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TRANSCRIPT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Christian Rantzau
Specialist Chemical Adviser
University of Melbourne
Scope of the course
• Understand why PPE is needed
– What hazards are in the working environment?
– What parts of the body we need to protect?
• Determine what PPE is needed
– What basic PPE should I wear?
– What items of specialised PPE might I need?
• Ensure PPE is worn
– How does it fit correctly?
– What are the Dos and Don’ts?
Why do we need protection?
• A hazardous environment may have:
– Airborne materials
• Dusts, fumes, particulates
– Biological materials
• Bacteria, viruses, other microbes
– Chemicals
• Corrosives, toxics, irritants, hazardous substances etc..
– Light
• Ultra Violet, Infra Red
• What other hazards exist in our environment?
Why do we need protection?
These hazards can enter the body via 4 ways:
Ingestion• Eating food that has come into contact with contaminants
Absorption (skin & mucous membranes)• Liquids, fumes, vapours etc. being absorbed• Radiation (UV, IR, Ionising)
Inhalation• Breathing in dusts, vapours, fumes etc.
Injection• Needlestick, scalpel cuts etc.
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment includes:
• Eye Protection
– Glasses, goggles, face shields, barriers
• Gloves
– latex, nitrile, thermal, Kevlar, rubber, PVC, vinyl
• Safety Shoes
– Safety boots (i.e. steel caps), closed shoes, rubber boots
• Protective Clothing
– Lab coats, aprons, hairnets, overalls
• Respiratory Protection
– Masks (P1 + P2), respirators, SCBA
• Head Protection
– Hard hats, helmets
• Hearing Protection
– Ear muffs (Peltors) , ear plugs
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment includes:
• Eye Protection
– Glasses, goggles, face shields, barriers
• Gloves
– latex, nitrile, thermal, Kevlar, rubber, PVC, vinyl
• Safety Shoes
– Safety boots (i.e. steel caps), closed shoes, rubber boots
• Protective Clothing
– Lab coats, aprons, hairnets, overalls
• Respiratory Protection
– Masks (P1 + P2), respirators, SCBA
• Head Protection
– Hard hats, helmets
• Hearing Protection
– Ear muffs (Peltors) , ear plugs
Each part of the body has
its own requirements:
Anywhere else????
Eye, Face
Hand
Feet
The body(torso, arms, legs)
Lungs
Head
Ears
Priority for Protection
What areas are most at risk?
The list below is in order of areas that are most important to protect on our body:
Priority 1:
• Eyes, Lungs, Face, Hearing
Priority 2:
• Torso, Hands, Feet
Priority 3:
• Arms, Legs, Thermal core
With each of these areas, there is specific equipment we should use. The key is to know what items work on what parts of the body, and what they are best designed to protect us from.
Control Measures
Use a less hazardous chemical
Use Class II cab or fume hood
SOPs training and review
Glasses, coat, gloves, mask etc.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- From the CDC web site
- http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/
PPE is the last risk management option – why?
PPE is the last option that should be considered when controlling risk.
We humans are lazy and forgetful – PPE use requires us to remember
to use it and to use the right/suitable equipment.
• Using PPE usually means we are up close and personal to the risk.
• It is considered to be a “passive” option
• PPE is not always there or “switched on”
• Its use requires us to take conscious action in order for it to work as
a safety control.
PPE is the last risk management option – why?
Imagine working as this bomb technician – would you prefer to be
wearing your PPE and directly working on the bomb, or using a robot
from a safe distance away?
What is NOT PPE?
Sometimes we wear what we think is PPE, but we are actually wearing
items to protect ONLY what we are working with.
These items provide very little protection:
• Sterile gloves
• Surgical masks
• Paper gowns
• Booties
Why am I here doing training?
To remind you to use the right
PPE and not use unapproved
alternatives.
To reinforce to you that you DO
NOT modify PPE for any reason!
Where/when do we wear PPE?
• When directed to by Risk Assessments (RA) or Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP).
• When stated in MSDS information.
• When Laboratory or Workshop Signage indicates.
• When directed to by Supervisory Staff.
White on blue signs (as below) at entry points to labs indicate that it is
mandatory to wear the applicable PPE beyond that point.
