PAGE 1 OF 8 PURPOSE: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROCEDURE The proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an integral part of a comprehensive Health, Safety and Environmental management program. Personal protective equipment is available for a variety of uses including eye and face protection, foot protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, head protection, hand protection and fall protection. PPE must be provided used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. If protective equipment is owned by the employee it is the responsibility of the employee s supervisor to ensure that it meets The Company s standards of adequacy, sanitation and safe condition. Defective and damaged equipment shall not be used, and must be replaced immediately. 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(I) requires that the employer assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or likely to be present, that necessitate the use of personal protection equipment. 29 CFR 191 O.132(d)(2) requires the employer to verify that the workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated, the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment. PROCEDURE: Responsibility Each manager and/or supervisor shall ensure that prior to selecting eye, face, head, hand, foot or hearing protection, the following hazard assessment shall be conducted for each workplace area. Assessment guidelines In order to assess the need for PPE, the following steps should be taken: A. Survey Conduct a walk-through survey of the areas in question. The purpose of the survey is to identify sources of hazards to workers and coworkers. Consideration should be given to the basic hazard categories: 1. Impact. 2. Penetration. 3. Compression (roll-over). 4. Chemical. 5. Heat. 6. Harmful dust. 7. Light (optical) radiation.
PAGE 2 OF 8 - B. Sources During the walk-through survey, the following should be observed: 1. Sources of motion (i.e., machinery or processes where any movement of tools, machine elements or particles could exist, or movement of personnel that could result in collision with stationary objects). 2. Sources of high temperatures that could result in burns, eye injury or ignition of protective equipment, etc. 3. Types of chemical exposures. 4. Sources of harmful dust. 5. Sources of light radiation (i.e., welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating, high intensity lights, etc.). 6. Sources of falling objects or potential for dropping objects. 7. Sources of sharp objects that might pierce the feet or cut the hands. 8. Sources of rolling or pinching objects that could crush the feet. 9. Layout of workplace and location of coworkers. 10. Any electrical hazards. 11. Additionally, injury and accident data should be reviewed to help identify problem areas. C. Organize Data Following the walk-through survey, it is necessary to organize the data and information for use in the assessment of hazards. The objective is to prepare for an analysis of the hazards in the environment to enable proper selection of protective equipment. D. Analyze Data Having gathered and organized data on a workplace, an estimate of the potential for injuries should be made. Each of the basic hazards should be reviewed and a determination made as to the type, level of risk, and seriousness of potential injury from each of the hazards found in the area. The possibility of exposure to several hazards should be simultaneously considered. E. PPE Selection Guidelines After completion of the procedures described above, the general procedure for selection of protective equipment is to: 1. Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective equipment that is available, and what it can do (i.e., splash protection, impact protection, etc.). 2. Compare the hazards associated with the environment (i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape, radiation intensities), with the capabilities of the available protective. equipment. 3. Select the protective equipment that ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect each employee from the hazards they face. The reasons for selection of PPE are to be explained to the employees who will use them.
PAGE 3 OF 8 4. Fit the user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the PPE. It is very important that end users be made aware of all warning labels for, and limitations of their PPE. F. Fitting the Device Careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit. PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary protection. Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits the wearer comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a variety of sizes. Care should be taken to ensure that the right size is selected. G. Devices with Adjustable Features Adjustments should be made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the protective devices for eye protection against dust and chemical splash to ensure that the devices are sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets is important to ensure that it will not falloff during work operations. In some cases, a chinstrap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an employee's head (chin straps should break at a reasonably low force so as to prevent a strangulation hazard). Where manufacturer's instructions are available, they should be followed carefully. H. Reassessment of Hazards It is the responsibility of the supervisor or safety coordinator to reassess the workplace hazard situation as necessary, by identifying and evaluating new equipment and processes, reviewing accident records, and reevaluating the suitability of previously selected PPE. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1910.133 and 1926.102) The purpose of establishing eye and face protection policies is to prevent injuries resulting from contact with chemical or physical agents. General Safety Guidelines 1. Many hazards that may pose immediate and potentially irreversible eye and face damage exist within a work environment. In order to protect against these hazards the Company requires that employees use glasses equipped with side shields and rated to the ANSI Z87.1 standard (safety glasses). Whenever the use of safety glasses is required, such use will be strictly enforced. 2. Employees are required to wear safety glasses at all times while working in the areas identified by the Certification of Hazard Assessment process. 3. All customers or visitors who enter the areas designated as Eye Protection Required will be required to wear safety glasses at all times while in the area.
