PersonalProtectiveEquipment,ChristineKleenThomasLangill,Ph.D .(HSENotes,2007Dec,Rev .1)

8/15/2019 PersonalProtectiveEquipment,ChristineKleenThomasLangill,Ph.D .(HSENotes,2007Dec,Rev .1)

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American Galvanizers Association December 2007 Rev. 1

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Introduction

The use of personal protective equipment(PPE) is essential for the protection ofworkers in a galvanizing facility. The type of

PPE used depends on the work environment.PPE commonly used at a galvanizing facilityinclude a hard hat, safety glasses, face shields,hearing protection, gloves, coveralls, andsafety footwear.

Background Information and PPERegulation

In OSHA’s regulation, 29 CFR 1910.132,“PPE is to be provided, used, and maintained

in a sanitary and reliable condition wheneverit is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards,radiological hazards, or mechanical irritantsencountered in a manner capable of causinginjury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption,inhalation, or physical contact.”

Preventative measures should be implemented before PPE is selected. Engineering controls,

housekeeping and hygiene are three preventative measures. PPE should be usedin conjunction with these controls to providefor employee safety and health in theworkplace.

PPE includes all work accessories andclothing designed to create a barrier againstworkplace hazards. Selection of the correctPPE for a job is important. Employers andemployees must both understand theequipment’s purpose and its limitations.

Assessment of the Regulation

Employers are required to evaluate theworkplace to determine if hazards are presentor likely to be present that require the use ofhead, eye, face, hand, or feet protection. If

hazards or the likelihood of hazards arefound, employers must select and haveaffected employees use properly fitted PPEsuitable for protection from these hazards. In29 CFR 1910.132, “employers must certify in

writing that a workplace hazard assessmenthas been performed, the date(s) of the hazardassessment, and identifies the document as acertification of hazard assessment.”

OSHA’s non-mandatory appendix in 29 CFR1910.132 outlines general complianceguidelines for identifying, organizing, andanalyzing sources of hazards and selectioncriteria for protective gear. According toAppendix B, a hazard assessment must

consist of a walkthrough survey of thefacility. Observations on the likelihood ofinjury or illness should be noted. Some areasthat should be observed are:

• Sources of motion – such asmachinery or processes

• Sources of high temperature• Types of chemical exposures• Sources of harmful dust that can

accumulate or become airborne• Sources of light radiation• Sources of falling objects or the potential for dropping objects• Sources of sharp objects• Sources of rolling or pinching objects• Layout of workplace and location of

co-workers• Any electrical hazards

Employer Payment of PPE

OSHA has placed a proposed rule onemployer payment of PPE on their long-termagenda. OSHA published the proposed rulein the Federal Register on March 31, 1999and plans to revise the PPE rule to clarifyemployers’ requirements to pay for PPE andunder what circumstances.


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Many OSHA standards already requireemployers to provide employees with PPE. These requirements address PPE of manykinds: hard hats, gloves, goggles, safetyshoes, safety glasses, welding helmets and

goggles, face shields, chemical protectiveequipment, and so forth. The provisions inOSHA standards that require PPE generallystate that the employer is to provide suchPPE; however, some of these provisions donot specify that the employer is to providesuch PPE at no cost to the employee.

OSHA has proposed regulatory language toclarify that with only a few exceptions forspecific types of PPE, the employer must pay

for the PPE provided. The specific types ofPPE OSHA has exempted in certaincircumstances are safety-toe protectivefootwear, prescription safety eyewear, andlogging boots. Currently, OSHA has delayedany decision on the proposed rule and thenext step has not been determined.1

PPE for Galvanizing Areas

A galvanizing facility uses many overhead

cranes that are constantly moving heavy steel pieces. A hard hat can minimize the chanceof a serious accident caused by fallingobjects. Safety glasses, goggles, face shields,visors, and masks protect eyes against heatand chemical splashes and flying debris.Splashes from the galvanizing process tanksand particles from the finishing and repairarea can be hazardous to the eyes.

