Personal Protective Equipment (Eyes, Face, Hands, & Feet)
Common Causes of Eye Injuries:
- Injurious gases, vapors, and liquids
- Dusts, powders, fumes, mists
- Flying objects or particles
- Glare
- Splashing metal
- Thermal and radiation hazards
- Lasers
- Electrical hazards
- Any combination of these
Engineering Controls:
- Plant equipment and machinery is a major source of eye injuries. To guard against this, use:
Eye and Face Protection:
- Safety glasses
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Tinted lenses
- Safety frames
- Side shields
- Goggles
- Fit closer to the eyes
- Some models fit over prescription glasses
- Face shields
- Provides full-face protection
- Always wear eye protection under a face shield
When Foot Protection is Necessary:
Types of Foot Protection:
- Safety shoes
- Metatarsal guards
- Conductive shoes
- Safety boots
- Electrical hazard shoes
- Sole puncture resistant
- Static dissipative
- Foundry shoes
- Add-on foot protection
- Rubber spats
- Steel puncture-proof inserts
Donning, Doffing, Adjusting, and Wearing:
- Must be comfortable
- Must be worn properly
- Understand the shoe’s purpose and limits
- Shoes must not be altered
Limitations of Foot Protection:
- Creates false sense of security
- Loses protective ability over time
Care, Maintenance, and Use:
- Perform periodic inspection
- Follow cleaning and maintenance procedures
Types of Hand Protection:
- Mitts
- Finger cotts
- Thimbles
- Hand pad
- Sleeves or forearm cuffs
- Gloves:
- Chemical resistant
- Leather
- Metal mesh
- Plastic film
- Aramid
Safe Glove Use:
- Proper donning, doffing, adjustment, use
- Inspect gloves for defects
- Apply powder to hands
- Be cautious when wearing gloves near machinery
- Wash or rinse reusable gloves
- Pull glove off by cuff, not by the fingers
- Turn glove inside out when removing
- Store reusable gloves away from heat sources
- Contaminated gloves may need special disposal
Limitations of Hand Protection:
- Use proper glove for the job
- Gloves break down over time
- Proper fit is essential
- Limits dexterity
Care, Maintenance, Use, Disposal:
- Requires proper fit
- aintain in clean, serviceable condition
- Keep clean
- Inspect at regular intervals
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Hand Protection is Needed to Protect Against:
- Mechanical injuries
- Extreme heat or cold
- Electric shock or burns
- Skin irritation from chemicals or germs