Personal Protective Equipment
Types of PPE, issuing, replacement, cleaning, maintenance and training
Protective Clothing and Equipment
At the University you may come into contact with some form of substances - liquid, solid or gas - which can cause injury if protective clothing or equipment is not worn. If so, always use the protective clothing and equipment that is supplied for performing your work and make sure it is the correct type of protection for the job. If in doubt, get advice from your Line Manager.
You should at all times take good care of clothing and equipment provided for your safety, otherwise it may become a danger to yourself or others. If, after use, you find that clothing or equipment is contaminated, make sure that it is cleaned at once. Any defects should be reported to your line manager.
If your work is concerned with hazardous chemical gases, dust or vapours, make sure you use the appropriate safety clothing and equipment, and learn what action to take in an emergency.
Personal Protective Equipment should only be worn in the work area which requires it.
You may require extra personal protective equipment if you have any skin complaint which could be irritated by chemicals/substances. Please indicate any problems to your Line Manager.
[NB Where it is necessary to ensure that personal protective equipment is hygienic and otherwise free of risk to health, every employer and every self-employed person shall ensure that personal protective equipment provided is provided to a person for use only by him]
Dress for the part!
Eye Protection
Your eyes are undoubtedly the most vulnerable part of your body and the simplest of injuries to them can have drastic consequences. Where a risk assessment identifies the need for eye protection, the specification and type to be worn must be included in the assessment and personnel supplied with this specific type of protection.
You must always wear goggles or eye shields when provided to protect your eyes from dust, flying particles, molten materials, liquids, fumes or harmful light and heat. Make sure you have the correct protection for the work you are doing and wear it properly.
Never watch welding or brazing work without wearing the correct type of goggles. Whenever possible welders must screen their work to protect others from the harmful rays of the welding arc.
Whenever you are doing work involving chipping, grinding or sanding, remember the passer-by and where possible erect a screen.
You can lose your sight only once - so protect your eyes!
Noise
Excessive noise in the workplace can have a serious effect on your hearing. It creates stress which can affect your physical and mental well being. Accidents can result from where you cannot hear instruction or warnings.
The University will make all efforts to reduce noise levels to comply with statutory regulations and codes of practice. Where noise levels are at or above those outlined in the statutory regulations or codes of practice, the areas will be clearly marked and staff and students are obliged to use the hearing protection supplied.
Like eyesight, your hearing is priceless - wear the protection provided!