10 Jan Personal Protective Equipment – PPE

Personal Protective Equipment – PPE, Clothing

The proper work clothing can make a job a lot easier and safer. Most workers never really think much about what they are wearing, but they should. It is very important to dress for the weather since most of the work is done outside or in areas without any climate control. A PPE assessment should have been completed prior to the job starting. Workers should be informed of what PPE is required on this specific job site.

Guide for Discussion:

The following items should help each worker how to dress properly:

Weather

• Know the day’s forecast.
• Be prepared to add or subtract clothing.
• Never work without your shirt in summer.

If you begin to overheat, don’t take off more clothes. Instead, slow down your working pace.

• In winter, try to avoid getting wet by wearing the proper clothing.

Proper Clothing – Head to Toe

• A Hard Hat when required; soft cap during winter months.
• Eye protection of either safety glasses or safety goggles.
• Face shield for face protection.
• Long or short-sleeved shirt depending on the weather.
• Long pants always – wearing short pants can be dangerous if you are light-skinned.
• Thick socks.
• Safety shoes, steel or composite toes if required.
• Work gloves.

Watch for the Following

• Dirty clothes – keep your clothes clean and free of grime and bacteria.
• Keep oil and chemicals off of your clothes—don’t be a human torch.
• Don’t wear pants with cuffs on them.
• Missing buttons, rips and tears can increase the chances of cuts, bruises and other injuries.
• Loose garments tend to get caught easily; Belts, ties and other accessories.

Additional Discussion Notes:

Company Policy on wearing hard hats, eye protection, shirts/long pants.