6.6. Personal Protective Equipment
It is recommended that engineering controls be given priority for maximum worker protection. But whenever engineering controls are not available or are not fully capable of protecting the employee, operators must wear personal protective equipment which should be:
– appropriate to the hazards;
– maintained in good condition;
– properly stored when not in use, to prevent damage or loss; and
– kept clean, fully functional and sanitary.
| Hard hats | protect the head from impact of bumps and falling objects |
| Caps and hair nets | help keep the worker’s hair from being caught in machinery |
| Shields, safety goggles, glasses | protect face and eyes if machine coolants could splash or particles could fly into the operator’s eyes or face |
| Hearing protection | protect workers from noisy machines |
| Coveralls, jackets, vests, aprons and full-body suits | guard the trunk of the body from cuts or impacts from heavy or rough-edged stock |
| Special sleeves and gloves | protect hands and arms |
| Safety shoes and boots, or other acceptable foot guards | shield feet against injury in case the worker needs to handle heavy stock which might drop |
It is important to note that protective clothing and equipment can create hazards. Examples:
– A protective glove can be caught between rotating parts.
– A respirator facepiece can hinder the worker’s vision.
– Loose-fitting shirts might possibly become entangled in rotating spindles or other kinds of moving machinery.
– Jewelry can catch on machine parts or stock and lead to serious injury by pulling a hand into the danger area.