PAGE 4 OF 8 4. Eye protection will be provided by the Company and will be readily available for anyone needing protection for any reason. 5. Selection of eye protection must suit the job at hand. When in doubt, contact your immediate supervisor or manager. 6. Adequate protection against the highest level of each of the hazards will be provided. 7. Employees whose vision requires the use of prescription lenses must wear prescription safety glasses (lens and frame) or protective devices over regular prescription eyewear. 8. The wearing of safety glasses is not normally required in offices, vehicles, locker rooms, and break areas. However, activities such as maintenance work in these areas require employees to wear suitable eye protection. 9. Eye and face protection shall be inspected regularly for integrity, and defective or damaged eye and face protection shall be immediately removed from service. 10. Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Adequate protection against the highest level of each of the hazards should be provided. Protective devices do not provide unlimited protection. 11. Operations involving heat may also involve light radiation. As required by the standard, protection from both hazards must be provided. 12. Face shields should only be worn over primary eye protection (safety glasses or goggles 13. As required by the standard, filter lenses must meet the requirements for shade designations in 29 CFR I9IO.I33(a)(5). Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are marked or identified as such. 14. As required by the standard, persons whose vision requires the use of prescription (Rx) lenses must wear either prescription (Rx) lenses in safety frames or protective devices designed to be worn over regular prescription (Rx) eyewear. 15. It should be recognized that dusty and/or chemical environments may represent an additional hazard to contact lens wearers. The Company prohibits the wearing of contact lenses by field personnel in the performance of their job duties. 16. Caution should be exercised in the use of metal frame protective devices in electrical hazard areas. 17. Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing, or allowing the lens to clear, may be necessary. 18. Welding helmets or face shields should be used only over primary eye protection (safety glasses or goggles). 19. Ventilation should be adequate, but well protected from splash entry. Eye and face protection should be designed and used so that it provides both adequate ventilation and protects the wearer from splash entry. 20. Protection from light radiation is directly related to filter lens density. Select the darkest shade that allows task performance. Head Protection (29 CFR 1910.135 and 1926.100) 1. The purpose of establishing head protection policies is to prevent injury to the head that may result from falling objects, electric shock and/or bum.
PAGE 5 OF 8 Clothing 2. Employees are required to wear hard hats at all times while working in the areas identified by the Certification of Hazard Assessment process. 3. Hard hats will be non-conductive to prevent injury due to contact with electrical energy. 4. Hard hats should be inspected by the wearer on a regular basis so that defects, if any, can be noted and the hard hat replaced. 5. Do not paint the hard hat as defects may not be found. 1. Basic Workplace Clothing: The Company workplace clothing standard reflects the minimum requirements of government regulations. However, some areas and job tasks require increased protection for workers and contractors. All special requirements will be outlined by the Company representative before work starts. 2. All the Company and contract employees working at the Company s facilities, must wear clothing that: a. Protects them from job hazards. b. Does not contribute to injury. c. Does not introduce hazards to a worksite. d. Increases their visibility on the job, especially around vehicles and mobile equipment. 3. All clothing must be close fitting and kept clean. Clothing saturated with oil or other chemicals is not protective. It creates a potential fire hazard and can cause skin irritation (dermatitis). 4. Clothing must adequately cover the body (short-sleeved shirts and cutoffs are not allowed). 5. Proper protective clothing is required for extreme cold and heat. 6. Fire-Resistant Clothing: When required by customers or contract, the Company standard is to use fire-resistant clothing made from an inherently fire-resistant fibre, such as NOMEX III, that will protect individuals from a three-second flash fire and will not support combustion, or a topically treated material, such as INDURA COTTON. 7. Specific situations require the use of special protective clothing. Such clothing will be provided by the Company at no charge to the employee. The use of special protective clothing does not permit workers to take chances that will endanger themselves or others. 8. When selecting protective clothing, consider: a. Static accumulation. b. Fire-resistant properties c. Electrical conductivity and insulation. d. Chemical resistance. e. Ambient temperature. Foot Protection (29 CFR 1910.136 and 1926.96) 1. The purpose of establishing foot protection policies is to prevent foot injuries resulting from contact with chemical or physical agents.
