Baltimore City Public Schools Personal Protective Equipment Plan I.
PURPOSE
Baltimore City Public Schools (“City Schools”) provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to all employees that are required to wear it as specified in 29CFR 1910.132. PPE is issued to suit the task and known hazards as exemplified in the following PPE assessment. Personal protective equipment will only prevent accidents and injuries when used in conjunction with safe and conscientious work practices. Personal protective equipment includes: Personal protective equipment for the eyes, face, head, and extremities; protective clothing; respiratory devices; and protective shields; and barriers. All City Schools employees must utilize suitable personal protective equipment to prevent serious injuries. Some personal protective equipment is necessary only for particular types of operations, while other protective items are almost always appropriate. II.
PROCEDURES
Engineering controls shall be the primary methods used to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace. When such controls are not practical or applicable, personal protective equipment shall be employed to reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, used, and maintained when necessary by reason of hazards of the processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. III.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Department of Health and Safety will ensure proper implementation of the plan through periodic audits and an annual review and will maintain all records, training completion certificates, and inspection results. Supervisors are responsible for promoting the safe working practices and procedures of the program, and ensuring compliance by each employee within their department. IV.
PLAN ELEMENTS
a.
The following is an outline of the areas covered within the Personal Protective Equipment Program: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Hazard Assessment Training Elements PPE Selection Equipment Design
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5. 6. 7. 8. b.
Eye and Face Protection Head Protection Foot Protection Hand Protection
Hazard Assessment 1.
A hazard assessment should be conducted of new tasks or existing tasks if procedures or materials change that could result in injury or exposure. The hazard assessment should be conducted by someone with a working knowledge of the task being assessed. Each evaluation must consider how to reduce or eliminate any hazard through administrative or engineering controls. PPE will then be recommended to supplement the engineering or administrative controls as determined by the Safety Professional.
2.
Scope: A sampling of tasks within the following areas was performed: A.
General Duties
B.
Grounds Department i Mechanical Service Shops ii Landscape Operations
C.
Print Shop i Graphic Arts ii Sheet-fed Printing
D.
Custodial i Custodial Maintenance ii PM Shop and Graffiti Removal
E.
Food Service i Cafeteria
F.
Building Services i Painting and Glass ii Plumbing iii HVAC iv Fire Protection v Carpentry Shop
G.
Warehouse
H.
Educational Facilities i Sciences ii Technical Education iii Photography iv Art v Biotechnology vi Energy and Power Transmission
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3.
The following activities were detected in various areas:
General Tasks Activity
Area
PPE-Required
Welding
Facility wide
Cutting – torch
Facility wide
Grinding Use of hand held power tools – saws, etc. Use of radial arm saw(s), lathe(s) sanders, etc. Use of hand held non-powered tools hammers etc. Working on live electrical
Facility wide
Welding shield w/face protection, protectiv clothing (leather apron, cotton long sleeve shirts etc.), leather “gauntlet” type gloves, work boots. Face protection, eye protection, leather welding gloves, leather work boots. Face protection, eye protection, work boots.
Facility wide
Eye protection, work boots
Carpenter shop
Eye protection, hearing protection for long-term exposures as monitored, work boots.
Facility wide
Eye protection, work boots.
Facility wide
Eye protection, certified electrical gloves.
4.
Due to the nature of the activities described above and other duties assigned, eye protection (safety glasses) must be worn by all individuals when entering areas that have any of the activities listed above.
5.
The minimum required protective footwear should be leather (or equivalent) work type boots with ankle support that meets the requirements of ASTM F 2413-05. Impact resistant toe box and puncture resistant foot bed may be required during activities as conditions warrant except Educational Facilities, where a safety shoe is required only where indicated.
6.
Hard hats meeting ANSI Z89.1 shall be worn while work on elevated platforms is being performed.
7.
These or similar duties may be assigned to personnel in other departments. The PPE selections identified herein should be viewed as the minimum level of protection required during the implementation of these tasks.
8.
Other – Duties-Assigned: Duties such as minor repairs to doors, windows, painting, and various miscellaneous work shall be assessed by supervisors prior to issuance of a work order.
9.
Supervisors are required to instruct employees in the required protective equipment for each duty assigned.
