, health and
safety and consequently a happier workforce.

The enriched tracking information, data and communication provided by smart PPE may result in a
more profitable business. Every industry thrives on facts, figures, results and numbers, so this increased
amount of data is almost manna from heaven for filling in forms for accidents, insurance, etc.

Smart PPE can identify patterns or potential dangers that could lead to injury or increased risk, and is
especially important in hazardous work environments, such as mining, oil and gas, automotive and
manufacturing, where worker safety is critical.
3.1 PPE for Hazmat Workers:

For persons who may near hazardous vapours, chemicals and particles U.S Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) defines four levels of protection with level A required for greatest protection and level D
for minimum protection. The EPA levels of protection are widely used by government agencies such as
OSHA. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has been developing safety standards since
1920.OSHA requires the PPE should meet the standards developed by ANSI. For instance, OSHA
requirements that PPE for head protection meets ANSI Z41.1-1991 standard (OSHA, 2003).international
safety equipment association is the trade association for PPE manufactures. Level A protection is
required when the greatest potential for exposure to hazards exists and when greatest level of skin,
respiratory and eye protection is required. Level B is for highest level of respiratory protection with
lesser level of skin protection. Level B protection is often adequate. Level C is required when the
concentration and type of airborne substances. Level D is used when no contaminants are present. Level
A and B protection requires the same level of respiratory protection with self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA).levels A and B protection requires the same inner and outer chemical resistant gloves
and boots but different requirements in protective suits. Six focus case studies in US found that level B
HAZMAT suits are used hundreds of times a year while. Level A suits are typically used less than 5
times a year
-.

3.2 Smart Clothing in PPE

Smart is the word used to sense and react environmental conditions as stimuli such as those from
mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical or other sources. Smart clothing uses clothing as the platform
for microprocessors, electronic devices sensors and communication devices due to miniature size .New
sensors are used in any unit of PPE such as suit, gloves head and foot protection and respirator.
A patent is filled on integrated a liquid crystal display together with an electronic circuit in to the eye
piece of a welding helmet for optical protection. The helmet requires nothing from welder except that he
has to put the helmet. He can merely pick up electrode and this invention protects his eyes solely on the
approach of electrode. This way was one of the earliest smart technology applications in PPE.
The technology of active noise reduction (ANR) is also known as active noise control or noise
cancellation .it is a technology to reduce unwanted sound by emitting a sound wave with the same
amplitude but with the inverted phase to the noise. Greater distances and penetrate passive barriers such
as cement walls which makes it very difficult to attenuate .it uses microphone in the ear cup to capture
noise, electronic active noise reduction to 20 dB to provide effective protection against noise. The noise
buster ANR earmuff is available in three models over the head, behind the head and hart hat cap mount
and can protect employees in many professions such as pipeline workers.
Smart safety eyewear

Intelligent eye protection delivers increased access to data and enhances communication and connection
to workers – especially important in high-hazard industries.

A display in the corner of lens allows information to be visualized on the inner surface while being
worn, so giving users access to sensor data.

The display can alert the wearer to hazards and provide them with documents and information. In the
case of lone workers, for example, it could be invaluable for information to be provided visually, rather
than audibly.

It is possible that smart safety glasses could in the future prevent people from entering a hazardous area
if they were not being worn by not allowing the door to open.
Smart helmets

Smart helmets use meta sensors to evaluate situations, providing information and significantly
enhancing their protective function.

Integrated acceleration sensors can detect collisions, free falling and unexpected immobility, while
others, such as those for temperature, moisture and ambient brightness, enhance communication.

The possibilities are endless. For example, there could be a chip inside a safety helmet to alert the
wearer if it has been worn, or has had any major impact on it.

The chip or sensor can be programmed to do almost anything to make the wearer intrinsically safe. For
example, it could provide a GPS tracking system for lone workers in environments such as big
construction sites or oil refineries where there is a lot of equipment, but few people.

Helmets may also have detectors on them that warn the user with an alarm if they get within range of
potentially hazardous plant and equipment.

Smart safety gloves

Near-field communication (NFC) chips can be integrated into safety gloves, enabling users to access
information via their phone or tablet.

The gloves can be customized, access to machines or the infrastructure can be regulated, and new
opportunities made available in PPE supply chain management.

Chips in gloves could be programmed to bring up the data sheets for the glove when scanned by the user
to show which chemicals they can safely be used with, reducing risk and allowing for better stock
control.
Smart gloves could have a chip in them to ensure the worker is wearing them, or that they are wearing
the right glove for use in a hazardous area.

The chip can act like a swipe card on the product, similar to those used in PPE vending machines,
preventing wearers from going into areas of risk from, for example, cross contamination.

If other pieces of PPE such as boots or gloves also contain chips, the pieces talk to each other and could
prevent a person entering a hazardous area if they are not wearing all the appropriate kit, preventing
abuse of the system and eliminating human error.

Smart safety shoes

Intelligent safety shoes use smart insoles containing chips that can detect and evaluate hazardous
situations such as the risk of slipping, alerting the wearer and enabling stress-free avoidance by other
workers.