PAGE 6 OF 8 2. To avoid foot injuries resulting from the impact of falling tools or equipment, employees are required to wear steel-toed boots while working in the areas identified by the Certification of Hazard Assessment process. 3. Where potential exposure to chemical hazards exist, employees will be provided with, and required to wear, suitable boots or overshoes. 4. Under no circumstances are gym or tennis shoes, sandals, lightweight or high-heeled shoes permitted in designated Foot Protection Required areas. Hand Protection (29 CFR 1910.138) 1. To avoid hand injuries from chemicals, cold, heat, abrasive surfaces or sharp objects, employees are required to wear appropriate hand protection while performing duties in the areas identified by the Certification of Hazard Assessment process. 2. Where exposure to chemicals is present, suitably protective gloves are to be worn at all times. It is the responsibility of the supervisor, or the safety coordinator, to select gloves made of an appropriate protective material for the work being performed. 3. Watches, rings, bracelets or other jewelry must not be worn during operations where they may create a hazard. Hearing Protection (29 CFR 1910.95 and 1926.101) 1. The purpose of establishing hearing protection policies is to reduce or eliminate the damage to hearing that is often a direct result of noise level and duration. 2. Employees required to take part in the Company Hearing Conservation Program will be provided hearing protection as outlined in the Hearing Conservation Program. Please refer to that section for further information. Fall Protection Systems (29 CFR 1910.66 and 1926, Subpart M) 1. Fall protection systems shall comply with 29 CFR 1910.66, Appendix C and 1926, Subpart M. All fall protection systems shall be provided and installed prior to the Company s employee beginning the work that necessitates the fall protection. 2. Connectors shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials and shall have a corrosion-resistant finish. All surfaces shall be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of the system. 3. "D" rings and snap-hooks shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds and shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected to prevent unintentional disengagement of the snap-hook. Effective January 1, 1998, only locking type snap-hooks shall be used. Unless the snap-hook is a locking type and designed for the following connections, snap-hooks shall not be engaged: a. Directly to webbing, rope or wire rope. b. To each other.
PAGE 7 OF 8 c. To a "D" ring to which another snap-hook or other connector is attached. d. To a horizontal lifeline. e. To any object that is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap hook such that unintentional disengagement could occur. 4. Lifelines and Lanyards a. Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, maintaining a safety factor of two. b. On suspended scaffolds or similar work platforms with horizontal lifelines (that may become vertical lifelines), the devices used to connect to a horizontal lifeline shall be capable of locking in both directions on the lifeline. c. Lanyards and vertical lifelines shall have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. When vertical lifelines are used, each employee shall be attached to a separate lifeline. Lifelines shall be protected against being cut or abraded. d. Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that automatically limit free fall distance to two feet or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 3,000 pounds. e. Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that do not limit free fall distance to two feet or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds. f. Ropes and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines and strength components of and body harnesses shall be made from synthetic fibers. 5. Components a. Waist belts shall not be used! Full body harnesses shall be used in all cases! The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head. Harnesses and components shall not be used to hoist materials or secure equipment. b. Personal fall protection systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service. c. Provisions shall be made for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or employees must be able to rescue themselves promptly. Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection until inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse. Additional Information For additional information about fall protection systems, refer to 29 CFR 1910, Appendix C and 1926, Subpart M and/or the Company s Health, Safety and Environment Manual policy S250.. -
PAGE 8 OF 8 Training 1. Training shall be provided to employees whose work requires the use of personal protective equipment protection. 2. Upon completion of training, employees shall demonstrate their knowledge of the proper use and care of personal protective equipment and shall be certified accordingly utilizing the designated training form. 3. Employees shall be retrained whenever: a. Changes in workplace conditions occur. b. Changes in use of personal protective equipment occurs. d. Employees demonstrate a lack of knowledge in the use and care of PPE.