Industrial machinery can inflict catastrophic injury, if it’s not handled properly. But perhaps more problematic are the long-term, gradual effects. After all, it’s easy to remember that you shouldn’t put your body in the way of moving parts, but the chronic damage inflicted by fumes, loud noises, and bright lights is easier to forget.
Fortunately, we can limit many of these lasting forms of damage by simply wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
Understanding the Legal & Regulatory Requirements for PPE
The law when it comes to PPE might not be entirely clear to employees. You’ll be entitled to free equipment, but only when a risk assessment has demonstrated that such equipment will be needed. This is a consequence of guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and in particular the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (which was amended in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic).
The PPE provided will depend on the nature of the risk being addressed. For some environments, hearing protection might be required. In others, high-visibility clothing and safety boots might be appropriate.
Common Hazards When Working With Machinery — What PPE Needs to Protect Against
Let’s look at a few machinery-related hazards.
Any machinery that is designed to cut will come with sharp edges. If there’s a reasonable chance that your body will come into contact with those edges, you’ll need protection. Operating a chainsaw might require wearing protective gloves and leggings.
Other tools, like a mitre saw, might pose a threat that’s more related to the motor. With the right habits and technique, you’ll never actually go near the blade – but the noise of the motor might erode your hearing over months and years.
Finally, there’s the threat of airborne particles. In many work environments, respiratory protection is vital. The ventilation system might not be sufficient to get rid of all airborne particles, and protecting your lungs might mean wearing a mask.
The Importance of Proper Selection, Fit, Maintenance and Training
Suppose that you pick out a pair of safety boots, but that they don’t fit properly. Have you been made safer?
In many cases, the benefit might be outweighed by the drawbacks. Your feet might be protected, but you’ll be more likely to slip and fall. You’ll also experience annoyance, which will get in the way of you doing your job properly.
Getting the right fit for your equipment and ensuring that it is appropriately stored, maintained, and used is essential. After the update to the regulations, employers may be obliged to provide not just the PPE itself, but also the training necessary to use it properly. In the absence of this training, rates of workplace accidents might be much higher than they otherwise would be.
PPE as the Last Line of Defence — Integrating PPE into Wider Safety Practices
To be effective, PPE should never be the only safety measure. If you’re operating a chainsaw, then it’s vital that you understand how it works, and how to wield it safely. If you don’t, then no amount of protective equipment will be able to correct this failure.
PPE should be just one component in a culture that proactively seeks to identify and eliminate risk. That means training, regular assessments, and the right kind of leadership.