Selection of the appropriate PPE?
Once your area has been assessed for hazards, your
employer must select, with your help, appropriate
personal protective equipment for you to use while
performing your work.
All PPE selected and supplied at the University
complies with one of the many specific Australian
Standards.
You can find further information on these standards
from:
• SAI Global website - EResource through the library)
• Health & Safety Unit – UoM
• Chemical Management Guidelines book
• Worksafe website
Appropriate PPE
PPE
What do I wear?
Appropriate PPE
Appropriate PPE
Many people are blinded each year
from work related eye injuries.
Injuries that could have been
prevented, if only those persons had
been wearing eye or face
protection.
• Contact with chemicals
• Flying objects and particles
• Swinging cables and ropes
• Radiant energy
• Small particles
• Dusts, powders, fumes and mists
• Molten metals
Appropriate PPE
TRIFLUOROMETHANESULPHONIC ACID 98%
(TRIFLIC ACID)
Why do we wear eye protection
devices?
You only have two eyes.
Lose one, and life can be difficult.
Lose both and life will never be the
same.
They don’t grow back!!
Safety Glasses
• One of the main types of injury that can occur in a Laboratory or
Workshop is a splash or projectile to the eye/s.
• Safety Glasses provide protection from chemical splashes,
particulates and projectiles.
• Current Standard AS 1337:2010
• Safety Eyewear MUST be worn AT ALL TIMES in designated areas.
• General prescription glasses do not conform to AS 1337 and are
not considered Safety Glasses.
• When purchasing any eye protective devices make sure you are
purchasing the ones that will give the right protection.
Safety Goggles
• When handling substances or completing a process that
produces dust, fumes or vapours, safety glasses may not
provide adequate protection as the dust, fume or vapour may
penetrate around the glasses.
• For these tasks, it is recommended you wear Safety Goggles.
• Safety Goggles form a seal around the eyes and provide
protection from chemical fumes.
• Note the subtle difference in the symbols for Safety Glasses and
Safety Goggles
Glasses Goggles
Face Shields
Face Shields:
• provide protection for your face as well as your eyes.
• should be used when working with aerosols or liquids under
pressure or cryogenic liquids and frozen samples.
• should be used where the risk of a splash on the face is as
dangerous as a splash in the eye (e.g.. handling liquid nitrogen).
Maintenance of eye protection devices
• Most lenses in eye protection devices are made from
Polycarbonate.
• The best method for cleaning Polycarbonate lenses is
using warm soapy water to wipe the lenses.
• Some solvent based glass cleaning products can
leave the lenses smeary and brittle.
• Damaged or overly scratched eye protection devices
should be thrown away and replaced as their integrity
could be compromised and/or restrict your vision.
• Basically, damaged eye protective
devices are unsafe and using them
is putting yourself in danger.
Storing eye protection devices
• Eye protection devices should be stored when not in use.
• The storage should be in an area where they are not likely to be
scratched or exposed to vapours or liquids that may deteriorate
the lenses i.e. hanging beside the fume cabinet is NOT
appropriate.
• It is ideal that you have your own pair of safety glasses so that
they are always available when you need them.
• Your supervisor/lab is required to provide you with a pair of basic
safety glasses and replace them if damaged.
• Purchasing your own safety glasses is a tax deduction. You
generally take better care of them when they are your own and
you can buy ones that make you look good!! If you require
prescription safety glasses, you can go to the Eyecare Clinic
Swanston St (30% discount)
Eye protection only works when used
correctly!
They only work when covering your eyes!!
Maybe a face
shield would
have been a
better option
They really do work!
Gloves
• Gloves provide protection for your hands whilst working with or being exposed to chemicals and hazards associated with some equipment and/or machinery.
• Different types of gloves are used for handling different substances.
• Never wear gloves that have handled chemicals outside a Laboratory as you may contaminate items such as door handles and/or contaminate your gloves.
• Some gloves, such as Latex and Nitrile are designed to be disposable – throw them away as they become contaminated.
Selecting the right glove
Chemical Handling Gloves
• It is important to wear the correct glove for the product that you are handling to protect yourself – the MSDS for the chemicals you are using will tell you the correct glove to use in order to provide the best protection.
