WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means just what it says. Equipment that in some way protects the person using it. How many other professions use PPE? Football and hockey players, stuntmen, astronauts, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and electric company linemen, just to name a few. Your employer is responsible for eliminating workplace hazards when ever possible. If hazards cannot be eliminated it’s up to the employer to provide you with the necessary PPE. You are responsible for using, maintaining, and storing it properly.
There are many different types and forms of PPE, each designed for a specific purpose. If you are exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals, or if flying particles are a hazard, you need to wear eye protection. Contact lenses and regular prescription glasses will not protect your eyes. If noise levels are high in the workplace, you should wear hearing protection. Earmuffs and earplugs are the most common types of hearing protection. They can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful noise levels. Head protection consisting of a hard hat protects your head from impact injuries, spills, splashes, and other hazards. Hard hats are the symbol of the construction industry, and you should wear yours at all times when you’re on the job.
Hand and foot protection are important too. Twenty percent of disabling injuries involve hands and fingers. Wear gloves to prevent cuts, lacerations, abrasions, punctures, and chemical burns. And don’t forget about those things you stand on all day. A good pair of leather work boots will provide both comfort and protection for your feet.
Personal protective equipment is designed for your safety and in many cases is provided by your employer. Inspect it prior to each use and if you find that it’s damaged, replace it immediately. Choose the right type of PPE and use it correctly. Specific tasks require specific protection. Using the wrong type of protection can be as hazardous as using none at all. If you’re not sure what type of PPE is required for your job, or if you have any questions about how to use it, check with your supervisor.
That old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is certainly applicable to wearing PPE. It’s foolish to take chances when protection is available.
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Topics Pertaining To Your Project ________________________________________________________________
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Employee Safety Recommendations ___________________________________________________________
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Meeting Attended By: Please sign your name and date.
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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.
Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
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