 Figure 1 |
 Figure 2 |
Personal Protective
Equipment
- SP# 1910.132
Quick
Reference
1.0 Purpose
2.0 Scope and
Applicability
3.0 References
4.0 Policy
5.0 General
Responsibilities
6.0 Procedure
6.1 Definitions
6.2 General Provisions
6.2.1 Training
6.2.2 Hazard Assessment
6.2.3 Head Protection
6.2.4 Eye and Face
Protection
6.2.5 Ear Protection
6.2.6 Hand and Arm
Protection
6.2.7 Foot and Leg
Protection
6.2.8 Body Protection
6.2.9 Respiratory
Protection
6.2.10 Fall Protection
6.2.11 Use and
Maintenance
6.3 Specific
Responsibilities
6.3.1 Managers
6.3.2 Supervisors
6.3.3 Employees
6.3.4 Safety Risk
Management
6.3.5 Division of
Purchase
and Services
APPENDIX A: Hazard
Assessment
Form
APPENDIX B: Hazard
Analysis
Form
APPENDIX C: Examples
of Eye and
Face Protection
APPENDIX D: Hand and
Arm Protective Wear
PPE Flowchart
1.0 Purpose
The purpose of this safety policy is
to
eliminate or minimize North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural
Resources (NCDENR) employee exposure to work hazards.
2.0 Scope and
Applicability
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to eliminate injuries is an important component of NCDENR's safety program. PPE includes all clothing and accessories designed to create a barrier against workplace hazards. PPE should be considered a means of controlling hazards only after engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices have been implemented.
This safety policy establishes the methods and accountability for implementing the NCDENR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program. It provides guidelines for selecting PPE based on the hazard. It includes provisions for training and discussion on the need for hazard assessments. It also presents PPE requirements for the head, eye and face, ear, hand, foot and leg, body and respiratory system. Additionally, this safety policy presents discussion on fall protection requirements and the use and maintenance of PPE.
This document details the areas of responsibility for managers, supervisors, employees, Safety Risk Management, Purchases, and Division of Purchase and Services within NCDENR.
This safety policy affects any
employee
who is exposed to hazards that require PPE.
3.0 Reference
This safety policy is established in
accordance
with Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29
CFR 1910.132-137) and Occupational Safety and Health Standards for
Construction
Industry (29 CFR 1926.95-107). US 23 CFR Part 634
interim rules and the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), with revisions
through 2007 is also a reference for this policy.
4.0 Policy
It is the policy of NCDENR to provide
a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards to its
employees and the general public by utilizing a proactive approach to
safety. PPE
shall be specified, appropriate to the hazard, only after engineering
practices,
administrative practices, and safe work practices have been implemented
to control the hazard(s). Proper training regarding PPE will also be
implemented.
These measures will be implemented to minimize the hazards and to
ensure
the safety of employees and the public.
5.0 General
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each manager, supervisor and employee to ensure implementation of NCDENR's safety policy on PPE. It is also the responsibility of each NCDENR employee to report immediately any unsafe act or condition to his or her supervisor. Specific responsibilities are found in Section 6.3.
It is the responsibility of NCDENR to
provide and maintain equipment that is adequate and is safe in design
and
construction.
6.0 Procedure
This section provides applicable
definitions,
establishes general provisions, and identifies responsibilities
required
by NCDENR's policy on PPE.
6.1 Definitions
ANSI
American National Standards Institute.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment.
6.2 General
Provisions
This section details the provisions of this safety policy with each provision discussed in a separate subsection. These provisions are:
Training will be provided in the use of PPE. Employees will be trained in:
A hazard assessment will be performed in the workplace to determine and identify all hazards that would necessitate PPE.
Typically, the hazard assessment will consist of:
Appendix A is a hazard assessment
form for use throughout NCDENR. This hazard assessment form can provide
the user with a formal and accurate assessment of worksite hazards.
This
form focuses on head, eye and face, hand and arm, and foot and leg
hazards. Additional hazard assessment forms are included in
NCDENR's Hearing Conservation
Program (noise hazards), Chapter 14 SP#
1910.95, and Respirator
Program (respiratory hazards), SP#
1910.134.