10.
Plumbing Activities – Due to the nature and diversity of plumbing work performed on the school grounds and in facility buildings, various types of PPE may be required.
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SPECIFIC TASKS Task or Tool GROUNDS Mechanical Service Shops Stationary Tools - Grinding
- Drill - Tire mounting - Brake lathe - Band saw Portable Tools - Air Power grinder
Hazard
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
Flying debris Particulate Noise
Face shield and safety glasses ENG-ventilation Hearing protection for long duration projects or >OSHA action level Face shield and safety glasses ENG-ventilation Safety glasses Work boots with reinforced toe Safety glasses Leather or Kevlar® gloves Safety glasses Leather or Kevlar® gloves
Flying debris Particulate Debris Falling objects Metal debris Sharp metal Metal debris Sharp metal Flying debris Particulate Noise
- Steam clean
Sharp metal Vibration Debris Noise Water Pressure
- Welding Arc, MIG, Gas
UV Rad., Debris
- Other Air Power tools
Heat, sparks Fume - All Electric Power Hand tools Debris, impact - Striking or Abrasive Debris, impact Lift truck operation Lifting material Falling material or equipment Replace propane cylinder Chemical exposure Flammable gas Temp. (cold)
Face shield and safety glasses ENG-ventilation Hearing protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Leather or approved gloves Safety glasses Hearing protection Face shield and safety glasses, Kevlar®/rubber or approved gloves Approved shade face shields, Weld screen partitions Leather or approved gloves ENG-Local exhaust Safety glasses Safety glasses Work boots with reinforced toe ENG – ventilation Face shield and safety glasses Insulated gloves
Task or Tool
Hazard
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
Regular. Maintenance Spray cleaner etc.
Exhaust gasses Chemical exposure
Clean w/ air chuck
Debris
ENG – local exhaust ENG – ventilate, Safety glasses, Nitrile® or approved gloves Safety goggles
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GROUNDS Landscape Operations Pesticide application (limited) Mowing
Equipment (un)loading Seeding, fertilize Wood chipping
Mulching Snow removal Snow plow install Pressure wash Material handling (other)
Field lining Weed trimmer/blower
PRINT SHOP Graphic Arts Art Prep Photo copy PRINT SHOP Sheet-fed Print Cleanup
Chemical
Nitrile® or approved gloves, apron, safety glasses Rotating blades ENG - guards Noise Hearing protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Dust, debris Safety glasses, goggles Fall Seat belt Chain, load locks Work (cotton) gloves Dust, debris Safety glasses, goggles, PVC gloves Noise Hearing protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Abrasion, vibration Leather work gloves Debris Safety goggles Equipment drop Work boot w/reinforced toe Debris, abrasion Safety glasses, Work (cotton) gloves Debris, abrasion Safety glasses, cotton gloves Equipment drop Work boot w/reinforced toe Water pressure Face shield and safety glasses, Kevlar®/ rubber or approved gloves, Tarsal guard is recommended if pressure exceeds 6,000 psi Abrasion Leather or approved gloves Heavy material ENG – mechanical assist ADM – team lift Dust Safety goggles Flammable liquid ENG – bonding (gasoline) Debris Safety glasses, face shield Noise Hearing protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Spray: adhesives, Safety glasses, Latex® or approved gloves, silicone, etc. ENG – Ventilation Alcohol cleaner Safety glasses, Nitrile® or approved gloves General VOC
PM/Conditioning
General VOC
ENG – Ventilation, PVC or approved gloves, Safety glasses Safety glasses
Task or Tool
Hazard
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
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CUSTODIAL Custodial Maintenance General hand and power tools Strip/buff floors
High lift General Cleaning Spill clean-up
Grass cutting Street sweeper Weed trimmer/blower Floor tile and carpet replacement
CUSTODIAL PM Shop and Graffiti Removal Chemical application (Graffiti All Gone) Power wash
Debris, impact Chemical Asbestos
