Personal protective equipment or PPE is required for a different work environment. There are safety officers who constantly checks for the proper wearing and use of different protective gear such as goggles, harnesses, and respiratory protective equipment.
Some workers shrug off the importance of wearing these gear. However, they are required to keep the workplace safe and secure for all workers. These PPEs are the first line of defence against health risks and hazards in the workplace.
There are many kinds of protective gear and equipment that can be used for workplace safety. These include, but are not limited to safety footwear, eye protection, high visibility clothing, helmets, and equipment for respiratory protection.
Depending on the kind of industry and the work environment, a safety officer may be required to wear complete and comprehensive personal protective gear.
Protective Eyewear
These should be highly visible and flame resistant just like all other protective wear in the workplace. This protects the eyes from metal or chemical splashes, vapours, radiation, dust, and others.
This is well fitted to the eyes and in accordance with the requirements of the job. Some examples of this face shield with a screen, visors, and glasses.
Ear Protection
This must be the least considered when it comes to protection, but the workers can experience irreversible damage to the eardrums and lose their hearing due to loud noises of machinery. Workers exposed to these hazards are advised to wear earplugs, muffs or caps to protect their ears.
Head Protection
The head, neck including the eyes should be protected and shielded from flying or falling objects that can cause injuries and accidents. These items should be an integral part of any personal protective equipment.
Hand and Arm Protection
In workplaces where there are extremely high or low temperatures, lengthy water exposure, abrasions, chemicals or electricity, workers need a hand and arm protection to avoid risky conditions.
Leg and Feet Protection
Strong work boots with metal toecaps are essential protection in the different workplace. These boots are not easily damaged, and the feet are kept safe from all hazards. Proper footwear may be determined once the risks are assessed in the workplace.
Respiratory Protective Gear
These are necessary gear that protects the lungs from harmful fumes, gases, dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Depending on the risk of the area, there are also different types of respiratory protection ranging from a simple mask and the full-faced masks.
Different industries and jobs use personal protective equipment. It can be in building construction, health care services, food and catering, military or gas and oil industries. There are safety guidelines and regulations set forth by the employment sector, and the use of this protective equipment is mandated by international the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure the safety of the workers at all times. Although some people think that this is only a troublesome burden, this equipment can save workers from fatal accidents if properly used.