Keys to hazard assessment are recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards. During the assessment a determination will be made if the hazard can be eliminated.
Wherever possible, engineering and administrative controls should be used first to eliminate or reduce employees' exposure to any workplace hazard.
If hazards are present, then a hazard analysis shall be done so NCDENR can:
Hard hats protect employees from head injuries caused by falling or flying objects, bump hazards in close or confined spaces, and electrical shocks or burns. The hard hat should be easily adjustable so employees will properly wear the hat.
NCDENR hard hats should:
Class G (General)
Helmets --This is equivalent to the old Class A. Class G hard hats are
tested at 2200 volts.
Class E (Electrical) Helmets --This is equivalent to the old Class B.
Class E protective helmets are tested at 20,000 volts.
Class C (Conductive) Helmets -- Class C did not change from the old
standard. This class provides no
electrical insulation.
Additionally, Class
E (Old B) hard hats shall be
worn where employees are exposed to overhead electrical conductors
which
could contact their head.
Bump caps are not compliant with
ANSI guidelines and are not suitable for tasks or applications where an
ANSI-compliant hard hat is required by OSHA.
Eye injuries are caused by flying particles, cuts, chemicals, injurious light, heat rays, and blows to the face and eyes. To prevent such injuries, many types of eye and face protection devices are available in NCDENR.
There are three basic types of eye and face protection used in NCDENR. These are :
Eye and face protection devices are designed to protect against the
intended
hazard and should:
All NCDENR employees must use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss or impairment. There is no cure for noise induced hearing loss, so the prevention of excessive noise exposure is required to avoid hearing damage.
Types of ear protection devices used in NCDENR include:
Hand and arm injuries are a significant component of workplace injuries. Hands and fingers are used to accomplish nearly all workplace activities and must be protected from injury. The types of hand and arm protective wear used in NCDENR include:
Appendix D presents details on the types of hand and arm protective wear used in NCDENR. Also, see SP # 1910.137, Electrical Protective Wear, for further details on electrical protection gloves.
NCDENR will select and require the use of hand protection against skin absorption of harmful substances, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes.
Safety shoes are
used to protect the feet against injuries from
heavy
falling objects, rolling objects, objects piercing the soles,
electrical
hazards, against crushing or against lacerations. They are required for
employees whose job duties present a risk of foot injury due to
exposure
to the above and where their job duties require the lifting, carrying,
or moving of objects weighing more than fifteen pounds. Selected safety
shoes and boots must meet the current ANSI standard regarding both
impact and compression protection. (See OSHA CFR 1910.136)
NCDENR employees whose job duties, or assignment require them to wear safety shoes will be reimbursed for a pair of safety shoes. Contact your Division Safety Officer, Safety Consultant or Budget Officer to request reimbursement forms and further details.
There are many
styles of shoes available as well as different
materials
and construction. Special safety shoes without laces or eyelets and
with
leather or heat and flame resistant material can be obtained for
protection
where molten metal and/or welding sparks are a hazard. Where there is a
hazard from protruding nails or sharp objects on the walking surface,
safety
shoes should be equipped with metal inner soles.
For electrical workers and those who have to work in classified locations, nonmetal toe guards, eyelets, and other shoe construction components are available (see definitions of classified locations in Appendix D, SP# 1910.301, Electrical Related Safe Work Practices).
Lightweight metal
or plastic toe and/or instep shoe caps offer
protection
where marginal foot hazards exist. These devices can be quickly slipped
on over safety or street shoes. They are not intended to replace safety
shoes.
Where required by
statute or DENR job analysis, formed, lightweight composites that slip
on over a shoe/boot afford cut resistance protection for metatarsal
areas.
Storm rubbers that slip over the safety shoe provide a non-skid tread for fall protection on slippery walking surfaces. Storm rubbers also provide excellent protection for inside or outside work where water, oil, or chemicals could damage the safety shoe outer shell.