Safety glasses Nitrile® or approved gloves, safety glasses ENG – wet and low rpm/low abrasive equipment Rotating torque ADM – rotate tasks ADM – training, Body harness and lanyard Fall Safety glasses, Latex® or approved gloves Chemical See applicable MSDS See MSDS or B. B. Pathogens Plan for PPE precautions Rotating blades ENG – guards Flammable liquid ENG – bonding (gasoline) Debris Safety glasses Flammable liquid ENG – bonding (gasoline) Debris Safety glasses, face shield Repetitive motion in ADM – task rotation, Knee pads bent position Adhesives Latex ® or approved gloves Asbestos See City Schools Asbestos Management Plan for each school Alkali liquid Water press Noise
Grit blast
Noise
Equipment repair
Dust (non-silica based) Debris, impact Various chemicals
Hand and power tools General Soldering
Debris, impact Noise Fume, debris
BCPSS Department of Health and Safety May 2008
Face shield, goggles, PVC or approved gloves, Syran® coated body cover w/ hood Face shield and safety glasses, Kevlar®/ rubber or approved gloves. Tarsal guard is recommended if pressure exceeds 6,000 psi Hearing protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Hear protection for long duration projects or > OSHA action level Face shield, safety glasses Safety glasses ADM – use warning labels on equipment tanks, Nitrile® or approved gloves, Safety goggles Safety glasses ENG – isolate air compressor ENG – ventilate, safety glasses
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Task or Tool
Hazard
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
Snow Removal
Debris, slip/fall Noise, lifting, cold Flammable liquid Heavy lift Repetitive motion in bent position Dust, debris, rotating bit
Safety glasses, work boots, Hearing protection, approved work gloves
Material handling Gym floor painting Sign engraving
ENG – mechanical assist ENG – extend handles, ADM – rotate tasks ENG – ventilate, isolate from break room, ADM – warning sign, Safety glasses
FOOD SERVICE Cafeteria Raw meat preparation Baking Frying BUILDING SERVICES Painting and Glass Roofing inspection and repair
Bio-contaminant Heat Heat, debris
Latex or approved gloves Insulated gloves Insulated gloves, safety glasses
Fall
Glass repair (general)
Laceration
ADM- fall line and monitor or Body harness, lanyard, anchor Kevlar® or approved gloves, suction cup or other handling apparatus Work boots w/reinforced toe Safety glasses, face shield
Glass cutting/grinding BUILDING SERVICES Plumbing Power and hand tools Soldering Line snake BUILDING SERVICES HVAC HVAC repair
Sheet metal fab. Braze/solder Boiler cleaning
Heavy material Dust, debris Debris, impact UV, Heat, Fume
Safety glasses ENG – Local Exhaust Shade 3 goggles, leather gloves Same as power tool Natural rubber or approved gloves, safety Plus-biological glasses, ADM – disinfect hands, exposed contaminant body parts, and equipment Power and hand tools Safety glasses Chemical (CFC) EDNP or approved gloves Fall ADM – fall line and monitor or Body harness, lanyard, anchor Compressed air/gas Safety glasses, work gloves Laceration ADM – housekeeping Puncture resistant gloves, Safety glasses, work boots UV, Heat, Fume ENG – Local Exhaust Shade 3/2 goggles, Leather gloves Dust ENG – vacuum attachments and ventilation, safety glasses
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Task or Tool
Hazard
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
Welding
UV Rad, Debris Arc, MIG, Gas Heat, sparks Fume Debris, impact Chemical plus Hydrofluoric acid Abrasion, heavy material
Approved shade face shields, Welding shade partitions Leather or approved gloves, ENG – Local exhaust Safety glasses Safety glasses, face shield, full length neoprene gloves, apron Leather or approved gloves, Work boots w/reinforced toe
Power and hand tools Metal prep/paint Mechanical hoist BUILDING SERVICES Fire Protection Fire extinguisher refurbishing BUILDING SERVICES Carpentry Shop All equipment All power and hand tools Cabinet finishing Formica installation BUILDING SERVICES Warehouse Tire maintenance Snow removal Spill clean-up Lift truck operation Battery charging EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Sciences Solution preparation and all lab. activities
Chemical/comp. gas, ENG – local exhaust Safety glasses, face heavy cyl. shield, work boots with reinforced toe See General PPE Debris, impact Various VOC aerosols, comp. gas Adhesive VOC
Comp. air Slip/fall Refer to MSDS Heavy equipment Electrical, chemical
