PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

 

Click on any of the following links for detailed information.

 

·       RESPONSIBILITIES

Ø    Employer

Ø    Worker

·       EYE PROTECTION

Ø    Prescription eyewear

Ø    Contact lenses

·       BODY/SKIN PROTECTION

·       FOOT PROTECTION

·       RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Employer

If the hazard assessment indicates the need for personal protective equipment, the employer must ensure that workers wear the PPE that is correct for the hazard and protects workers, workers wear the PPE, the PPE is in good condition and workers are trained in the correct use, care, limitations and maintenance of the PPE.

 

Worker

The worker must use and wear PPE in accordance with training received, inspect the equipment before use and not use PPE that is defective.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 228)

 

EYE PROTECTION

If a worker’s eyes may be injured or irritated at a work site, the employer must ensure that the worker wears properly fitting eye protection equipment that is approved to CSA Z94.3-99 Industrial Eye and Face Protectors  or CSA Z94.3-02 Eye and Face Protectors  and is appropriate to the hazard involved.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 229)

 

Prescription eyewear

Prescription eyewear may be worn provided it complies with CSA Z94.3-99 Industrial Eye and Face Protectors  or CSA Z94.3-02 Eye and Face Protectors . (Occupational Health and Safety Code, 229)

 

Contact lenses

If wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to worker’s eyes, the employer must ensure that the worker is advised of the hazards and the alternatives to wearing contact lenses. (Occupational Health and Safety Code, 230)

 

BODY/SKIN PROTECTION

The employer must ensure that a worker’s skin is protected from harmful substances that may injure the skin on contact or that may affect a worker’s health if it is absorbed through the skin. (Occupational Health and Safety Code, 243)

 

FOOT PROTECTION

The employer must ensure that a worker uses footwear that is appropriate for the hazards.

 

If the hazard assessment identifies that protective footwear needs to have toe protection or other protection, the employer must ensure the worker wears protective footwear approved to CSA Z195-M92 (R2000) Protective Footwear or CSA Z195-02 Protective Footwear.

 

If a worker is unable, for medical reasons, to wear protective footwear, the worker may substitute external safety toecaps if the employer ensures that the toecaps meet the impact force requirements of CSA Z195-02 Protective Footwear.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 233)

 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

The employer must determine whether workers need to wear respiratory equipment if the worker may be exposed to a contaminant in a concentration exceeding their occupational exposure limits. In making the determination, the employer must consider the nature and concentration of the contaminants, the duration of exposure, the toxicity of the contaminants, the warning properties of the contaminants and the need for emergency escape.

 

If respiratory equipment is used at a work site, the employer must prepare a code of practice governing the selection, maintenance and use.

 

The employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment is approved by NIOSH or another standards setting organization and is used in accordance with CSA Z94.4-02 Selection, Use and Care of Respirators.

 

The employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment is stored in a readily accessible location, stored in a manner that prevents its contamination, is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, is inspected before each use and is serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 244-248)

 

 

Back to top

 

Continue by clicking any item on the menu bar on the left.