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 the correct 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.
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.
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 basic fire awareness training, 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!