Personal protective equipment (PPE), is an essential component of all high-risk workplaces. It is there to keep yourself and others safe. Protective equipment is worn to prevent exposure to chemicals or contaminants that can cause illness and is a vital part of infection control.
Some workplaces that require PPE are the construction industry, dentistry, and hospitals, to name a few. This is to prevent any exposure to infectious diseases. All organisations and high-risk businesses should be able to establish protocols and provide education in line with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
As you can see, the use of correct PPE is a necessity in order to keep yourself and your workplace safe. For more information on the importance of PPE safety training, read on.
Why Is PPE Training Important?
PPE is vital in keeping a workplace safe, as it protects everyone in the business from injuries, risks and more. You must follow the correct PPE standards to avoid losing your job, or, in worse cases, your business could be shut down.
Having suitable PPE training is important so that you know how to correctly apply your PPE and in what order. PPE helps reduce any downtime related to injuries. This is because it protects you against harmful substances.
For example, it is mandatory for all employees who work in dentistry to wear the right protection at all times when in surgery with a patient. The types of protection required for this industry are a mask, visor, gloves (eye and face protection), and an apron.
Dentists work closely with patients and harmful substances such as mercury, making it vital for them to have the correct PPE. The use of PPE in this industry is there to prevent viral infections passed on through aerosols, as well as sharp injuries, such as hepatitis B, immunodeficiency, and more.
As we have discussed, the use of the correct protective equipment at work is a necessity in order to keep yourself and your workplace safe. PPE must be applied and removed in a certain way to ensure that any contaminants don’t leave the room. This is done by techniques, such as donning and doffing.
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the government states that all employers must provide their staff with the training, information and PPE needed to remain safe at work.
The short answer is that everyone involved with or responsible for PPE in your workplace should receive appropriate training. Moreover, those who work in a high-risk environment, such as the construction industry, will be required to undergo relevant training to ensure they know what PPE to wear and the importance of it.
What Is Donning And Doffing?
Donning is the term used for putting on the required PPE beforehand, whereas doffing is used for removing the PPE once you are finished. It is important to know that there is a correct way to remove and apply your PPE.
When putting on your PPE, the gown always comes first and it should cover your knees. This has to be fastened tightly before applying the rest of your PPE to avoid having to fix it when you are performing a high-risk task.
Next, you will apply your mask or respirator. Once you have done this, make sure that you check that it is on correctly by securing the ties or bands.
Now that you have done this, you will apply your goggles and, lastly, your gloves. It is important that your gloves cover the wrist of your gown to ensure that you are completely covered.
When removing your PPE, you want to start by removing your gloves and washing your hands before you proceed with the rest of the doffing process. Next, you want to remove your goggles and then your gown by pulling them away from your neck and shoulders. Finally, you will remove your mask from the bands and avoid touching the front. Once you have completely removed all of your PPE, make sure you rewash your hands.
When Should You Use PPE?
PPE is extremely important in many different industries, but when should you use PPE? Personal protective equipment should be used whenever there is a risk of any hazards that could cause injury or illness.
The type of PPE you need depends on the industry you work in. For example, if you work in the construction industry, this is the PPE you will need:
- Gloves
- Masks
- Head protective equipment
- Respiratory protective equipment
- Hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs
However, if you work in the healthcare industry, the PPE you will need are:
- Masks
- Gloves
- Gowns
- Face shields
The PPE you need is quite similar for most industries, but it can vary depending on your job role. Make sure that you conduct a hazard assessment to identify whether or not PPE is required before choosing the appropriate PPE based on the type of hazard.
Moreover, it is important that all employees are trained on how to use and dispose of PPE. You should also inspect, clean and replace PPE to ensure it is effective and follow work regulations at all times.
Using PPE correctly is important to protect workers from potential hazards to ensure everyone remains safe in the workplace at all times.
What Happens if You Don't Wear the Correct PPE?
Not wearing the correct PPE can have many consequences, from immediate physical harm to long term health problems. Some immediate physical issues could include cuts, bruises, fractures, burns or eye injuries.
However, long-term injuries could include respiratory problems, hearing loss and much more. This is why it is important that you wear PPE at all times to prevent any short or long term issues from occurring.
Health and Safety Training at Beaconrisk
Here at Beaconrisk, we provide a range of online training courses, health and safety advice and support with accreditations. We have helped many clients protect their businesses and workforce since 2004.
From a basic fire awareness online training course to CDM awareness, COSHH, risk assessment courses, and many more, we can guarantee that we have an online course for you.
If you would like support or information on the services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us at 0151 647 8658. We look forward to hearing from you!