PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Briony Rowley, CMPA Administration Officer
Dependent on the processes, equipment or other relevant conditions the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is general and should be available:
- Safety helmets/hardhats
- Safety gloves
- Safety footwear
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- High visibility clothing
- Leg protection
- Respiratory protection devices
Prior to commencing any operations the employer should assess the conditions likely to affect the health and safety of employees and arrange for the provision and use of the appropriate PPE.
The selection, fit and maintenance of PPE is an important part of any program. The employer should consider factors such as:
- The nature and degree of exposure to risk
- The protection offered by equipment selected
- The fit of such equipment for the wearer
- Wearability and comfort
- The length of time the equipment is to be worn
- The ease of maintenance of such equipment and the availability of replacement parts where applicable
The limitations on performance of equipment as stated in the appropriate Australian Standard or as issued by the manufacturer.
Consultation with employees should be undertaken to ensure that they are happy with the equipment. Equipment is more likely to be worn if it is comfortable.
The employer should also ensure that all those who wear, issue or service PPE have been trained.
Such training should include:
- Information on the nature of the risk the PPE is to protect against
- The type of protection afforded by such equipment
- The reasons for selection of particular equipment and its limitations and capabilities
- The importance of proper fit, use and maintenance of PPE
Protective clothing is suitable for the operations being conducted and should be designed to provide the wearer with reasonable comfort during prolonged use.
Reference: Code of Practice – Safety in Forest Operations
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