Over-the-sock or over-the-safety shoe boots are available. Boot outer shell materials include PVC, rubber, butyl, and neoprene. Temperature, abrasion, and chemical exposures in the workplace must be considered in the selection of the material.
Protective spats, chaps and leggings offer protection against high heat, flame, molten metal splashes, hot sparks, and chain saw cuts. Material construction includes leather, flame retardant duct, aluminized rayon, and other aluminized fabrics. Quick release legging velcro closures should be used when any emergency would require the legging to be quickly removed.
NCDENR employees shall use appropriate foot guards, safety shoes, or boots and leggings for protection of feet and legs from falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and wet slippery surfaces.
Protective clothing is used to protect the body from potential exposures associated with work.
Personal protective vests, aprons, coats, pants, coveralls, and suits are available in a wide range of materials and shall be worn consistent with the workplace hazard. Protective clothing shall include but not be limited to cooling vests and suits, foul weather gear, knife cutting protection, body armor (law enforcement), high visibility vests, flotation vests, welding and high heat protective clothing, fire/flame resistant gear, and chemical resistant outer clothing and impenetrable chemical suits for hazardous waste response teams.
DENR will require
the use of protective clothing for those
employees
who are exposed to body hazards. Examples include employees in
laboratories,
welders, fire suppression activities, law enforcement; employees in
special processing areas, employees conducting
hazardous site regulatory inspections and assessment and employees
exposed to
other body hazards.
Safety vests are to be worn
consistent with the conditions and hazards present.
Requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) shall be followed for all
safety vests. In low light and nighttime conditions this includes the
use of a Type 2 reflectorized safety vest when exposed to vehicular and
construction traffic.
(Exemption: NCDENR
firefighters and employees engaged in fire suppression activities are
exempt from the requirement to use a retroreflective safety vest when
they are exposed to hazardous conditions where the use of such apparel
may increase the risk of injury to fire fighting personnel AND where
such responders have direct exposure to flame, fire, heat, and/or
hazardous materials are wearing retroreflective turn-out gear that is
specified and regulated by other national organizations, e.g., National
Fire Protection Association.)
The workplace can present hazards to the lungs. Some of the most common hazards are the lack of oxygen and the presence of harmful dust, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays. Respirators prevent the entry of harmful substances into the lungs during breathing. Some respirators also provide breathable air so work can be performed where there is inadequate oxygen.
The prevention of atmospheric contamination at the worksite should be accomplished as far as feasible by engineering control measures (such as enclosing or confining the contaminant producing operation, exhausting the contaminant, or substituting with less toxic materials). However, when engineering controls are not feasible, appropriate respirators must be used.
Respirators have their limitations and are not substitutes for effective engineering controls. No employee shall wear a respirator until he or she has completed the respiratory fitness process. Refer to SP #1910.134, Respiratory Protection, for further details.
Fall Protection devices are those devices and systems designed to catch and hold a person after an accidental fall from height. When a person does fall, the proper fall arrest safety system can protect the worker.
The following fall protection devices are used in NCDENR:
| Figure 1 |
Figure 2 |
Figure 1 illustrates a
typical safety harness.
Safety harnesses attached to a lanyard and lifeline are primary
lifesaving devices for employees
who work at high elevations.
For work at low elevations, such as in
confined spaces, the safety belt and lanyard system can be used to
retrieve an injured or incapacitated person as shown in Figure 2.
A lanyard is a
flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap used to
secure
the body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or
anchorage.
Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards can limit a free fall to less
than
two feet. These devices allow the worker to move about while working.
If
a fall does occur, the device locks and suspends the worker until
rescue
is accomplished.
Ladder safety climb systems combine the safety belt and lanyard with a rope or rail type grab device. Ladder safety climb devices can be used on high structures to provide safety from falls to the user, as well as a system that reduces the effort required to climb very high ladders.
NCDENR
requires the use of
fall protection equipment during work activities where an employee can
fall from
elevated surfaces.
All PPE must be kept clean and in reliable condition. PPE that is damaged or deemed to be not safe, must be replaced. All employees are to be trained properly in the use, proper maintenance, and disposal of PPE.
