{"id":966,"date":"2022-01-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/compliance-signs.local\/review-your-ppe-requirements\/"},"modified":"2022-08-24T16:50:50","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T20:50:50","slug":"review-your-ppe-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/review-your-ppe-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"The Right Gear for the Job: Review Your PPE Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every workplace has hazards. It\u2019s a fact of life. From dust or chemicals in the air to flying debris that can hurt your eyes or even falling objects, some hazards just come with the job. When it\u2019s not possible to remove the hazard, you need to address it. There are 6 tactics for dealing with a workplace hazard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Eliminate the hazard<\/li>
  2. Replace the hazard<\/li>
  3. Isolate the hazard<\/li>
  4. Use Engineering Controls<\/li>
  5. Use Administrative Controls<\/li>
  6. Use personal protective equipment (PPE)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    While PPE may be seen as a last line of defense when it comes to workplace hazards, that doesn\u2019t mean they are unimportant. Quite the opposite. They are the only remaining solution available to protect your workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    OSHA states that employers are responsible for providing PPE to their employees. Employers are equally responsible for training the employees on proper PPE use and enforcing their use in required areas as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If it\u2019s been a while since you\u2019ve assessed your PPE situation, it\u2019s time for a PPE review. Here are a few tips to help you keep your last line of defense in top condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8 Steps to Fine-Tuning Your PPE Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Making sure that your PPE program is up to snuff is more than just counting goggles and hard hats. You need to periodically reassess your entire program from top to bottom. Here are 8 things to consider as you review your PPE program:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Changes in OSHA Regulations<\/strong> – Have there been any significant changes in regulations regarding PPE recently? Take the time to review OSHA PPE standards<\/a> to make sure that your current program is compliant. As safety equipment and laws change, those requirements may change as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Count and Inspect Your PPE<\/strong> – While we said that fine-tuning your program is more than just counting goggles, making sure that you have the proper amount of PPE is a big part of a PPE review. You also need to inspect the PPE to make sure it is all in good, working condition – and that you have all the sizes needed for your workers. PPE that is damaged or an incorrect size can be extremely dangerous for your workers. The other thing to consider is whether or not that PPE is readily accessible to your employees when and where they need it. Consider how you can best store and display PPE<\/a> for your workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Observe Worker Compliance<\/strong> – This can take some time, but establish a team to help out and observe your employees. Are they using PPE properly? It\u2019s easy for one or two workers to get a little slack, which can lead to more workers following suit. Your PPE can\u2019t be effective if it is not being used properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Inspect Your Workplace for Changes<\/strong> – How has your workplace changed recently? Has there been a redesign of the space? Are there any new machines or other equipment? Are you using new chemicals? Even the presence of new employees can affect your PPE program as they may have special needs or sizes to make the PPE work correctly for them. Once you\u2019ve laid out all of your new variables, you can review how they affect your PPE program and what changes you may need to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Consider Visitors<\/strong> – Do you have PPE available for any visitors you may have to your facility? Even if that means special or extra PPE, it\u2019s essential to remember that anyone who comes to your workplace deserves the same protection you offer to your team. Consider placing PPE dispensers<\/a> at entrances – and instruct visitors to use all required equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Review Your Training Program<\/strong> – How long has it been since you reviewed how your employees are trained with PPE? Do they get one-time training when they are hired or are they getting periodic refresher courses? Do they know how to determine correct fit? Do you have any new PPE that needs to be included? Look over your program to see if you need to make any updates or changes to keep up with your current PPE situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Consider PPE Maintenance<\/strong> – It\u2019s important to keep your PPE in good working shape. Do your workers know how to properly clean, care for and maintain the PPE they use on a regular basis? Post PPE maintenance signs<\/a> and quiz workers to gauge their knowledge of PPE maintenance and include it in your regular training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. See What\u2019s New<\/strong> – Have there been any new advancements in PPE? If there are better, stronger or more comfortable options out there, consider upgrading. Don’t make people wear PPE that doesn’t fit correctly. And don\u2019t forget styling. When PPE looks good or even fashionable, it\u2019s more likely to be worn. This is a good opportunity to evaluate costs as well. You don\u2019t want to go cheap just to save a buck, but if you can find high-quality PPE for less than you\u2019ve been paying, why not save that money in your safety budget for other safety uses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Talk to Your Employees About PPE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Take the time to talk to individual team leaders and other employees. Be sure to be as diverse as you can. Getting perspectives from both genders and different races could open your eyes to issues you\u2019d never even considered. Your employees are the ones who rely on your PPE to keep them safe. It\u2019s only right that they should have a voice as you conduct your PPE review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you\u2019ve obtained all the information you need, take the appropriate actions to make your PPE program better than it was at the start of this process. Then, book a date in your calendar to do it all over again next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PPE Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n