• Ansell produces a comprehensive guide on the resistance of its range of laboratory gloves to a variety of chemicals:
• http://www.ppe.ansell.com.au/chemical-glove-guide
The MSDS information and
guidance like that provided by
Ansell needs to be considered
when making the choice about
the suitability of gloves to be
used when handling chemicals.
Don’t forget gloves can protect more
than just chemical hazards
While so far we have mainly spoken about gloves protecting us
from chemical hazards, there are other situations where gloves
can provide other protection:
• Handling very hot or very cold items (i.e.: working
with liquid nitrogen or heaters/ovens):
– Thermal insulating gloves can be used
to provide thermal protection.
• Handling sharp objects:
– Leather gloves can be used to prevent
cuts to hands.
• Washing glassware:
– Dishwashing gloves can help prevent/reduce
cuts from broken glass as well as scalds from hot water.
NOTE: cuts to hands from broken glassware during washing is one of the most
common Chemistry & FMDHS Laboratory injuries – wear some gloves!!
Why do we wear gloves?
To protect ourselves from painful
and disfiguring injuries!!
Why do we wear gloves?
When things go wrong:
Dimethyl Mercury
- A few drops from a pipette onto the latex glove.
- Glove not removed, but cleaned up the area and spill.
- Dimethylmercury can penetrate the glove and skin in 15 secs
- 5 months after exposure, noticed neurological problems
- In hospital – urinary mercury at 234 ug/L;
- Toxic >50ug/L; normal is 1-4 ug/L
- Use multilayered neoprene gloves
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Wetterhahn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h049Hgfk-BI
Hydrofluoric acid or hydrogen fluoride
- Have calcium gluconate gel available
Safety footwear
• In the commercial/industrial business world, the symbol for safety
footwear means “Safety cap footwear” i.e.: Steel cap boots.
• At the University, this symbol means “Solid, closed shoes”.
• Solid closed shoes are those that encase the foot and provide a
stable walking/standing posture.
• Open toes, opens back, open top shoes (even if wearing socks) are
not acceptable to wear, as they leave parts of the foot exposed to
potential spills or other contamination.
• Sandals, thongs (flip flops), peep-toe and/or strappy designer heels,
Crocs, ballerina shoes etc. are not acceptable.
• Runners and other shoes that enclose the foot are acceptable.
Leather shoes are the best option.
Safety footwear
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNhVwA0X
ZE27h8uh8ug8kX3362W2CAvai
Safety footwear
• It is up to you to ensure that you have the correct footwear to be
allowed to enter the lab.
• If you are in the habit of wearing casual footwear, then it is
highly recommended that you leave some suitable shoes that
your can change into whilst working in a laboratory or workshop.
Lab coats, aprons and other long
sleeve/long leg clothing
• The white on blue symbol here indicates legs and arms must be
covered. There are a variety of PPE that can achieve this. The
main one used at the University are lab coats.
• Coverall and overalls are also available.
• These are coats designed specifically for use in the laboratory.
They are made of medium weight 100% cotton twill.• Lab coats are designed as a single layer of instant protection,
generally from chemical splashes, for both your skin and you ownclothing.
• It’s better to damage a lab coat that your own clothing!• You should not wear your lab coat in public areas or to the tea or
rest rooms to prevent contamination of non-chemical areas.• Lab coats should be washed regularly. A lab coat washing service
is available through the Chemistry Store.• DO NOT take your lab coat home to wash it as you may
contaminate family or housemates clothes!!
Lab coats, aprons and other long
sleeve/long leg clothing
When things go wrong:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS6XaKhzV3Q
Tert-butyl lithium
Aprons
• Some tasks performed in labs may require the use of an
apron as further body/clothing protection.
• Aprons can be made of different materials, and like gloves each
material will have different chemical resistance characteristics.
• The MSDS’s will tell you when an apron should be worn and the
specific type of apron material.
If the right kind of apron is not available in
your lab, cease the task and speak to
your supervisor about purchasing the
correct type.
Respiratory protection
Why is respiratory protection so important?
Safety and Health hazards in the workplace are a major concern for
both employers and employees.
It is important, though, to remember that hazardous materials only
present a health hazard when they come into contact with your
body.
Hazardous materials can enter your body in four ways.
