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Getting Your PPE Facts Right – 5 Facts and 5 MythsBy: Kyle Vogel

“So long as I wear my PPE, I will be kept safe”

Myth #1

• Wearing PPE will only protect you if you wear it properly

– Does it fit?– Is it being worn according to the manufacturer’s recommendations?– Has the equipment exceeded its expiration date?

The Truth: It’s Not That Simple

• PPE must be rated for the hazard you are exposed to

– Is your respirator designed to protect against particulates, specific gases & vapors, or a combination of the two?

– Do your earplugs/earmuffs have a high enough noise reduction rating (NRR)?

– Does the length of your fall protection lifeline exceed the fall distance?

The Truth: It’s Not That Simple

“All brands of PPE are created equally… the manufacturer doesn’t really matter”

Myth #2

• Has the manufacturer demonstrated that their product meets performance standards?

– Look for equipment that meets standards set by agencies such as:»American National Standards Institute (ANSI)»ASTM International (ASTM)»National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)»Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

The Truth: Not Necessarily…

“Cleaning, inspecting, and replacing PPE isn’t that important”

Myth #3

Taking care of PPE will extend the product life and may save the user’s life

• PPE should be inspected before each use

• OSHA requirements:

– Employees must be trained in proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE [29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1)(iv)]

– Defective, damaged, or contaminated PPE must not be used [29 CFR 1910.132(e)]

The Truth

“This job will only take a few minutes, so I don’t need to take the time to put on PPE”

Myth #4

All it takes is one second for an accident to occur

• Not having the necessary PPE in a hazardous environment can put your life or health at risk

– Real-life examples:1. Ironworker without fall protection falls to his death2. Construction worker not wearing hard hat killed by tape measurer3. Two contractor employees without respirators overcome by nitrogen 4. Five students sent to hospital for eye injuries after failing to wear safety

goggles during lab

The Truth

“If employees don’t want to wear PPE, I can’t make them”

Myth #5

If employers or safety managers determine that PPE is necessary, than they can require its use

• It is important to ask why PPE isn’t being used– Have employees been properly trained on use?– Is the equipment being offered comfortable?– Do employees have easy access to PPE?– Are supervisors leading by example and wearing safety equipment?

• Get employees involved! Allow them to sample different products and choose the equipment they want to wear

The Truth

Be Smart. Be Safe. Wear Your PPEFor more facts, contact a health and safety professional or visit:

• OSHA Safety and Health Topics: PPE• CDC/NIOSH PPE Resources• Oklahoma State University PPE Resources• 3M PPE Resources

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Thank you to the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and 3M for making this competition possible

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The End