The safety-related properties of shoes are able to be determined, and movement information collected,
by intelligent sensors, to actively identify potential damage and the loss of safety features. For example,
the wearer could be alerted to the fact that their boots were not fastened properly, or that they were
faulty.

Smart work wear

Intelligent work wear incorporates smart gesture control, allowing the operation of devices without
touching them using 3D gesture detection technology. A hand can simply be waved over the pad to
switch them on and off or read information. This prevents potential contamination and the need to
remove safety gloves to control functions on devices such as smartphones, smart glasses or machines.
3.3 Smart PPE for Fire fight Workers

The personal alert safety system (PASS) is the device about the size of portable transistor radio worn on
fire-fighters. SCBA is mandatory for all fire fighters. PASS uses a motion detector to sense the fire-
fighter’s movement or lack of movement and will emit a loud pulsating shriek if a fire-fighter collapses
or remains motionless for 30 seconds Smart Nano materials in PPE: Nano materials can be used in PPE.
Shape textile may be passive or passive. A smart textile monitors the wearer’s physiology or the
environment .for example shape memory fabrics can be used for full body protection.
Once the decision has been made to develop a smart product or smart system, PPE manufacturers still
face the critical question: What should the use case contain? Which behaviors should the system enable?

While these are some of the most common applications of wearable and sensors in PPE, they are not the
only ones by far:

Locating system – Smart mines are cropping up today which use a network system to identify the location of
each miner.

Smart communication systems – Smart helmets, ear muffs and face masks provide fast, effective
communication in loud or low-visual environments.

Safer equipment – Smart lockout/tagout, backing cameras and warning devices, smart automation on
machines and other automated safety measures keep workers safer.

Environmental protection from invisible risks – Smart protective clothing with gas, chemical, heat,
sound, UV, impact and pulse sensors monitor both the external environment and the user, alerting them
to danger in time for preventative steps and alerting supervisors if workers are in trouble.

Improve efficiency through remote management – Smart, connected safety containers monitor
hazardous materials via chemical and liquid sensors, and send regular notifications or LED/sound alerts
when things are fine. And if there is a leak, the smart container alerts the control room directly.

Phone-based app alerts – Smart sensors and wearables connected to apps can send crucial alerts, from
notifying EMTs that their medicine is out of date, to alerting users when they misuse a tool, to warnings
about weather and emergency situations at a facility.

Cyber physical technologies can be used to create Smart Fire Fighting systems. This requires a
framework to 1) collect large quantities of data/ information from a range of sources, 2) process,
analyze, and predict using that information, and 3) disseminate the results and provide targeted
information based on the predictions to enable informed decision-making by communities, fire
departments, incident commanders, and fire fighters as appropriate.

The framework needs to address many technology and standards challenges, technical and
implementation barriers, and environmental hazards on the fire ground. The solutions will facilitate a
paradigm shift from tradition-based fire protection and fire fighting to smart fire fighting.

This shift will transform fire protection and fire fighting from the current state of information and
experience-limited decision-making to a sensor-rich environment with ubiquitous data collection,
analysis and communication, ultimately leading to data-driven and science-based decision-making. This
shift will likely occur as CPS is developed and tested for various applications and employed for fire
protection and firefighting.

The ability to acquire actionable information is critical to effective firefighting operations. The value of
any specific piece of information depends on its accuracy, completeness, and accessibility. There are at
least four major types of information sources that support Smart Fire Fighting: community-based
information, building occupant information, building information, and information related to fire
fighters and their tools. Today, data from these sources are independently collected and separately
processed, which limits their effectiveness.
Processed data and actionable information

Data must be compiled, processed, and integrated into actionable information.

Sensors

The complex process of information gathering begins with sensors, which are becoming cheaper, more
powerful, and pervasive. As a starting point, leveraging existing and emerging sensor technologies and
installed systems in buildings provides opportunities for smart fire fighting. New electronic technologies
can provide an ever-increasing, sensor-rich environment from which vast amounts of potentially useful
data can be derived. Buildings will see an increase in sensors that will track both the environmental
condition and occupants’ status. Fire fighters will be equipped with sensors that track their location,
monitor their physiology, and sense their environment. Sensors in fire fighters’ personal protective
equipment (PPE), as well as in equipment and apparatus, provide the possibility of detecting and
characterizing exposure hazards and monitoring fire fighter hydration, thermal stress, and location. The
data would allow fire fighters to assess environmental conditions in real-time and take informed actions
to minimize associated risks. A key to widespread use and acceptance of these new sensors is a common
architecture and standards.

Architectures

CPS architecture defines a system’s components as well as their functions and interactions across
temporal and spatial scales. There currently is no universal CPS reference architecture that enables
collaboration and sharing of ideas and solutions within and across sectors and domains. To make
progress, Smart Fire Fighting systems and technologies require an integrated architectural design. Many
CPS deployments are sector-specific and fragmented, and have not demonstrated their true potential of
broad impact. The CPS research community is in the process of developing a framework to identify
universal or cross-cutting elements of CPS architectures. This development will help identify common
problems (such as technology integration) and solution.
Integration

Integrating sensor data with software analytics tools within and across architectural levels will require 1)
standardized networking protocols to cover wireless communications and 2) standardized syntax and
semantics to cover the conceptual content. A number of wireless standards exist already. Nevertheless,
issues regarding their effectiveness on the fireground remain.

