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Good practice principle encourages employers to:

• ensure PPE is suitable for the hazard and the wearer.
• Provide adequate training / instruction on the correct usage.
• Issue, obtain signature and maintain record.
• Set up monitoring systems though enforcement.
• Organise routine exchange systems in case of damage or lost.
• Issue written/verbal instructions define when and where to use.
• Provide suitable storage place.

If this is the case then it may be necessary to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), there are
variety of PPE to protect worker from injury, they are:

• Hard hats and helmets to prevent head and neck injury.
• Earmuffs and defender to protect against high level of noise to avoid hearing damage.
• Gloves, gauntlets to prevent contact with hazardous substances.
• Nose masks filtered masks to prevent inhalation of toxic substances.
• Safety boots with protective toecaps to prevent crushed feet.
• RPE in oxygen deficiency area, dust, vapour, and gas.

There are numerous reasons why PPE is considered as last resort control, even after
implementing other protective measures, in many countries, it is a legal requirement that other
means of protective measures are considered first, because PPE has various limitations:

When selecting and using PPE

• Choose products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you
• Choose equipment that suits the user – consider the size, fit and weight of the PPE. If the
users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it
• If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used
together, e.g. wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks
• Instruct and train people how to use it, e.g. train people to remove gloves without
contaminating their skin. Tell them why it is needed, when to use it and what its limitations
are.

Guidance

When making decision about risks and controls are adequate, the employer must refer to
relevant standards and guidance.

The guidance and standards are available in the form of legislation, guidance documents,
industry specific guidance documents, relevant national and international standards. If the
proper guidance and standards are not referred, then the risk assessment may be determined
as not suitable and sufficient.

ENSIGN| Unit IG1 – Element 3 – Managing Risks – Understanding People and Processes 38