Personal protection in the work environment,

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects you from health

and safety hazards at work.
 Examples include safety glasses, gloves, face
shields, clothing, and footwear.
 Know the risks: Be aware of hazards and your employer's safety
policies.
 Balance employer priorities: Their focus may differ from your
personal safety.
 Manage your own risks: Take steps to minimize your exposure to
danger.
 PPE basics: Protective gear guards against
physical, electrical, heat, chemical, and biohazards.
 PPE types: Clothing, helmets, goggles, suits, and various
equipment.
 PPE purpose: Reduce exposure when other controls fail.
 PPE limitations: Doesn't eliminate hazards and can fail, potentially
exposing you.
 PPE challenges: Can be uncomfortable and hinder
work, discouraging proper use.
 Ergonomic design: PPE should be designed for comfort and
safety.
Types of PPEs

Simple vs. Complex PPE:

 Simple: Basic design, protects against lower risks. Users are

aware of hazards and can decide when to wear it.

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  Complex: Technical design, protects against fatal or serious
risks. Users need immediate protection due to rapid or invisible
hazards.

Benefits of PPE:

 Prevents or controls up to 40% of workplace accidents.

 Protects against:
o Toxic exposure
o Oxygen deficiency
o Dusting
o Chemical splashes
o Steam, water, and liquids
o Flying particles
o Hot substances
o Radiation
o Sharp edges
o Welding, cutting, grinding
o Falls
o Noise
o Electric shocks
o Burns
 Fulfills a legal and moral obligation to provide safe workplaces.

Why use PPE?

2
  Engineering controls can fail, so PPE acts as a backup barrier.
 Some tasks require immediate protection from unavoidable
hazards.
 PPE shields you from harmful substances, noise, vibration, and
radiation.
 It protects your lungs from breathing in dangerous air.

Remember:

 Choose the right PPE for the job.

 Use it correctly and maintain it properly.
 Report any damaged or defective PPE.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):

What is it?

 Specific type of PPE that protects you from inhaling hazardous

air at work.
 Used as a last resort after other controls fail.

Why is it important?

 Protects your lungs from harmful substances.

 Required by law if other controls aren't possible.

Key points:

 Choose the right type: Different masks and breathing apparatus

for different hazards.
 Tight vs. loose fitting: Tight masks seal to your face, loose ones
rely on a clean air supply.
 Non-powered vs. powered: Non-powered rely on your
breath, powered have a motor for clean air.
 BA for oxygen-deficient atmospheres: Only BA provides
breathable air in oxygen-poor areas.
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Remember:

 PPE is a last line of defense, not a replacement for eliminating

hazards.
 Use and maintain RPE properly.
 Report any damaged or defective equipment.

Stay safe and breathe easy!

 Disposable filtering half mask (for non-powered respirator)

 Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with full face mask
 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Non Respiratory PPEs

Protect yourself from head to toe with the right non-respiratory PPE!

 Eye protection
 Head protection
 Ear protection
 Foot protection
 Hand and arm protection
 Body protection
 Fall protection
 Skin protection

Remember:

 Choose the right PPE for the job and hazard.

 Wear it properly and keep it in good condition.
 Report any damaged or defective equipment.

4
 Eye Protection

Why it matters:

 Protects eyes from physical, chemical, and radiation hazards.

 Prevents injuries from flying objects, dust, splashes, and
impacts.
 Essential for jobs like machinery operation, welding, and
chemical handling.

Common hazards:

 Machines throwing sparks or debris

 Lasers emitting harmful light

 Flying objects like chips or sawdust

5
 Heat causing burns

 Tools like hammers or chisels causing impacts

 Dust irritating and damaging eyes

6
  Electrical sparks burning eyes

 Chemicals splashing and causing burns

Types of eye protection:

 Safety glasses: Block frontal impacts but not dust or vapors.

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  Goggles: Seal around eyes for full protection from all angles.

 Face shields & visors: Protect entire face and can be worn over
glasses.

Remember:

 Choose the right type for the hazard.

 Ensure proper fit and wear them consistently.
 Report damaged or defective equipment.

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 Head protection

Benefits:

 Protects head from physical hazards like falling

objects, bumps, and impacts.
 Can also shield neck, hair, nose, and ears depending on the
type.

Main types:

 Industrial safety helmets:

o Protects against falling objects in high-risk areas like

construction, logging, and quarry blasting.
o Sturdy shell and suspension system absorb impact.