Items which are fitted to the individuals shall not be reissued to other employees nor are they to be shared. Items that are owned by the employee and used on the job must be certified safe and reliable by NCDENR.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that adequate funds are available and budgeted for the purchase of PPE in their areas. They will also be responsible for identifying the employees affected by this safety policy. Managers will obtain and coordinate the required training for the affected employees.
Managers will also ensure compliance with PPE through their safety auditing process.
Supervisor's will be responsible for communicating appropriate PPE needs to managers and/or their supervisor.
Supervisor's will ensure that employees are properly trained before using PPE and that they are being worn properly. Supervisors will ensure that no employee is allowed in a work environment without the proper protective equipment consistent with the hazard.
Employees shall comply with all applicable guidelines contained in this safety policy.
Employees are to report any unsafe act associated with this safety policy and procedure to their supervisors. Additionally, employees shall identify and report any hazards which may require PPE.
Employees who
are assigned PPE will keep them clean, available and
in good
working order at all times and have them replaced when they become worn
or unsafe. Employees shall use the appropriate PPE provided to them.
Safety Risk Management will provide assistance to managers, supervisors, or others as applicable and as resources allow on any matter concerning this safety policy. Safety Risk Management will assist in developing or securing required training. Safety Risk Management will also provide consultation as needed in performing hazard assessments.
Safety Risk Management will also work with the Division of Purchase and Services to ensure that all newly purchased PPE comply with current safety regulations.
Division Safety Consultants and Safety Officers will conduct hazard assessments and train other designated employees to perform hazard assessments. Additionally, Safety Consultants will provide consultative and audit assistance to ensure effective implementation of this safety policy.
The Division of
Purchase and Services shall ensure that Personal
Protective Equipment and replacement supplies purchased through their
oversight have been reviewed for safety issues by the
Division/Office/Program's New Equipment Safety Review Subcommittee or
the staff Safety Consultant, or Safety Officer prior to any new
purchase. This includes certification that a PPE hazard
assessment was conducted by the requester to ensure proper selection
of the appropriate PPE.
Name__________________________ Job
Title______________________________
Facility/Site____________________________
Date ____________
Job Tasks____________________________
General
| It is necessary to assess head, eye and face, hand, and foot hazards that exist in a worksite |
| operation so the protective devices can be matched to the appropriate hazard. Therefore, a |
| walk-through survey should be performed of the areas in question. During the walk-through |
| survey, the user of this form should identify the sources of these hazards and observe the |
| following hazard sources during the walk-through: |
Head Hazards
Examine areas where impact and penetration hazards may be present due
to falling objects and/or low head room clearance. Examples may include
working below other workers who are using tools and materials that may
fall; and working below machinery which may cause material or objects
to
fall. Additionally, look at areas where work on energized conductors is
taking place. Check the appropriate box for each hazard.
| Description of Hazards________________________________________________ | |
| Yes No | |
| Impact | ____________________________________ |
| Penetration | ____________________________________ |
| Electrical shock | ____________________________________ |
| Other__________________________ | ____________________________________ |
| Description of Hazards__________________________________________________ | Yes No |
| Impact | ______________________________________ |
| Potential of flying objects | ______________________________________ |
| Chemical splash | ______________________________________ |
| Chipping, hammering, etc. | ______________________________________ |
| Torch cutting and brazing | ______________________________________ |
| Welding | ______________________________________ |
| Other___________ | ______________________________________ |
Hand and Arm Hazards
Examine work activities where chemicals, surface heat, radiant heat,
extreme cold, splinters, abrasion, cuts and electrical shock exists or
where the potential exists. Check the appropriate box for each hazard.
| Description of Hazards___________________ | Yes No |
| Penetration | ______________________________________ |
| Chemical | ______________________________________ |
| Temperature | ______________________________________ |
| Electrical shock | ______________________________________ |
| Other___________ | ______________________________________ |
Foot and Leg Hazards
Examine work activities where falling or rolling objects, sharp
objects,
molten metal, hot surfaces, chain saw operations, and wet slippery
surfaces
exist. Check the appropriate box for each hazard.