• Ingestion.
• Skin absorption.
• Inhalation.
• Through the eyes.
Respiratory protection – Particle Size
Material Microns
Metal fumes 0.001 - 100
Molecules 0.001 - 0.1
Chysotile 0.02 - 0.03
Erionite (Zeolite silicate) 0.02 - 0.03
Viruses 0.01 - 0.1
Smoke / Mist 0.01 - 5
Bacteria 0.1 - 10
Spore / Pollens 5 - 100
Dust 5 - 100
Respiratory protection
There are two major types of respirators.
• Air Purifying
– Dust masks, respirators
• Supplied Air.
What does SCBA and SCUBA mean?
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
• Have air tanks and a full face respirator
• Require specialised training and certification
Respiratory protection
Surgical Mask:
• Provides absolutely NO protection
Basic Mask (P1)*:
• Filter out 80% of particles (>1 micron)
• Designed for dusts, dander, basic home duties
• Disposable – discard after use
Specialised masks (P2)*:
• Filter out 94% of particles (>0.3 micron)
• Designed for most short term exposure in a lab environment
• Disposable – discard after use
Full Face masks (P3)
• Filter out 99.955 of particles (>0.3 micron)
• Have specific cartridges for different materials
NOTES: *Only provides a few hours protection so change at least daily
Selecting the right Dust Mask
• Your MSDS will tell you if a chemical you are working with should
be used with a Dust Mask.
• The MSDS should also advise as to which “P” the Dust Mask
should be.
• Don’t buy Dust Masks from places like the “$2 Shop” as they don’t
conform to the required Australian Standards (AS1716) for
respiratory protective devices and won’t filter to the level you need.
• Always purchase Dust Masks from a reputable safety product
provider – try your Chemistry Store.
• If supplied masks have a metal strip, the strip
goes over your nose – press it in to form a seal
around the ridge of your nose.
Selecting the correct respirator
To select the correct respirator, you must determine the hazard
posed by the environment.
You must answer these four basic questions:
• What type of contaminant is present?
• What form is the contaminant?
• How toxic is the contaminant?
• What is the concentration of the contaminant?
In addition, to determining the level of the hazard, you must also consider:
• How long will you be exposed to the contaminant?
• What is your individual sensitivity to the contaminant?
• What are your individual requirements?
Individual requirements:
• Do you wear glasses?
• Do you have a beard or other facial hair?
• Do you wear dentures?
• Will you have to wear other PPE?
Maintenance/Storage of Dust Masks
• Dust Masks need to be stored in a dust proof bag or container (the
box they were supplied in, so long as left closed, is sufficient) so as to
prevent them from being contaminated before they have been used.
• There is no maintenance needed on a Dust Mask. They are
disposable items and should be thrown away once dirty on the
outward side.
• If there is dirt/contamination on the inside, do not use and dispose of.
Respirators
• Respirators are sometimes needed when working with
chemicals that create dangerous fumes or vapours.
• Respirators provide protection depending upon which cartridge is used – not all cartridges provide the same filtration.
• Paper type cartridges will only block dust and particulates but not vapours.
• Specialised charcoal or vapour specific cartridges provide protection against fumes and vapours.
• Cartridges need to be changed regularly. Again, no standard time, it depends on the work.
• If you can smell the fume/vapour through the respirator it is not working. Check it’s seal and change cartridges.
• Always refer to MSDS and Cartridge manufacturer for specific product information.
• Full Face Respirators do the same thing except they also have in built eye protection.
Maintenance of respirators
• Respirators must be kept in dust proof containers and away from
areas of potential contamination to the inside of the mask or filter.
• Sharing Respirators is not recommended.
• If you do share respirators you should clean before and after use,
using an alcohol swab. Wipe around the whole mouth piece and
leave to dry before using
• If you have your own respirator, once a year the valves should be
taken apart and cleaned as well.
Fitting the respirators
Donning the respirator:
• With one hand, hold the respirator to
your face.
• While holding the respirator in place,
slip the head harness over your head.
• Adjust and tighten the harness straps
until it fits snugly.
• The best way to tighten a respirator is
to tighten the straps from the bottom
up.
