Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines and information to effectively control risks associated with personal protective equipment (PPE).
Scope
This procedure applies to all workers of our company and includes contractors, volunteers, work experience students, trainees and clients.
Policy Statement
Our company will provide appropriate PPE to:
- All workers within the company need to obtain the correct PPE for their work environment. This can be achieved by conducting a risk assessment for each different type of working environment with regard to PPE and the hazards/risks identified.
Purchase of PPE
When purchasing PPE, the following should be considered:
- A process to check if the PPE is correct for the job task (e.g. correct impact rating for face shields: high [symbol V], medium [symbol I] and low or chemical [symbol CT], this should be marked on the visor).
- A process to check that correct respirators are purchased (e.g. cartridges and always double-strap dust masks that meet Australian Standards).
- The authority to purchase PPE is with the purchasing officer and/or the supervisor.
Selection of PPE
When selecting PPE for a particular work process or task, consider the following general principles:
- Be familiar with the risks of the work process or task by evaluating the nature of the risk, circumstances and restrictions of the tasks to be performed.
- Be aware of the exposure to risk at work and ensure that appropriate PPE is available for the task.
- Ensure items are worn correctly, will fit properly, have reasonable comfort and comply with Australian Standards.
- Signs should be posted in obvious locations at the workplace wherever it is necessary to use PPE.
Issuing PPE
When issuing PPE the following should be considered:
- The worker receiving PPE will be required to sign for the items.
- A record of PPE issued needs to be kept.
- After the initial issue, PPE will be reissued when it passes the expiry date or the employee completes a Damaged/Lost/Stolen PPE Report.
- Before any blanket coverage of new PPE is introduced to the workplace, random trials will be conducted with selected staff and evaluated by the workers, supervisors, and the purchasing officer.
Using PPE
When using PPE consider the following:
- PPE must be used in accordance with instructions to ensure an adequate level of protection is gained.
- PPE must be used for its intended purpose.
- PPE must not be modified.
- Workers and others are to be informed that they must obey all blue PPE mandatory signs.
Training in PPE
- Our company will offer training on how to use and wear PPE.
- PPE will be included in the induction training program.
- Specific job training should be completed for high-risk tasks utilising PPE (i.e. breathing apparatus for confined space work).
- Ongoing training or refresher training should be provided periodically to ensure that PPE is continuing to be used properly.
- Staff will be advised of the requirements of PPE through toolbox talks and be issuing the Take 5 paper for PPE Management.
Care of PPE
All workers have a responsibility to care for their PPE. Use Checklist for PPE Damage and give consideration to the following:
- The worker is responsible for the maintenance of their PPE so that its effective life is maximised.
- Items which are suitable may be marked or engraved with workers name or initials.
Storage of PPE
It is extremely important that staff store PPE correctly using the following guides:
- Check instructions on PPE for storage information.
- Store PPE in a clean and fully operational condition.
- PPE is to be securely stored when not in use.
- Storage should ensure that the PPE is safe from damage however easily accessible (e.g. respirator masks in plastic bags or sealed container).
Maintenance of PPE
Staff must ensure that PPE has appropriate maintenance, consider the following:
- All maintenance and repair of PPE are to be documented.
- All equipment is to be maintained to manufacturer’s requirements.
- Repair or discard damaged or defective PPE.
Unserviceable PPE
If PPE is unserviceable, worn out, damaged, lost or stolen, refer to the following:
- PPE that is worn out is to be returned to the supervisor. If a replacement is required, the PPE Register will be updated.
- PPE that is damaged, lost or stolen is to be reported as soon as practicable (the equipment will be replaced immediately if required). The employee must complete Damaged/Lost/Stolen Report and submit to their supervisor.
Inspection of PPE
Supervisors are to conduct regular inspection of their workers PPE to ensure that it is being maintained and is serviceable.
Supervisors are to randomly check if their workers are using/wearing the PPE provided and if they are using/wearing it correctly.
Records of PPE
- Any records relating to PPE should be retained.
- Relevant workers are to be advised of PPE Management requirements through the conduction of a toolbox talk, issuing PPE Management requiring the completion of the Take 5 Quiz, signing the quiz and the records are to be kept.
- Conduct a formal review of PPE Management at pre-determined intervals (12 monthly) to ensure continuing suitability, accuracy and effectiveness.
Definitions
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?- includes clothing, equipment or substances designed to be worn or used by a person and to protect the person from risks of injury or illness.