Module 1: Occupational Hygiene - Section 4: Personal Protective Equipment

OH4.6: Summary

SUMMARY:

Personal protective equipment plays an important role in controlling workers' exposure to occupational hazards and therefore reducing the risks faced by workers. However, that role should be in the context of supplementing engineering controls and/or administrative measures.

For a personal protective equipment programme to be effective there must be a policy in place. Such a policy must address the following:

• The social context and mechanism in which workers and employers participate in decisions;
• What type of personal protective equipment is to be issued;
• What quantity of personal protective equipment is to issued;
• Fit-testing and training for use of personal protective equipment;
• The maintenance and lifespan of personal protective equipment;
• The cost implications of loss, wear and tear and damage to personal protective equipment.
• The cost implications of ineffective personal protective equipment arising from occupational disease.