Top 10 FAQ's about PPE

PPEs are personal protective equipment that is donned for the protection of an individual from any potential hazard that may affect them if there is any mishap or accident. PPEs have been used in industries by workers & employees as a part of personal safety. Industries house, a hub of hazards that can due to negligence, turn out to be dangerous and in some cases can even turn out to be fatal.

In industry, there is always a chance of a mishap. In such cases, there is a chance of injuries, and in the worst cases, death of the individual involved in the mishap. To avoid and minimize any chance of injury and harm to an individual, PPE is recommended. PPEs protect the individual by covering, holding, or shielding the body part of an individual. This article aims to clear FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about PPE. Here, we will clear doubts and concerns related to PPEs. Let’s dive into FAQs without any further ado.

List of Top 10 FAQs about PPEs

When should you choose PPEs?

When the hazard cannot be eliminated, protection from the hazard is essential for the safety of an individual. Donning PPE becomes inevitable.

When is PPE most effective?

PPE is considered to be most effective when it is

1. It is manufactured from strong, durable, and proper MOC (material of construction).
2. PPE is manufactured by a reputed and certified company.
3. The individual is trained about PPE, its uses, donning & doffing handling, and its storage
4. PPE is not damaged and well intact.
5. PPE is properly donned by the individual.
6. PPE fits the individual properly (Individual must ensure that the PPE they don is of their size).
7. PPE is in good condition and works properly.

How should an employer buy PPE for his employees?

1. If you are an employee or worker in an industry, then the employer first does the hazard identification and risk assessment or analysis. This is abbreviated as HIRA. 
2. Once HIRA is performed, a list of possible hazards is identified. Based on this list, the correct type of PPE can be identified and provided to the individuals working in particular industrial conditions. It should be noted that there can be more than one PPE required for an individual. The employer should verify whether the PPE is appropriate according to risk assessment.
3. The selection of PPE depends upon various factors. The most important ones are durability, a manufacturing company, MOC (material of construction), level of protection provided, and many more. HIRA plays an important role in determining & selecting PPE.
4. Proper wearing & fitting of PPE is ensured by the proper selection of PPE. The size of an individual must be considered and taken into account before one buys a PPE. (One must understand that one size of PPE will not fit everyone. This should be taken into consideration by the individual & employer).
5. Individuals donning PPE & employers must ensure that the PPE must not affect their flexibility and maneuverability. PPE must not cause any itching or discomfort to the individual wearing it. PPE should be user-friendly. Find out how you can prevent PPE-related skin damage.
6. One must take into account any medical conditions of an individual who would be donning the PPE. If a person is suffering from respiratory disorders or has difficulty in breathing, then respiratory protection PPE may cause more harm than protecting them (on donning these PPE for longer durations). In such cases, the employer and the individual donning PPE must take medical advice on their use of PPE.
7. The PPE bought must be certified by the authorities governing the health & safety of the industries in that particular geographical region. For example, PPE bought in the European Union has a CE mark. This ensures that the PPE complies with the EU regulations.

Who is responsible for the provision of PPE in the workplace?

1. In most nations, the law states that the provision of PPE in any workplace is a duty of the employer. PPE must be provided by the employer where the hazard cannot be eliminated. HIRA helps in identifying PPE required in the workplace. Find out more about PPE hazard assessment.
2. Moreover, employers have to bear the cost of purchasing PPE. Provisions of storage, handling, and replacement of PPE are a collective task of the employer as well as the employees.
3. For disposable PPE (single-use PPE), proper disposal is the responsibility of the employer.
4. Employees & workers may request the employer to upgrade or replace PPE if the existing PPE offers a lesser degree of safety, if it is damaged, or if it is old. There can be some other reasons as well. Irrespective of the reasons, employers & employees need to negotiate this amongst themselves. 
5. In most cases, the employer complies with the demand of employees for upgradation & replacement of PPE as it is concerned with the health & safety of people. In rare cases, the employees may agree to share the additional expenses of the new PPE as well.

Does an employer keep providing PPE when employees lose or damage their PPE?

1. The employer needs to create policies & regulations related to PPE.
2. For disposable PPE (single-use PPE), the employer is responsible for the provision of its replacement after the disposal.
3. Maintain a register for the updates of PPE. The updates help in tracking the use of PPE by the individual.
4.  Employers can formulate their own regulations for the replacement of lost & damaged PPE.

If you’re curious about the role of the employer-related to PPE, then check out 5 PPE employer responsibilities.

Is training required for PPE? Who is responsible for the provision of PPE training?

1. Training for PPE donning, doffing, storage, maintenance, handling, and other related aspects is compulsory.
2. Training for PPE is the responsibility of the employer.

What is covered in PPE training?

1. PPE training covers the part of informing the employees about the risks & hazards they may face at the workplace. They are also informed about how PPE protects them in such conditions or situations. 
2. PPE training includes the provision of proper theoretical knowledge & practical demonstrations of PPE usage which includes donning & doffing, PPE maintenance which includes storage & handling, and other important aspects about PPE. This helps them in achieving the maximum potential of PPE. Effective use is only possible if an individual follows the instructions provided in PPE training.
3. PPE training also emphasizes the importance of PPE. It also covers the negative effects of PPE if it is not used properly. Any limitations of PPE are covered in PPE training.
4. PPE training can also include written tests & practical demonstrations to check the level of understanding about PPE of the employees after the training is concluded.

Interested ones can check out about PPE inspection.

Does the level of PPE training vary from one PPE to another?

1. It is true that the level of training may vary from one PPE to another. The level of training provided depends on the level of risk & danger of the hazard involved. Another major factor is the type of PPE involved in it.
2. For example, PPE like safety helmets or hard hats may require a simple demonstration only. Few PPE like respiratory protective PPE may require a better level of training along with revised & periodical training sessions. The period can be decided based on the risk, hazard, type of PPE, and other related factors.

How should one store PPE?

1. PPE storage is explained during PPE training.
2. PPE should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Proper PPE storage is essential for keeping PPE damage-free. 

Can PPE be shared with colleagues?

No. It is highly recommended that PPE should not be shared with anyone. It is considered to be unhygienic.