Gloves are probably the most widely useditem of PPE. Gloves are traditionally made ofleather, but can be made of different types ofmaterial to protect against specific hazards,such as handling sharp pieces of steel andwire. Some areas of a galvanizing plant mayrequire additional body coverings.Employees may wear protective garmentssuch as overalls, jump suits or aprons to

protect against chemical spills and moltenzinc splashes.Industrial safety footwear with steel-toes isdesigned to prevent injuries to feet caused byfalling objects and to provide good traction on

slippery surfaces. Impact resistant shoes aredesigned to protect against falling or cuttingobjects. Both types of footwear areappropriate throughout the galvanizingfacility. Rubber boots should be worn in thechemical processing area. Chemical resistantrubber or neoprene boots are designed to protect the feet from chemical hazards. These boots combined with impact resistantfootwear are appropriate for the cleaning and pickling areas of the plant.

In the galvanizing process, there are severalareas where PPE is used.

• Caustic and other DegreasingCleaners – hard hats, gloves, rubbersafety footwear, eye protection andface shields

• Pickling – rubber gloves and aprons,eye protection, hard hats, and rubberor neoprene safety-toe foot wear

• Fluxing – safety goggles or face

shield, rubber gloves and apron,neoprene or rubber footwear, hard hats• Galvanizing Kettle – safety footwear,

hard hats, face shields, eye protection,flame-retardant coveralls and gloves

• Post-treatment Solutions – safetygoggles, rubber gloves, a rubber apronand rubber safety footwear, hard hats

• Inspection/Cleanup – gloves, safetyglasses, face shields, hearing protection, respirator protection, hard

hatso Welding – non-flammableclothing, hand and eye protection


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Eye and Face Protection

Employers are required to provide suitableeye protection to each affected employeewhere there is a potential for injury to the

eyes or face. Some of the potential hazardsthat might cause eye or face injuries includethe following:

• Dust and other flying particles, such asmetal shavings

• Molten metal that might splash• Acids and other caustic liquid

chemicals that might splash• Intense light, such as that created by

welding arcs and lasers2

There are several types of eye protection thatcan be used.• Safety glasses• Goggles• Face shields – used in conjunction

with goggles or safety glasses aroundoperations that expose employees tomolten metal, chemical splashes, orflying particles. The face shield must be 6 inches high and 0.04 inchesthick.3

• Welding helmet – uses specialabsorptive lenses that filter the intenselight and radiant energy that is produced during welding operations;safety glasses or goggles should also be worn

When there is a hazard from flying objects,eye protection shall have side protection.Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on orslide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent

requirements of 29 CFR 1910.133 areacceptable. For employees that use prescriptive lenses, employers shall provideeye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design or provide eye protection that can be worn over the prescriptive lenses.

Employees that weld or are in contact withinjurious light radiation shall use equipmentwith filter lenses that have a shade numberappropriate for the work being performed.The appropriate shade index for the filter

lenses is located in 29 CFR 1910.133.Eye and face protection should meet thefollowing minimum requirements:

• Provide adequate protection againstthe particular hazards for which theyare designed

• Be reasonably comfortable when wornunder the designated conditions

• Fit snugly without interfering with themovements or vision of the wearer

• Be durable• Be capable of being disinfected• Be easy to clean• Be kept clean and in good repair 4

There are also protective measures that can beused in combination with appropriate eye andface protectors.

• Machine guards – always make surethat guards, shields, and screens are in place and in good working order before using these types of machines

• Work area barriers – set up to separateworkers and bystanders fromhazardous operations

• Ventilation – can significantly reducethe amount of airborne particles thatcould be hazardous to eyes

• Lighting – good lighting reduces eyestrain and glare and also promotes both safety and improved productivity

• Signs and warnings – obstructions and protruding objects should be identifiedand marked

• Eyewash stations – located within 100feet of the work area

In caring for eye and face protection,equipment shall be cleaned using mild soapand water after every use. Eye and face protection shall also be kept in good working


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order and stored in cool dry areas away frommoisture.5

Hearing Protection

Exposure to high noise levels can causehearing loss or impairment. There is no curefor noise-induced hearing loss. Prevention isthe only way to avoid hearing damage.Employees should wear a hearing protectiondevice whenever exposed to noise that is 85decibels or greater for an 8-hour period oftime.

There are several different hearing protectiondevices. Foam earplugs, PVC earplugs, and

earmuffs are the most popular hearing protection devices. The type of hearing protection to use depends on the level of noiseencountered. Occupational noise exposure iscovered in 29 CFR 1910.95.

When using hearing protection devices, thereare advantages and disadvantages, dependingon the type of hearing protection deviceselected.5

Advantages ofEarplugs Disadvantages ofEarplugsSmall and lightweight May work loose and

require occasionalrefitting

Comfortable in hotenvironments

Require specific fittinginstructions

Easily used with othersafety equipment

Are frequently soiled

Advantages ofEarmuffs

Disadvantages ofEarmuffs

Easy for employer tosupervise the wearing ofthis device

May fit tight on the head

One size fits all Uncomfortable in warmenvironments

Fits better for longer periods of time

Problems occur whenused with otherequipment

Hearing protective devices should be stored ina clean, cool, dry place. If foam earplugs become soiled, torn, or stiff, the earplugsshould be discarded and a new pair used.PVC earplugs can be cleaned in a mild

solution of soap and water and dried with asoft towel. PVC earplugs should be discardedwhen they become torn or brittle. Earmuffsshould be inspected for cracks around thefoam cups. If the earmuffs are damaged, theyshould be repaired immediately or a new pairissued.5

Employers shall administer a continuing,effective hearing conservation programwhenever employee noise exposures equal or

exceed an 8-hour time-weighted averagesound level (TWA) of 85 decibels. Theemployer shall also develop and implement amonitoring program. Monitoring shall berepeated whenever there is a change in production, process, equipment or controlsthat increase noise exposures to the extent thatadditional employees may be exposed at orabove the action level. If the attenuation provided by hearing protectors being used byemployees may be rendered inadequate,

monitoring shall also be repeated.The key elements of a hearing conservation program include monitoring workplace noiselevels, annual employee training, and annualaudiometric testing. Annual audiometrictesting serves as a measure of the overalleffectiveness of the hearing conservation program.6

Respiratory Protection

The primary objective of preventingatmospheric contamination is to controloccupational diseases and hazards caused by breathing air contaminated with harmfuldusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes,sprays, or vapors. This should beaccomplished, when feasible, by accepted


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engineering control measures (for example,enclosure or confinement of the operation,general and local ventilation, and substitutionof less toxic materials). When effectiveengineering controls are not feasible or while

they are being instituted, appropriaterespirators shall be used.

Employers may provide respirators at therequest of employees or allow employees touse their own respirators if the employerdetermines that such respirator use will not initself create a hazard. If voluntary respiratoruse is permissible, the employer shall providerespirator users with information fromAppendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134,

“Information for employees using respiratorswhen not required under the standard.”

In order to use respirators at a facility, arespirator program needs to be in effect. Arespiratory protection program is designed to provide information and protection againstairborne inhalation hazards and to ensurerespirators are properly selected, used, andmaintained by personnel. Employers arerequired to develop and implement a written

respiratory protection program with requiredworksite specific procedures and elements.The program shall be updated as necessary toreflect changes in workplace conditions thataffect respirator use. Employers are notrequired to include in a written respiratory protection program employees whose onlyuse of respirators involves the voluntary useof filtering face pieces (dust masks).Respirators and the requirements of thewritten respiratory protection program areaddressed in 29 CFR 1910.134.

Employers shall provide respirators, training,and medical evaluations to the employee at nocost. Before the employee is fit-tested orrequired to use the respirator in theworkplace, a medical evaluation is performed

to determine the employee’s ability to use arespirator.

There are two major categories of respirators,air purifying and supplied air. The selection

of an appropriate respirator shall be based onthe respiratory hazard(s) to which the workeris exposed. In the selection of a respirator,the employer needs to do the following:

• Determine the level of hazard that is posed by the environment and wherethe work is being done

• Determine the type, form, toxicity,concentration, and time exposed to thecontaminant

• Assess individual sensitivity to the

contaminant• Assess individual requirements – does

employee have glasses/facialhair/dentures/wears other PPE (all canaffect the fit of the respirator)5

• Select a NOISH-certified respirator –shall be used in compliance with theconditions of its certification

• Select respirators from a sufficientnumber of respirator models and sizesso that the respirator is acceptable to,

and correctly fits, the user

Respirators need to be cleaned, stored, andmaintained so that they do not present ahealth hazard to the users. Respirators used inroutine situations shall be inspected beforeeach use and during cleaning. Wheninspecting respirators look for:

• Cracks or chips in the faceplate• Cracks or holes in the breathing tube

or airlines• Worn or frayed straps• Worn or damaged fittings• Bent or corroded buckles• Dirty or improperly seated valves

Respirators should also be monitored to besure they are working properly. A respiratoris not working when:


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• The user can smell or taste thecontaminant

• Breathing becomes difficult• The user becomes dizzy or nauseous• Manufacturer’s recommended service

life of the filters or cartridges expire• Respirator is damaged 5

Respirators that fail an inspection or are foundto be defective should be removed fromservice and either discarded or repaired.Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to bemade only people appropriately trained andshall be done according to the manufacturer’srecommendations and specifications for thetype and extent of repairs to be performed.

Respirators should be stored when not in use.To store the respirator, place in a sealable plastic bag. The respirator should be storedsomewhere that is convenient, but away fromdust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, moisture,and damaging chemicals. Respirators shouldalso be packed or stored to preventdeformation of the face piece and exhalationvalve.5

Head Protection

Employers shall ensure that an employeewears a protective helmet when working inareas where there is a potential for injury tothe head from falling objects and bumpingheads against fixed objects, such as exposed pipes or beams. When employees areexposed near electrical conductors that wouldcontact the head, employers shall ensure thata protective helmet designed to reduce

electrical shock is worn.2

Protective helmets purchased after July 5, 1994 shall complywith ANSI Z89.1-1986, “American NationalStandard for Personnel Protection – ProtectiveHeadwear for Industrial Workers –Requirements.” Head protection is covered in29 CFR 1910.135.

There are several types of hard hats availablefor head protection.

• Class A – protects from falling objectsand electric shocks up to 2,200 volts

• Class B – protects from falling objects

and electrical shocks up to 20,000volts• Class C – protects from falling objects

but does not protect from electricalshocks and corrosive substances

• Bump caps – designed to protect from bumping head on protruding objects but does not protect from fallingobjects or electrical shocks5

When inspecting head protection equipment,

look for cracks, nicks, dents, gouges, and anydamage caused by impact, penetration,abrasions, or rough treatment. If a hard hat ismade of thermoplastic (polyethylene, polycarbonate) materials, inspect the shell forthe following: stiffness, brittleness, fading,dullness of color, or a chalky appearance. Ifthe shell exhibits any of these conditions or ifthe shell is obviously otherwise damaged, thehard hat should be removed from service andreplaced immediately.7

Maintenance should also be performed onhard hats.

• Clean hard hat at least once a month(or as needed) to remove oil, grease,chemicals and sweat that can collect inand around the hat.

• Clean by soaking in a solution of mildsoap and hot water for 5-10 minutes.Rinse with clean water, wipe and letair dry or follow the manufacturer’s

recommendation.• Sunlight and heat can damage the

suspension of the hard hat. Store hardhat in a clean, dry and cool location.5


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Foot Protection

Employers shall ensure that each affectedemployee uses protective footwear whenworking in areas where there is a danger of

foot injuries. Protective footwear purchasedafter July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSIZ41-1991, “American National Standard forPersonal Protection – Protective Footwear.”Foot protection is covered under 29 CFR1910.136.

Some potential hazards for feet are:• Heavy objects, such as barrels or tools

that might roll onto or fall on feet• Sharp objects, such as nails or spikes

that might pierce the soles or uppers ofordinary shoes• Molten metal that might splash on feet

or legs• Hot or wet surfaces• Exposure to electrical hazards• Slippery surfaces2

When wearing and using safety footwear, thecorrect selection of footwear for the type ofactivity encountered should be taken into

consideration.• Select and use the right kind of

footwear for the job.• Avoid footwear made of leather or

cloth if work is around acids orcaustics. These chemicals quickly eatthrough the leather or cloth and caninjure feet.

• Select footwear that fits

There are several different types of safetyshoes and boots.

• Steel toe – protects toes from beingcrushed by falling objects

• Metatarsal – special guards that runfrom the ankle to toes and protectentire foot

• Reinforced sole – metal reinforcementthat protects foot from punctures

• Latex/rubber – resists chemicals and provides extra traction on slipperysurfaces

• PVC – protects against moisture andimproves traction

• Butyl – protects against most ketones,aldehydes, alcohols, acids, salts, andalkalies

• Vinyl – resists solvents, acids,alkalies, salts, water, grease, and blood

• Nitrile – resists animal fats, oils, andchemicals

• Electrostatic dissipating – conductsstatic electricity to floors that aregrounded

• Electrical hazard – insulated withtough rubber to prevent shocks and burns from electricity

• Disposable – shower slippers, clear polyethylene and non-woven bootiesused in dust free work areas5

Maintenance and inspection of the footwearshould be implemented to be sure that thefootwear is still appropriate for use.

• Inspect footwear before use. Look forholes and cracks that might allowfluids to leak into the footwear

• Replace footwear that are worn or torn• After working with chemicals, hose

footwear with water to rinse away anychemicals or dirt before removingfootwear

• Avoid borrowing footwear• Store footwear in a clean, cool, dry,

ventilated area

Hand Protection

Hand protection is covered under 29 CFR1910.138. There are several types of glovesto use when exposed to chemicals and moltenmetal, everyday handling and finishing ofsteel parts, and high temperature. Employersshall base the selection of appropriate hand protection on the task to be performed,


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conditions present, duration of use, and thehazards and potential hazards identified.

• Metal mesh – resists sharp edges and prevent cuts

• Leather – shields hands from rough

surfaces• Vinyl and neoprene – protects against

harmful chemicals• Rubber – protects when working

around electricity• Padded cloth – protects hands from

sharp edges, slivers, dirt and vibration• Heat resistant – protects from heat

and flames• Latex disposable – protects from

germs and bacteria• Lead-lined – protects from radiation

sources5

When wearing and using gloves, themaintenance and inspection of the gloves areimportant to the effectiveness of the PPE.

• Select and use the right kind of glovefor the job

• Select gloves that fit• For gloves that have a life expectancy,

discard the gloves after therecommended time has expired

• Remove any rings, watches, or bracelets that might cut or tear gloves

• Wash hands before and after wearinggloves

• Inspect gloves before use. Look forholes and cracks

• Replace gloves that are worn or torn• After working with chemicals, hold

gloved hands under running water torinse away any chemicals or dirt before removing the gloves

• Wash cotton gloves as needed• Avoid borrowing gloves• Store gloves right side out in a clean,

cool, dry, ventilated area

• Never wear gloves around poweredrotating equipment, such as drills,lathes, etc.5

Protective Clothing

Protective clothing is designed to give theworker limited protection from exposure tohazards such as fire, extreme heat, moltenmetal, corrosive chemicals, body impact, cuts,and cold temperature.2 Protective apparelincludes jackets, coats, aprons, trousers,sleeves, leggings, and coveralls. The particular clothing material and style should be selected based on the hazards involved.

The following information on protectiveclothing was taken from studies done by twocompanies. Their investigation suggestedcertain types of clothing that are suitable foraround the galvanizing kettle. After anaccident at a galvanizing facility that used therecommended type of protective clothing andthe accident victims were burned through therecommended PPE, a study was conducted bythis company to investigate different protective clothing products.

Two companies, Witt Galvanizing 8 and Noranda9, investigated different protectiveclothing that could be used near molten metal.The isolated study conducted by WittGalvanizing was internally performed andrated clothing material that successfully provided protection against exposure tomolten zinc.

The test conducted was based on ASTM

specification F 955-96, “Evaluating HeatTransfer through Materials for ProtectiveClothing upon Contact with MoltenSubstances.” Materials for the zinc test werealso exposed to sulfuric and caustic solutionsand allowed to dry. This test simulatedsplashing of surface cleaning solutions in thegalvanizing process.


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During the test, zinc ran off and scorched thecolor out of the material. The materialssmoked a little and did not heat the clothingattached to the wood splashboard. In order of

ranking, the following clothing material wasaccepted for use near the kettle.

1. Nomex® 950, Green2. Kevlar ® 29, Yellow3. Nomex® 650, Blue4. Indura® Cotton, Blue – did develop a

small 1/32” hole in the zinc exposurearea but zinc was also wicked away bythe fabric

For the caustic and sulfuric acid test, theliquid solution rolled off the material andcaused no apparent degradation of material.The following materials were found to besuitable.

• Nomex® 950, Green• Kevlar ® 29, Yellow• Nomex® 650, Blue

The Indura® fabric was also an effectivematerial, however, there was some

deterioration in the liquid exposure area. Thematerials used in this test were ranked basedon the condition of the material in the area ofthe liquid solution exposure after 25washings.8

Noranda investigated the performance ofthree fabrics that could be used for protectiveclothing in a casting area of a magnesium plant. The fabrics were tested for resistanceto the heat generated by a molten magnesium

splash.There were two critical factors that Norandainvestigated.

1. The fabric must be flame resistant sothat it will not ignite and continue to burn when the heat source is removed

2. In exposure to molten magnesium, thefabric must demonstrate ability to getrid of molten metal from its surfacewithout forming a hole

The fabrics tested were Vinex®

, cotton andwool serge. Vinex® is a flame resistant fabricthat is a blend of 85% inherently flameresistant Vinal (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber and15% polynosic rayon. Wool serge is a type oftwilled woolen fabric. Of the fabrics tested,wool serge offered the best flame andmagnesium splash resistance. The moltenmetal did not stick to the fabric and the fabriccan provide an extended protection againstsevere burns.10

After an accident where the employees wereoutfitted in Nomex® material around thekettle area and still became burned throughthe Nomex®, Valmont Industries, Inc. 10 underwent an internal investigation of sevendifferent materials. The seven materials wereProban® FR-7A, Nomex®, Genesis®, Indura®,Vinex®, Banox®, Oasis®, and PR-97®.Material was cut into rough 14 x 14 inchsquares and placed on a frame that held the

material into place for testing. A frame wasconstructed of angle iron and set at 70degrees. The test samples were held onto theframe using small spring clamps. A ladle thatheld seven fluid ounces of zinc was used to pour over the different materials.

Results from Valmont’s investigation showedthat Nomex ® is not suitable for areas thatare exposed to molten zinc . This differsfrom the Witt study’s recommendations. Themain difference between the two studies is thequantity of zinc that was exposed to thetesting material. Valmont pouredsignificantly more zinc on their materialswhen conducting their test. Valmont’s studyalso had the same results as Noranda in theirtesting of Vinex®. Vinex® is also not suitable


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around the kettle area. The results of theother materials tested are:

• Proban® FR-7A – no sticking ofzinc on the material, slight char onthe fabric, material burned but did

not ignite.• Nomex® and Genesis® (Nomex®

material under a different tradename) – severe sticking of zinc tothe material, some shrinkage, zincdid not burn through the fabric

• Vinex® – severe sticking of zinc,some small holes burned throughthe fabric, moderate shrinkage

• Indura® – moderate to heavysticking of zinc, charring and a few

small holes where there was heavyadhesion, Indura® style 315 showedlight sticking of zinc and a fewsmall charred spots

• Banox® – very little sticking ofzinc, adhesion of zinc was minimal,no holes burned through thematerial

• Oasis® – moderate to heavy zincsticking, no signs of shrinkage butsevere charring on the backside of

samples, zinc did burn or meltthrough the material in a couple ofsmall spots

• PR-97® – moderate to heavysticking of the zinc with goodadhesion, charring and discolorationon the backside of test sample,couple small areas where the zinchad burned through the material

After reviewing the information on the seven

materials, Valmont decided to use the Banox®

material since it performed the best with theleast zinc adhesion and little charring.Besides using the Banox®, Valmont also usesthe following PPE around the galvanizingkettle.

• Leather steel toed boots withmetatarsal guards

• Spats to cover the boots• Banox® chaps to cover the legs• Kevlar ® sleeves that cover wrist and

forearms• Green Proban® jacket• Heavier more heat resistant gloves

with longer cuff• Safety glasses• Hard hat with face shield attachment• Proban® shroud to cover the back of

the neck

In an informal survey of galvanizers, othertypes of protective clothing used werealuminized fabric and cotton. Cotton will still burn but can give employees some level of protection in the event of a molten zincsplash. The cotton material is usually treatedwith a flame retardant. Some galvanizershave noted that workers using special flameretardant fabrics have complained that thefabric was too hot to work in while near thekettle. Nylon material or nylon syntheticfabric is not recommended for use since thematerial will quickly melt on contact with themolten zinc.

PPE Training

Employers are to provide training to eachemployee who is required to use PPE. Eachemployee should be trained to know at leastthe following:

• When PPE is necessary• What PPE is necessary• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and

wear PPE• The limitations of the PPE• The proper care, maintenance, useful

life and disposal of the PPE4

Employers are required to certify in writingthat training has been carried out and thatemployees have an understanding of the


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material. Each written certification shallcontain the name of each employee trained,the date(s) of training, and identify the subjectof certification.

Employees must also be aware that PPE doesnot eliminate the hazard. If the PPE fails,exposure will occur. To reduce the possibilityof failure, equipment must be properly fittedand maintained in a clean and serviceablecondition. Employers and employees mustunderstand the PPE purpose and itslimitations.

Employees should periodically inspect PPEfor:

• Evidence of chemical attack, such asdiscoloration, swelling, stiffening, andsoftening (Note: chemical permeationcan occur without any visible effects)

• Failure to close• Tears• Punctures• Ripped seams5

Summary

PPE is essential in maintaining the safety ofworkers. In the galvanizing industry, avariety of PPE is used to protect employees.Employers determine the selection ofappropriate PPE based on legal requirementsand previous plant accident experience.Proper choice of equipment is important toensure the safety of personnel.

Bibliography

(1) Federal Register, Vol. 64, No. 61, “EmployerPayment for Personal Protective Equipment,”Wednesday, March 31, 1999, Proposed Rules

(2) Assessing the Need for Personal ProtectiveEquipment: A Guide for Small Business Employers.U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety andHealth Administration. 2000.

(3) Johnson, Linda F., “Its Got You Covered,”Occupational Health & Safety. March 1997.

(4) Personal Protective Equipment. U.S. Department ofLabor Occupational Safety & Health Administration.Feb. 2001.

(5) Instructional Designs, Inc. Personal Protection Equipment Course. 2000.< http://www.free-training.com/osha/ppe/ppemenu.htm>

(6) Rink, Ph.D., Timothy L., “Hearing ProtectionWorks,” Occupational Health & Safety . October 1996.

(7) Brown, Kristin, “Taking Care of Your Hard Hat,”Occupational Health & Safety . November 2001.

(8) Witt Galvanizing, “Uniform Materials StudyGalvanizing Kettlemen Materials,” December 2000.

(9) Vermette, Pierre and Baril, Eric, “Flame andmagnesium slash resistance of selected fabrics”(English Translation of “Rapport des essais deflammabilité des tissus des vêtements de fonderie,”

Noranda Inc. Technology Centre. January 25, 2000.

(10) Valmont Industries, Inc., “Testing PPE forworking around the Kettle,” August 2007

Documents

PersonalProtectiveEquipment,ChristineKleenThomasLangill,Ph.D .(HSENotes,2007Dec,Rev .1)