1

Landscaping PPE

This material was produced under grant number SH-22248-11-61-F-54 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

2

Objectives

• After this module you should be able to– identify the most common PPE-related

hazards– take the necessary steps to avoid those

hazards

4

Eye Protection• Protect your eyes from injury when using a

chainsaw, weed eating, applying pesticide or performing any activity which exposes your eyes to flying particles or chemical splashes.

5

Head Protection

• Hard hats protect the head on overhead objects and from falling or flying objects:– Working below other workers or machinery ,

such as a bucket lift.– Working in or under trees with work overhead– Working around or under conveyor belts– Working around exposed energized

conductors

6

Leg Protection

• Chainsaw chaps– Protect legs from injury when using tools such

as chainsaws.

7

Foot Protection

• Safety shoes should be impact resistance with steel toes.

• Safety-toe shoes are nonconductive and prevent your feet from completing a circuit

• Shoes with good tread provide traction on slippery surfaces

8

Levels of Glove ProtectionType of Glove

Level of Protection

Metal mesh/ Kevlar

Prevents cuts from sharp objects like blades, cutter bars.

Leather Handling stones or wood chips, sparks, moderate heat

Cotton fabric Dirt, splinters and abrasion; not for working with sharp materials

Rubber, vinyl neoprene

Protects from chemical being used or handled.

9

Hearing Protection Devices

• Formable earplugs:– Spongy, soft compressed, or

shaped prior to insertion– Disposable-not for reuse

• Pre-molded ear plugs– Molded to fit ear

• Earmuffs– Adjustable headband with soft

cups that seal around the ear

10

What A Chemical Label Tells You

• The label on the pesticide includes:– The chemical formulation– Signal words: Warning, Caution– Precautions– PPE recommendations– Application method– Projected length of exposure

11

Types of Respirators

• Three types of respirators for normal work activity:– Particulate respirator

• Use a filter to trap solid particles like dust or mold– Gas/vapor respirators

• Use a cartridge to absorb gases and vapors– Combination respirators

• Have a filter for particles and a cartridge for gas and vapor

12

Dust Masks

NIOSH approval infoThis “dust mask” is not approved for respiratory protection.

Activity: Formable Ear Plugs

• Reading the instructions.• Proper pre-use techniques.• Proper insertion and use.• Handling, service life and storage

considerations.

13

14

Check Your Knowledge

1. When should you protect your eyes from injury?

A. When you know OSHA is in the area.B. When using a chainsaw, weed eating, applying pesticide

or performing any activity which exposes your eyes to flying particles or chemical splashes.

C. Whenever you remember to do so.D. None of the above.

15

Check Your Knowledge

2.Which of the following situations would require the use of a hardhat?

A. Mowing a yard with a self propelled mower.B. When working in areas where there is a potential for

injury to the head from falling objects. C. Hand digging for a sprinkler system.D. None of the above.

16

Check Your Knowledge

3. Which type of respirator would be best to protect you from dust associated with dirt?

A. A particulate respirator.B. A gas/vapor respirator.C. A moist bandana.D. None of the above.

Additional Information

• Eye and Face Protection eTool• http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/

manual/logger/chain_saw.html• Respiratory Protection eTool• http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurrica

ne_Facts/respirators.pdf

17