For many companies wearers of workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are a daily vital part of the work they perform. By purchasing the appropriate protective equipment, you will reduce the risk associated working in hazardous environments, and could be able to save lives.
Since workwear that is worn on the job is so widespread this can mean that businesses don’t always think about the implications to their policies about PPE purchase and use considering it to be something that is merely formal, not an actual decision-making process that requires careful analysis. There’s no reason to be entangled with bureaucracy, it does not mean that managers ought to not give the subject some contemplation.
In this regard in mind, here are five the most important aspects to think about when deciding on how and when to use PPE and workwear during your work:
Use only PPE and workwear whenever it’s needed.
A single of the important aspects to consider when drafting an PPE policy is the fact that workwear that is protective should be seen as an additional to a strict work safety and health policy, not as a substitute for it.
The purpose of PPE is to provide protection against injuries-inducing dangers like hazardous machines, falling from a height and toxic substances as well as extreme temperatures – all which pose risks that you should endeavor to eliminate completely using carefully managed risk management and safe procedures of work instead of relying on PPE to serve as a crutch.
Of course, this isn’t always feasible, and that’s when the need for PPE becomes essential. It’s crucial that companies be aware that this type of protective gear is designed to be an emergency measure, instead of a substitute for safe practices and that the appropriate equipment is available to employees free of charge when it’s absolutely necessary.
Take a look at the requirements for the job
One of the biggest mistakes that businesses tend to make is taking an uninformed approach to the allocation of PPE and workwear, instead of focusing on the particular requirements of the task at hand.
It’s not enough to give your workers with a hi-vis jacket as well as a hard hat, and gloves to perform any task and think it’s sufficient – you must complete a full and accurate risk assessment and make sure that the equipment you supply is actually appropriate for the job. It is important to think about the particular risks your employees are exposed to and how long they will be exposed to them, and then investing in equipment which will provide complete protection for the body, head and limbs, all the way to the eyes, ears, and the lungs.
Also, ensure that the PPE you buy fits your employees well and comfortably, because unfitting clothing could be less effective in protecting and may also hamper the productivity of the employee. In addition, make sure that any equipment you purchase can be used in conjunction – for instance, if a piece of eye protection could affect the seal on the respirator, they shouldn’t be used in conjunction.
Make sure you are aware of the applicable laws
All types of PPE are created equally. UK as well as European regulatory bodies have stringent regulations in place to ensure that all protective clothing that is used in professional situations is suitable for the job, and these regulations should be adhered to at all times.
In this regard, you have ensure that you purchase items that are CE Mark-approved and in line to British legislation, such as the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with changes to legislation that could affect PPE policies, like the EU Regulation 2016/425 that took effect in the year 2018 and set even more high standards of quality in the area of PPE production.
To avoid being in breach of any of these laws, you should consider purchasing from a reputable provider of legally compliant PPE who only endorse and sell PPE from the top manufacturers within the UK.
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Give the proper instruction
Some items of protective gear is easy to explain So if you’re purchasing PPE for your employees It’s equally crucial to spend the time to ensure that they’re properly trained on how to use them.
Training that is properly conducted will aid in teaching staff about crucial issues, such as how to properly fasten their safety harnesses and how to remove their safety gloves without getting their skin contaminated. The sessions also provide an opportunity to clarify how the equipment is best employed as well as its limitations and how to operate and maintain the equipment without harming it.
Training also gives you the chance to ensure employees are informed about and embraced the need to wear PPE. It’s easy for employees to become lazy about wearing their work clothes particularly for jobs with shorter durations So it’s important to train their employees about the rationale behind that they’re wearing the gear will make a huge impact.
Look after your equipment
Quality PPE is built to last however, it’s not a guarantee, particularly when it is exposed to wear and wear and tear. It is therefore essential to maintain your workwear and replace it when it’s no longer suitable to be used.
PPE should be regularly cleaned properly, stored and checked to ensure that there haven’t been any issues from the previous time it was utilized. The employees will play a an integral role in this processby making sure to verify whether the equipment is functioning, and then notify their manager in charge or a accountable employee of their health and safety department whenever this is no longer the scenario.
If workwear that is essential sustains any damage, then it should be replaced or repaired in the shortest time possible. The idea of putting up with the gear is not as a viable option to save money neither should businesses replacing damaged equipment using substandard or unfitting replacement components.
Safety and health in the workplace demands constant investing and monitoring. the use of PPE and protective gear is not an exception – therefore, make sure that you are at the top of your game!