| Description of Hazards___________________ | Yes No |
| Impact | ______________________________________ |
| Penetration (Puncture) | ______________________________________ |
| Compression (Rollover) | ______________________________________ |
| Chemical | ______________________________________ |
| Temperature | ______________________________________ |
| Electrical shock | ______________________________________ |
| Slippery conditions | ______________________________________ |
| Cuts |
______________________________________ |
| Other___________ | ______________________________________ |
| Description of Hazards__________________ | Yes No |
| Harmful Dust | _____________________________________ |
| Vapors/Fogs/Fumes | _____________________________________ |
| Sprays |
_____________________________________ |
| Airborne Chemicals
(Pesticides/Herbicides) |
_____________________________________ |
| Other |
_____________________________________ |
APPENDIX B:
Hazard Analysis
A hazard analysis cannot be performed until a hazard assessment has been completed. The steps in performing a hazard analysis are:
| Level of Risk | ||||
|
|
||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|
|
||||
| None | Little | Moderate | Moderate to High |
High |
| Seriousness of Personal Injury | ||||
|
|
||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|
|
||||
| Minor: | Minor: | Medium: | Medium to Serious: |
Serious: |
| First Aid; No lost time |
Minimal lost time, less than 4 hours; Quick return to regular job | Some lost time; Slower return to regular job | More lost time; Modified duty work before returning to regular job | Significant lost time; Rehabilitation and modified duty work required before returning to regular job |
| (Sample Hazard Analysis) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hand and Arm Hazards | Description of Hazards: Material handling of sharp objects and wood-working duties. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cut-Resistant
This type of glove is used where protection against cuts is required.
Plastic dots can be adhered to the metal mesh to facilitate gripping.
Another
type of cut-resistant glove combines stainless steel with cut-resistant
fiber wrapped with nylon fibers for enhanced flexibility and surface
softness.
These materials resist knives, glass, sheet metal, sharp edges, and
other
cutting surfaces. They are cut-resistant but not cut-proof or puncture
proof. These materials must not be subjected to high speed knives or
serrated
blades.
High and Low Temperatures
Gloves, mittens, and arm and sleeve protectors are available in a wide
variety of materials. Leather is a common welder's glove material.
Heavy
duty terry cloth gloves can provide heat protection of up to 350
degrees
F. For extreme high and low temperature protection, specially processed
silica fiber cloth (non-asbestos) can withstand temperatures of from
-1000F
to 11000F. Do not use asbestos gloves.
Splinters, Cuts, Abrasion, and General Use
Light weight pigskin, goatskin, or calfskin leather gloves enable
dexterity
and grip while offering some resistance to cuts and abrasions. Other
materials
which offer similar protection include laminated nitrile coating on
stretch
fabric, vinyl, rubber coated, or impregnated fabrics.
Electrical Protection
Rubber devices that protect against electrical shock must meet the
ANSI J6 series standards. Rubber insulating gloves must meet ANSI J6.6.
These gloves are available to meet different voltage exposures. Light
weight
low voltage gloves are for use on voltages of under 1000V. Gloves for
use
on high voltage are of thicker material for the dielectric strength. As
the voltage rating increases, so does the glove weight. Leather glove
protectors
are available to protect rubber gloves against punctures and abrasion.
Employees who use this type of equipment must be qualified (see 29 CFR
1910.331 [a]). Rubber gloves must be visually inspected and an "air"
test
must be performed before they are used.
Repetitive Motion and Vibration
Protective gear is available to minimize repetitive hand and wrist
motions. One glove has openings for the fingers but offers palm
protection.
These anti-vibration gloves may be worn under regular work gloves.
Chemicals
Glove materials used to protect against chemicals include natural
rubber,
neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, and nitrile. Chemical
degradation guides are available to determine the general suitability
of
various glove materials to exposures of specific chemicals. Many
operational
variables may affect the performance of chemical protection gloves,
including
chemical combinations and concentrations, temperature, and exposure
time.
Safety Risk Management will assist Managers and Supervisors
in determining the suitability of the glove material for the job.
PPE Flowchart