Safety glasses ENG – ventilate, See Resp. Protective Safety goggles, Nitrile® or approved gloves ENG – ventilate, Nitrile® or approved gloves, safety glasses Safety glasses Work boots Refer to MSDS Work boots, work gloves ADM – Eye wash, safety glasses
Various corrosives Face shield and goggles, Nitrile® or approved and solvents gloves, apron, safety shoes w/PVC or rubber covers Other chemical Latex® or approved gloves, safety glasses Hot plate, burner ENG – ventilate, insulated gloves
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Technical Education See applicable sections of Carpentry, etc. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Photography Film develop and fix Irritant chemical limited toxic liquid
ENG – ventilate Nitrile® or approved gloves, goggles, apron
Task or Tool
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice
Hazard
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EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Art Kiln
Heat, debris, fume
Various paint/adhesive Other glaze, paint, etc. Various hand tools
Comp. gas and VOC Skin and eye irritant Laceration, abrasion
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Biotechnology Autoclave sterilization
ENG – ventilate, Safety glasses and face shield, insulated gloves Safety glasses, latex® or approved gloves Safety glasses, latex® or approved gloves Safety shoes or shoe covers, puncture resistant gloves, safety glasses
Heat, Biohazard
Steam ENG – Cool before handling Positive sterilization tags, Safety glasses, Latex® or approved gloves Solution preparation Chemical (liquid) Nitrile® or approved gloves, Acetone Acetate or rubber apron, DMSO, Alcohol Goggles, See MSDS HCl, Acetic acid Ethidium Bromide Hot plate Insulated gloves Spill clean-up Solution plus glass Neoprene® or approved gloves, apron, goggles, rubber overshoes High Volt Electrophoresis, Electrical shock ENG – GFCI and interlocks follow Electrophoration manufacturers recommendations Arc, Debris ADM – Training and technique Ammonium Safety glasses, PVC gloves persulfate Vacuum filtration Implosion, debris Safety glasses Centrifugation Revolting parts, ENG – Break-interlock, Debris ADM – train when interlock is not in place, to wait for full stop, Safety glasses Innoc. loop sterilize Debris Safety glasses Microwave Heat, Debris Insulated gloves, safety glasses Clean still HCl, splash Safety glasses, vinyl apron, PVC or approved gloves, safety shoes Equipment repair Hand tools ADM – decontaminate, Safety glasses, safety shoes Freezer and dry ice Cold (cryogenic), ENG – Ventilation, tongs Ethanol 75 mm insulated Nitril® or approved gloves, safety glasses
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Task or Tool
Hazard
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Energy and Power Transmission Welding, MIG, TIG, Oxy on low Fume, Dust, Debris, carbon steel Heat Painting (air gun)
PPE or engineer (ENG) Practice ENG – Local exhaust (not in use) Use filter lens chart, leather gloves, face shield, work boots ENG – Spray booth See Face shield, safety glasses Face shield, goggles, work gloves for part handling, work boots Face shield, goggles, neoprene apron, Nitrile® or approved elbow Length gloves, work boots PVC or approved gloves, safety glasses ENG – Secure to floor (not done), Face shield, safety glasses, work boots Work gloves, work boots, safety glasses
Metal cleaning/prep
Solvent aerosol, Heavy metal, Dust Dust, Debris, Sharps HF wheel cleaner
Body forming Stationary power tools
Epoxy resin Debris
Metal sheer and break
Pinch, Sharp, Struck by Chemical (acid), ADM – eyewash and shower, Face shield, Struck by safety glasses, Nitrile® or approved gloves, work boots with reinforced toe Asbestos, Struck by, ENG – brake washer, Work boots with Comp. air reinforced toe, safety glasses Struck by ADM – training, Safety glasses, work boots
Powered hand tools
Acid battery charge Auto repair instr. Tire service NOTES:
ENG – Is a designation that a level of engineering controls was observed and must be monitored to provide a continued level of protection using the PPE indicated. ADM – Is a designation that a level of administrative controls was observed and must be monitored to provide a continued level of protection using the PPE indicated. Goggles shall be of the port vented type unless indicated otherwise. c.
Training Elements 1.