 Bump caps:

o Lightweight protection against bumps from low-hanging

objects or stationary structures.
o Useful for maintenance and plumbing tasks under
machinery or pipes.
o NOT suitable for protecting against falling objects.

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Bonus:

 Firefighter helmets: Similar to industrial helmets but offer extra

protection against heat, flames, and impacts.

Care tips:

 Replace helmets with cracks, perforations, or warped

shells/brims.
 Replace helmets exposed to heat, chemicals, or UV light
(surface gloss loss, chalking, flaking).
 Always replace helmets after an impact.
 Change suspension system if excessively worn.
 Never modify helmets by drilling holes, painting, or applying
labels.
 Don't store helmets in car rear windows (sunlight and heat
damage).

Remember:

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  Choose the right helmet for the job and potential hazards.
 Wear it properly for maximum protection.
 Inspect and maintain your helmet regularly.

Ear protection

Why it matters:

 Loud noises (over 85 dB) can damage your hearing

permanently.
 Hearing protection mandatory at 90 dB and above.
 Protect your future by using proper ear protection.

Main types:

 Ear defenders (ear muffs):

o Cups absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels

reaching your ears.
o Comfortable to wear for extended periods.

 Ear plugs:

o Insert into the ear canal and form a seal to block noise.
o Some have cords for easy removal and to prevent loss.

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  Canal caps:

o Similar to ear plugs but offer less protection.

o Good for situations where frequent plug removal is
needed.

Remember:

 Choose the right type for the noise level and job demands.
 Wear correctly for maximum protection.
 Replace damaged or worn-out ear protection regularly.
 Implement a Hearing Conservation Program in your workplace.

Foot protection

Why it matters:

 5% of workplace injuries are foot-related!

 Wearing safety shoes prevents 75% of occupational foot
injuries.
 Protect your precious toes from:

o Rolling/falling objects
o Sharp objects
o Molten metal splashes
o Hot, wet, or slippery surfaces

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 o Electrical hazards

Types of footwear:

 Safety boots/shoes:

o Slip-resistant soles
o Penetration-resistant midsoles
o Protective toe caps

 Wellington boots:

o For wet environments

o Rubber construction
o Slip-resistant soles
o Penetration-resistant midsoles
o Protective toe caps

Bonus protection:

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  Leggings: Shield lower legs and feet from heat hazards like
molten metal or sparks.
 Metatarsal guards: Protect instep area from impact and
compression (strapped on).
 Toe guards: Fit over existing shoes for extra toe protection.
 Combination guards: Cover both lower legs and feet for
maximum protection.
 Heat-resistant shoes: Ideal for roofing, paving, and hot metal
work.
 Puncture-resistant insoles: For extra protection against sharp
objects.

Special footwear:

 Electrically conductive: Prevent static buildup in explosive

areas.
 Electrically hazard-resistant: Non-conductive, protect against
600V open circuits.
 Foundry shoes: Insulate from extreme heat and prevent metal
lodgement.

Remember:

• Choose the right footwear for the job and hazard.

• Keep them in good condition.
• Replace damaged or worn-out shoes.
• Wear them consistently

Hand and arm protection

Why it matters:

• 18% of workplace injuries involve hands and fingers!

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• Gloves prevent burns, cuts, blisters, and chemical exposure.
• Choose the right gloves for the job and hazard.

Factors to consider:

• Chemicals handled
• Contact type (immersion, splash)
• Contact duration
• Area protected (hand, forearm, arm)
• Grip requirements (dry, wet, oily)
• Thermal protection
• Size and comfort
• Abrasion/puncture resistance

Main types of gloves:

• Leather, canvas, metal mesh: Basic protection, good for cuts and
abrasions.
• Fabric and coated fabric: Grip, dexterity, moisture absorption.
• Chemical-resistant: Protection against specific chemicals.
• Insulating rubber: Electrical hazards, hot/cold liquids.

Protection levels:

• Gloves: Standard hand protection.

• Gloves with cuffs: Protect hands and wrists.
• Gauntlets, sleeves, long gloves: Hands, wrists, forearms.
• Sleeves and arm protection: Full forearm and upper arm
coverage.

Remember:

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• Inspect gloves before use and replace damaged ones.
• Choose the right fit for dexterity and comfort.
• Clean and store gloves properly.

Skin protection

Protect your precious skin from head to toe with the right gear!