Optimization

CPS will offer, for the first time, the ability to systematically monitor the implementation of specific
tactics on the fire ground. Since the gas temperatures throughout a structure are being tracked in real
time, an IC will be able to monitor whether a suppression team is effective in reducing fire intensity.
Based on fire data, an IC will have more information on which to choose to supplement or withdraw the
initial suppression team. Feedback from CPS to the IC will enable fire ground operations and tactics to
be improved.

Standards

The fire service is benefiting from the trend of an ever-increasing, sensor-rich environment with vast
amounts of potentially useful data. The key to widespread use and acceptance of these new technologies
is standardization. Standardization will come in two forms: performance and protocols. Performance
standards govern how sensors should function and the data they should provide. Protocols govern the
integration of sensors with other physical or electronic equipment and related software applications.

One arena where the specific topic area of Smart Fire Fighting is being addressed is within the NFPA
family of codes and standards. Two new relevant documents are NFPA 950, Standard for Data
Development and Exchange for the Fire Service, and NFPA 951, Guide to Building and Utilizing
Digital Information. NFPA 950 provides a standardized framework for the development, management,
and sharing of data for all-hazards response agencies and organizations. NFPA 951 will provide
guidance on the development and integration of information and communication systems to facilitate
information sharing for emergency response and national preparedness.

The National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) Standard SB 30-2005—Fire Service

Annunciator and Interface Standard provided the fire service with wireless information across
manufacturers’ platforms to enable easy operation without the need for specialized training on each
individual system. The NEMA SB 30 Standard was adopted for inclusion in NFPA 72, the National Fire
Alarm and Signaling Code. Since then, however, it has been rescinded, leaving a gap in an important
enabling standard. Connecting buildings to public safety networks is complex, involving networks using
different standard protocols. A large number of standards associated with Smart Fire Fighting remain to
be resolved, including some crosscutting issues, affecting all CPS:

 Secure methods of transmitting a standard data set in a standardized format

 Standardized information for first responders and standard building data models
 Standard communication protocols and user interfaces
 Implementation of appropriate authorization, authentication, and security protocols
 Interoperability standards for software and hardware
 Plug-and-play architectures that facilitate integration of cyber and physical components
Technical challenges and next steps

The idea of Smart Fire Fighting is based on creating, storing, exchanging, analyzing, and integrating
information from a wide range of databases and sensor networks. Key challenges involve innovative
design strategies, new control theory, systems integration, intelligent sensing and control, and
automation. Another key challenge is the ability to develop usable performance metrics for
experimentation, evaluation, and validation, and to enable the design, control, and efficient operation of
advanced cyber-physical systems. A third challenge is to enable interoperability among different cyber
physical systems.

As wireless networks get faster and more prevalent, as sensors become smaller and less expensive, and
as computing resources become more powerful, the potential for impact on fire fighting and public
safety using Smart Fire Fighting will continue to expand. To enable progress, many standards need to be
resolved; work is underway to address many of these, but much remains to be done.

4. Conclusion

To have effective personal protective equipment program, one person (manager, supervisor, safety) must
be responsible for its coordination. First-line supervisors must be convinced of the hazards and must be
held accountable for their employee’s use of PPE. It is necessary for new employees to receive training
during orientation. Employees should be motivated to continue to use protective gear through an on-
going safety program.

A work area assessment is required to determine the potential hazards and select the appropriate PPE for
adequate protection. Employees must receive training which includes the proper PPE for their job, when
this PPE must be worn, how to wear, adjust, maintain, and discard this equipment, and the limitations of
the PPE. All training must be documented.

Personal protective equipment can be effective only if the equipment is selected based on its intended
use, employees are trained in its use, and the equipment is properly tested, maintained, and worn.

The production, use and maintenance of PPE are highly numerous National, multinational and
international standards of smart technology are available .the integration of electronics in PPE is termed
as smart. The application and environment should not adversely affect the reliability of electronic
circuits or devices used in PPE. Smart PPE must assure easy use and maintenance. Some PPE users such
as HAZMAT workers or fire workers have quickest response time in to an incident. This requires that
the electronic devices be seamlessly integrated in to a PPE and smart PPE does not require a complete
calibration or turn on procedure. Nano technology such as Nano fibres can be used in smart PPE.

If this all sounds a bit ‘Star Trek’, it isn’t. Employers are increasingly requesting wearable technology
and smart sensors that boost safety. Good PPE manufacturers are responding to this demand and talking
to their customers, leading to greater adoption in many industries.
The possibilities and potential advantages of wearable technology really are endless and stretch as far as
imagination can take them. We are still some way off some of these, but the field is rapidly advancing
and continually evolving to meet the new requirements of the future working environment.
References:
1) OSHA 3151.pdf
2) Encyclopedia_materails.pdf
3) Smart_sample.pdf
4) Smart textiles for protection -1st edition by R Chapman
5) Study materials of ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY