Getting your PPE Facts right 5 Facts and 5 Myths

@BOHSWorld #IOHA2015

#3MCompetition @FooRizk

MYTH #1: THE MORE PPE I WEAR THE MORE PROTECTED I AM.

FACT #1: OVER-PROTECTION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF

OTHER HAZARDS. Over-protection, just like

under-protection, can lead to undesirable outcomes.1

PPE can cause heat related illnesses, restrict vision, and

affect communications.2

MYTH #2: EARMUFFS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN

EARPLUGS.

FACT #2: EARPLUGS CAN BE JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS

EARMUFFS.

The key to superior hearing protection is properly-fitted, well-maintained hearing protectors.3

MYTH #3: I CAN USE FACE SHIELDS AS EYE PROTECTION.

FACT #3: FACE SHIELDS CANNOT REPLACE SAFETY GLASSES OR GOGGLES. In the absence of primary protectors, face shields do not protect against impact hazards. Face shields should be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles.4

MYTH #4: MY HARD HAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

FACT #4: ALL HARD HATS HAVE A SHELF LIFE.

Hard hats require routine cleaning and maintenance.

However, all hard hats have ‘Use By’ dates, specified

by the respective manufacturer.5

MYTH #5: MY LEATHER GLOVES OFFER SIGNIFICANT PROTECTION AGAINST CUTS.

FACT #5: LEATHER GLOVES CAN BE CUT JUST AS EASILY AS HUMAN SKIN. Regardless of thickness, leather gloves offer little cut resistance.6 The selection of the correct glove depends on the substances being handled and the type of work being undertaken.7;

SAFETY DOESN'T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.

GET YOUR PPE FACTS RIGHT.

ASK YOUR OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENIST.

1. OSHA 1999, 'Technical Manual TED 1-0.15A', Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Washington D.C.

3. Groothoff, B 2007, 'Noise and Vibration', in C Tillman (ed.), Principles of Occupational Health & Hygiene, 1st edn, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.

5. Standards Australia 1998, ‘AS/NZS 1800 Occupational protective helmets - Selection, care and use’, Standards Australia, Sydney.

REFERENCES

2. NFPA 2013, 'Hazardous Materials Code', National Fire Protection Association, Manchester.

4. Ignacio, JS & Incident Preparedness and Response Working Group 2008, Incident Safety and Health Management Handbook (ISHMH), American Industrial Hygiene Association, Fairfax.

6. Adanur, S 1995, Wellington Sears Handbook of Industrial Textiles, CRC Press, Lancaster.

7. Standards Australia 1998, ‘AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational protective gloves - Selection, use and maintenance’, Standards Australia, Sydney.

THANK YOU TO @BOHSWORLD FOR LAUNCHING THIS COMPETITION.

THANK YOU TO @3M FOR SPONSORING

THIS COMPETITION.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING MY SUBMISSION.