Fitting the respirators
Fitting the respirator:
To ensure an airtight seal, you must ‘Fit Test’ the respirator.
Positive Pressure Test
• Close the exhalation valve with your hand.
• Breath out slowly.
• Ensure no air leaks.
Negative Pressure Test
• Close the respirators inhalation valves with your
hands, breath slowly.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds, check for leaks.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is used at the
University for emergency response events such as:
• Investigation and response to laboratory gas alarms;
• Spill clean up of chemicals that give off highly dangerous or toxic
vapours.
Only certified and approved
operators are allowed to use
the SCBA units.
If you think you need to be
SCBA qualified, discuss with
your supervisor – SCBA
training is available at a cost.
Hearing protection is not usually needed in most labs.
However, if you do need to use it, or visit sites where you need to
use it you need to know:
• Quality ear muffs from safety product providers are MUCH
better than ones from the local hardware store.
• Some types of ear plugs are “one-use” foam disposable and
others are “re-useable” rubber.
• Ear muffs are better for long term/daily use as they don’t cause
dirt/oil from your hands to build up inside your ears.
Hearing protection
One-use disposable
foam ear plugs Re-useable rubber ear plugs Ear muffs
Hearing protection – Noise levels
Daily Noise Dose (DND)
All of these are equivalent to a DND of 1.
Level Period
85 dB (A) for 8 hours
88 dB (A) for 4 hours
91 dB (A) for 2 hours
95 dB (A) for 50 minutes
105 dB (A) for 5 minutes
An office or routine laboratory is about 60-70dB
Hearing protection – Noise levels
When Should You Wear Hearing Protection?
You must wear hearing
protection whenever you are
exposed to noise that is 85
decibels or greater for an 8
hour period of time.
Fitting PPE
Fitting Foam Earplugs
To insert the earplug:• Reach around the back of your head,
gently pull your ear back and up.
• Roll the plug into a small diameter
and insert into the ear canal.
• Hold the plug in place for a few
seconds while it expands to a good
seal.
Hearing protection
• Inserting foam ear plugs
is a skill to do it correctly.
• If done incorrectly, they
won’t provide the noise
attenuation they are
designed for.
Fitting PPE
Fitting PVC Earplugs
To insert the earplug:
• Reach around the back of your head,
gently pull your ear back and up.
• Begin to insert the plug into the ear
canal.
• Work the plug well into the ear using
a circular motion.
• One inserted, wait a few seconds to
make sure the plug is securely fitted
into your ear.
Fitting PPE
Fitting Earmuffs
• Limited effectiveness if the seal around
your ear is poor.
• Make sure that the earmuffs fit snugly
around your ear.
• Use earplugs if you wear glasses,
earrings, or cannot get a good seal.
• A good quality earmuff e.g. Peltor by
3M, will offer much more comfort and
can be worn or longer periods.
Other PPE
There are many other kinds of PPE that you may see in your
working life, such as:
• Hard hats
• Harnesses & fall arrest systems
• Sun protection
• Manual handling aids (knee pads, back braces etc.)
These are not generally used by University Staff and Students, and
therefore not covered in this lecture.
Obtaining & replacing PPE
• Each Research Group is responsible for purchasing and maintaining their own PPE as required (see your Supervisor).
• Students are responsible for providing their own lab coats. Other items needed should be provided by your supervisor.
• Basic PPE (gloves, glasses, goggles, lab coats, safety footwear) is available for purchase, on-campus, from the Chemistry Store.
• Only buy PPE from reputable safety product providers.
• For eye protection, only purchase AS1337 compliant items.
• For respiratory protection, only purchase AS1716 compliant
items.
• For hearing protection, only purchase AS1269 compliant items.
Summary – Right product for the job
Use the right PPE for the hazard involved, and only use PPE that
has been designed/engineered to do the job you are asking of it.
Further information
If you have further questions about:
• Types of PPE needed in your studies,
• PPE available in your lab,
• PPE that must be used in your lab,
First ask your supervisor or senior persons in you lab.
If you need specific OHS advice about PPE types or recommendations
on where to purchase PPE from, contact the knowledgeable staff in
the Chemistry Store or the Health & Safety Unit at the University:
Christian Rantzau
© Copyright The University of Melbourne 2011