Training shall be provided on each type of personal protective equipment that is to be utilized by employees. Completed training will be documented, including: the names of all employees trained, the date of the training, and the specific subject of the particular training. The following areas will be covered during each training session: A. B. C. D. E.
When PPE is necessary. What PPE is necessary. How to properly don, remove, adjust, and wear PPE. The limitations of the PPE. The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.
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2.
Each employee shall be capable of demonstrating an understanding of the training and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE. Certification of training for PPE is required by OSHA and shall be accomplished by using a completed training attendance roster to verify that each affected employee has received and understood the required PPE training. The training roster must be signed by the person facilitating the training.
3.
Supervisors are responsible to refer any employee for retraining when: A. B. C. D.
4.
d.
An employee does not understand the proper use of personal protective equipment. Previous training is obsolete. There is a change in the type of personal protective equipment being used. An employee has not retained the understanding or skill necessary for using the specific personal protective equipment.
Safety trainers should attend a “Train the Trainer” instruction applicable to the field of specialty before instructing others.
PPE Selection 1.
The following PPE selection process was utilized throughout this hazard assessment and may be used to define the level of protection required for new tasks or for tasks that were not evaluated in this hazard assessment. A.
Controlling Hazards: i
B.
PPE devices alone should not be relied on to provide protection against hazards, but should be used in conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound work practices.
Selection Guidelines: i
The following procedures shall be utilized when selecting personal protective equipment:
BCPSS Department of Health and Safety May 2008
Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective equipment that is available, and what protection is provided; i.e., splash protection, impact protection, etc. Compare the hazards associated with the environment; i.e., impact velocities, projectile shape, radiation intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective equipment. Select the personal protective equipment that ensures a level of protection that is at least the minimum required to protect employees from the hazards. If in doubt, it is better to error on the side of a greater level protection. 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.
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e.
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.
D.
Devices with Adjustable Features: Adjustments should be made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the protective device in the proper position. Particular care should be taken when fitting devices for eye protection against dust and chemical splash to ensure that the devices are properly sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets is important to ensure that it will not fall off during work operations. In some cases, a chin strap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an employee's head. Where manufacturer’s instructions are available, they should be followed carefully.
Equipment Design 1.
f.
C.
All personal protective equipment and clothing will be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. Only those items of personal protective equipment and clothing that meet National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards will be purchased or accepted for use.
Eye and Face Protection 1.
The majority of occupational eye injuries can be prevented by the use of suitable/approved safety spectacles, goggles, or shields. Approved eye and face protection shall be worn when there is a reasonable possibility of personal injury.
2.
Each employee shall use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
3.
Each employee shall use eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors are acceptable.
4.
Each employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards shall wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design. Consult the to enroll affected employees in the prescription safety glasses program. As an alternative, employees shall wear eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
5.
Eye and face personal protective equipment shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
6.
Each employee shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation.
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7.
Typical hazards that can cause eye and face injury include: A.
Splashes of toxic or corrosives chemicals, hot liquids, and molten metals.
B.
Flying objects, such as chips of metal, wood, and other materials that can produce dangerous flying objects when cut, drilled, hammered, or worked with in some other similar manner.
C.
Fumes, gases, and mists of toxic or corrosive chemicals.
D.
Aerosols and biological substances.
8.
Prevention of eye injuries requires that all persons who may be in eye hazard areas wear protective eyewear. This includes employees, visitors, contractors, or others passing through an identified eye hazardous area. To provide protection for these personnel, supervisors shall ensure that a sufficient quantity of heavyduty goggles and/or plastic eye protectors, which afford the maximum amount of protection possible, is available. If these personnel wear personal glasses, they shall be provided with a suitable eye protector to wear over them.
9.
Criteria for Eye and Face Protection: A.
Eye and face protectors used by employees, contractors, and visitors must conform to the following design and performance criteria: i ii iii iv v vi
Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed. Fit properly and offer the least possible resistance to movement causing minimal discomfort while in use. Be durable. Be easily cleaned and/or disinfected by the wearer. Be clearly marked to identify the manufacturer. Persons who require corrective lenses for normal vision, and who are required to wear eye protection, must wear goggles or spectacles of one of the following types: Spectacles with protective lenses which provide optical correction.
