PPE Awareness

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PPE is an important part of every hazardous job.

Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury.

Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. Depending on the hazard or workplace conditions, OSHA recommends the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control; changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work practice control.

When elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use. Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, respirators and full body suits. Remember, PPE is the last resort in hazard control, not the first choice. Some employers may mistakenly believe PPE is the end-all be-all. They might do too much, not too little.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE?

This course will help both employers and employees do the following:

• Understand the types of PPE.
• Know the basics of conducting a “hazard assessment” of the workplace.
• Select appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances.
• Understand what kind of training is needed in the proper use and care of PPE.

The information in this course is general in nature and does not address all workplace hazards or PPE requirements.

DURATION: 30 – 45 Minutes