Toolbox Talks-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 The following are some main highlights from the toolbox talks original format:

A. Objectives

This talk covers the following points: 

• Protection Against Various hazards.
• Compatibility with PPE Users. 
• PPE Pre-use user checks. 
• Safe use of PPE.
• PPE Use as Last Resort.

B. Protection Against Hazards/Risks

• High-speed flying particles, 
• Vapors, and splashes inhaling dust or fumes, 
• Electrical shock, 
• Cuts & abrasions, 
• Noise, 
• Falling objects, 
• Foot, 
• Others.

C. When PPE Should Be Worn?

Before you resort to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you should first:

Use administrative controls

• Does the job need to be done?
• Can you use multiple people at different times so one person is not exposed to a hazard for an extended period?

Implement Engineering Controls

• Use local exhaust or general ventilation. 
• A Respirator Control Dust (RCD) with a wet process essentially.
• Install sound-reducing devices to mechanical equipment.
• When these other two means of protection are failed and do not work properly, you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. (Often PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection.)

D. Basic Types of PPE:

Head: Hard helmet Protects against falling, bumping, splashing, electrical hazards)

Hearing Over 90 Decibels for 8 hours a day requires and recommends hearing protection.

Ear Muffs or Ear Plugs: One size fit all, comfortable, less ear infection risk

Face/Eye: Working with any chemical or using any mechanical equipment

Face Shield:  Protect face from splashing and particles

Safety Glasses: Protection from solids (cutting, sanding, grinding.

Safety Goggles:  Protects eyes from splashing

Hand Use correct glove for the job

Gloves Chemical:  Refer to manufacturer info for breakthrough rating for different gloves (Nitrile, Latex, PVC…

Gloves: Special gloves for slicing/cutting, burning, abrasions/blisters.

Body: Never reuse Tyvek suits and wash lab coats after every use

Lab Coats:  Protects clothes/skin from minor splashes

Tyvek Suits:  Can protect against dust, vapors, and splashes (depending on the type of suit)

Safety Toe/Steel Toe Boots:  Always worn when the potential for falling hazards exists

Water/Chemical Resistant Booties:  Use in a spill situation

E. Group Discussion Topics

• What jobs require you to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?  
• What possible injuries could result from not having Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?  
• Has anyone been injured when Personal Protective Equipment would have prevented the injury?
• Inspect your work area for Personal Protective Equipment; replace broken equipment, order-missing equipment

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Toolbox Talks-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)