10.
Goggles that can be worn over spectacles without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles. Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.
Eye & Face Protector Use: A.
Safety Spectacles: i
Protective eye glasses are made with safety frames, tempered glass or plastic lenses, temples, and side shields which provide eye protection from moderate impact and particles encountered in job tasks such as carpentry, woodworking, grinding, chipping, etc.
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B.
Single Lens Goggles: i
C.
Vinyl framed goggles of soft pliable body design provide adequate eye protection from many hazards. These goggles are available with clear or tinted lenses, perforated, port vented, or non-vented frames. Single lens goggles provide similar protection to spectacles and may be worn in combination with spectacles or corrective lenses to insure protection along with proper vision.
Welders Goggles: i
These goggles are available in rigid and soft frames to accommodate single or two eyepiece lenses.
D.
Welders’ goggles provide protection from sparking, scaling, or splashing metals and harmful light rays. Lenses are impact resistant and are available in graduated shades of filtration. Chippers/grinders goggles provide eye protection from flying particles. The dual protective eye cups house impact resistant clear lenses with individual cover plates.
Face Shields: i
Face shields normally consist of an adjustable headgear and face shield of tinted/transparent acetate or polycarbonate materials, or wire screen. Face shields are available in various sizes, tensile strength, impact/heat resistance, and light ray filtering capacity. Face shields will be used in operations when the entire face needs protection and should be worn to protect eyes and face against flying particles, metal sparks, and chemical/biological splash. Face shields shall not be used in lieu of eye protection.
E.
Welding Shields: i
Welding shield assemblies consist of vulcanized fiber or glass fiber body, a ratchet/button type adjustable headgear or cap attachment and a filter and cover plate holder. These shields will be provided to protect workers’ eyes and face from infrared or radiant light burns, flying sparks, metal spatter, and slag chips encountered during welding, brazing, soldering, resistance welding, bare or shielded electric arc welding and oxyacetylene welding, and cutting operations.
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Welding & Cutting Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy Operation Electrode Std. Diameter Shielded Metal Arc Welding Less than 3 3–5 5–8 More than 8 Torch Brazing Torch Soldering 11.
Arc Current
Protective Shade
Less than 60 60–160 160–250 250–550
7 8 10 11 3 2
Employees who are required to utilize welding and cutting equipment will select the proper lens shade by starting with a shade that is too dark to see the weld and/or work zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld and/or work zone without going below the minimum. Auto-adjusting shields are highly recommended.
Selection Chart for Eye and Face Protection The following chart provides general guidance for the proper selection of eye and face protection to protect against hazards associated with the listed hazard “source”. Source Hazard Protection IMPACT – Chipping, grinding Flying fragments, Spectacles with side shield machining, masonry work, objects, large chips, protection, goggles, face shield. For severe exposure, woodworking, sawing, drilling, particles, sand, dirt, etc. use face shield. chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, and sanding. HEAT – Boiler operation and arc Hot sparks. Face shields, spectacles with welding. side shields. For severe exposure use face shield. Goggles. For severe CHEMICALS – Pesticides, acid and Splash chemical handling, degreasing, exposure, use face shield. cleaning solvents. g.
Head Protection 1.
Head protection will be furnished to, and used by, all employees engaged in work in areas where overhead hazards are present. Head protection will also be required to be worn by engineers, inspectors, and visitors at work sites. Bump caps/skull guards will be issued to and worn for protection against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. They will not be worn as substitutes for hard hats because they do not afford protection from high impact forces or penetration by falling objects.
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A.
Hardhats: i
Hard hats have been designed and manufactured to provide workers protection from impact, heat, electrical, and fire hazards. These protective devices for the head consist of the shell and the suspension, which are combined as a single protective system. Safety hard hats and bump caps used by employees will be of nonconductive, fire, and water-resistant materials. Bump caps or skull guards are constructed of lightweight materials and are designed to provide minimal protection against hazards when working in congested areas.
ii
B.
Class C helmets, provide impact and penetration resistance (they are usually made of aluminum which conducts electricity), and should not be used around electrical hazards.
Where falling object hazards are present, helmets must be worn. Some examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and materials which could fall; working around or under conveyor belts which are carrying parts or materials; working below machinery or processes which might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed energized conductors.
Bump Caps: i
h.
Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from low-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 20,000 volts).
Bump caps/skull guards will be issued to and worn for protection against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. They will not be worn as a substitute for hard hats because they do not afford protection from high impact forces or penetration by falling objects.
Foot Protection 1.
Each affected employee shall wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards. A.
Selection Guidelines for Foot Protection: i
Safety shoes and work boots provide both impact and compression protection. Where necessary, either can be obtained that provide puncture protection. In some work situations, metatarsal protection should be provided, and in other special situations, electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be
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appropriate. Safety shoes or boots with impact protection will be required for carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts, or heavy tools, which could be dropped; and, for other activities where objects might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with compression protection will be required for work activities involving the movement of bulk materials and containers (such as 55 gallon drums) and around dense heavy material such as block, valves, or pipe, all of which could potentially roll on or drop onto, employee’s feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection will be required where sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large staples, scrap metal etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a foot injury. The requirement for work boots over safety shoes is predicated largely from possibility of a hazard impacting the ankle area. Work boots cover the ankle, providing protection and support, safety shoes will not. i.
Hand Protection 1.
Hand protection is required when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.
2.
Skin contact is a potential source of exposure to toxic materials; it is important that the proper steps be taken to prevent such contact. Gloves should be selected on the basis of the material being handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being conducted. One type of glove will not work in all situations.
3.
Most incidents involving hands and arms can be classified under four main hazard categories: chemicals, abrasions, cutting, and heat. There are gloves available that can protect workers from any of these individual hazards or combination of hazards.
4.
Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on frequency of use and permeability to the substances handled. Gloves should also be worn whenever it is necessary to handle rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or very cold materials.
5.
The types of glove materials to be used in these situations include leather, welder’s gloves, aluminum-backed gloves, and other types of insulated glove materials.
6.
Careful attention must be given to protecting hands when working with tools and machinery. Power tools and machinery must have guards installed or incorporated into their design that prevent the hands from contacting the point of operation, power train, or other moving parts. To protect the hands from injury due to contact with moving parts, it is important to: A.
Ensure that guards are always in place and utilized.
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7.
B.
Always lock out machines or tools and disconnect the power before making repairs.
C.
Treat a machine without a guard as inoperative.
D.
Do not wear gloves around moving machinery, such as drill presses, mills, lathes, and grinders.
Selection Guidelines for Hand Protection: A.
Selection of PPE for the hands shall be based on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the tasks being performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified. Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. There is no glove that provides protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused. It is also important to know the performance characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated; i.e., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or to the Department of Health and Safety, to ensure that gloves meet the appropriate test standards for the hazards anticipated.
B.
Other factors to be considered for glove selection include: i ii
8.
As long as the performance characteristics are acceptable, in certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types. The work activities of the employee should be studied to determine the degree of dexterity required, the duration, frequency, and degree of exposure of the hazard, and the physical stresses that will be applied.
Selection of Gloves for Chemical Hazards: A.
The first consideration in the selection of gloves for use against chemicals is to determine, if possible, the exact nature of the substances to be encountered. Read instructions and warnings on chemical container labels and MSDSs before working with any chemical. Recommended glove types are often listed in the section for personal protective equipment.
B.
Chemicals eventually permeate all glove materials. However, they can be used safely for limited time periods if specific use and glove characteristics (i.e., thickness and permeation rate and time) are known. Considerations for glove selection include: i
The toxic properties of the chemical(s) must be determined; in particular, the ability of the chemical to cause local effects on the skin and/or to pass through the skin and cause systemic effects.
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ii iii
iv v
Generally, any “chemical resistant” glove can be used for dry powders. For mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data are available), a glove should be selected on the basis of the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time, since it is possible for solvents to carry active ingredients through polymeric materials. Glove density and thickness should be determined using the minimum required breakthrough time for the task in order to reduce muscular tension. Employees must be able to remove the gloves in such a manner as to prevent skin contamination. Barrier creams may be used alone or in conjunction with gloves to provide an additional level of protection, but they have limited application. Refer to the manufacturers’ precaution labels.
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