Types of protection:

• Separates: Jackets, trousers - cover specific areas.

• Aprons: Shield front of body.
• Overalls, coveralls, suits: Full-body protection, reusable or
disposable.

Extra leg gear:

• Knee pads.
• Gaiters - shin covers.
• Hard guards - impact protection.

Effectiveness tips:

• Hazard-specific: Choose clothing resistant to the right chemicals

and physical dangers.
• Follow instructions: Don't exceed recommended times for
chemical resistance, clean properly.
• Store safely: Separate worn/contaminated clothes from clean
ones.
• Check for damage: Look for surface issues that could compromise
protection.

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• Beware moving machinery: Avoid loose clothing that could get
caught.

Remember:

• Choose the right protective clothing for the job and hazard.
• Wear it properly and consistently.
• Maintain and replace damaged or worn-out gear.

High visibility clothing

This is required to protect the body against certain hazards such as
moving vehicles, the main types are:
 Jackets
 Tops
 Trousers
 Vests

Fall protection systems

Keep yourself safe at heights with proper fall protection!

Types of systems:

• Work restraint:

o Prevents reaching a fall zone.

o Protects against falls and injuries.

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  Work positioning:

o Similar to restraint, but allows hands-free work.

o ALWAYS needs a backup fallback system.

Remember:

 Choose the right system for the job and height risk.
 Wear the harness properly and securely.
 Inspect equipment regularly for damage.
 Never work alone with a positioning system.
 Train in proper fall arrest procedures.

Problem. Using the following date calculate the severity rate of

accident in an industrial plant where only one accident occurred
during the year, the type of injury being cutting of the tip of a

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finger.
Number of workers=2000.
Number of days lost in a year due to
accidents=100 Average number of
hours worked by worker per
year=2000.
Sol. Severity rate=days lost in year due to accidents/number of
man-hours worked x 1000,000 Number of man-hours worked in
this case=2000 X 2000.
Days lost in year due to accidents=100+35=135.

Eg : Using the following data calculate the severity rate of accident in an

industrial plant where only one accident occurred during the year
involving total disability of a worker.
Number of workers=2000.
Number of days lost in a year due to accident=100.
Average number of hours worked by worker per year=2000.
Sol. Severity rate= days lost in year due to accidents/number of man
hours worked x 1000000. Number of hours worked in this
case=2000×2000.
Total disability; days
lost=100+6000=6100 days. Severity
rate =6100/2000x2000x1000000=
6100/4=1525

Housekeeping

 More than just cleaning: Includes

cooking, maintenance, shopping, and managing resources.
 Can be done by family or hired professionals.

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  Applies to households, offices, and even computer
systems.
 Good housekeeping:

o Reduces workplace hazards (slips, trips, fires).

o Creates a safer and more efficient environment.
o Requires ongoing effort, not just occasional cleanups.
o Benefits outweigh the management and planning
involved.

Responsibility of management and employees.

Management:

 Train employees to recognize and address hazards like:

o Wet floors/slippery walkways

o Messy floors
o Equipment left out
o Improper lifting techniques
 Educate on best practices for:

o Chemical handling
o PPE selection
o Material handling
o Slip/trip/fall prevention
 Prepare and update safety manuals and training.
 Conduct regular safety inspections and briefings.
 Ensure proper equipment maintenance and storage.
 Provide safe and sanitary working conditions.

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Employees:

 Follow safety rules and procedures.

 Report hazards and unsafe conditions immediately.
 Utilize PPE properly.
 Maintain a clean and organized work area.
 Practice safe work habits like proper lifting and avoiding
clutter.

Additional Tips:

 Display safety rules prominently in work areas.

 Schedule continuous safety training with expert
involvement.
 Implement preventative maintenance programs.
 Ensure proper labeling and storage of chemicals and
waste.
 Provide clean and sanitary facilities for staff.
 Enforce designated food and beverage areas.
 Implement appropriate signage for hazards and warnings.
 Maintain clear emergency exits and pathways.
 Ensure proper lighting and equipment safety features.
 Monitor pool safety measures like pH, chlorine levels, and
signage.
 Provide appropriate safety gear like shoes and boots.
 Maintain functional smoke detectors and alarms.

Advantages of good housekeeping.

 Safety:

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 o Fewer trips and slips - clutter-free and spill-free work
areas.
o Reduced fire hazards.
o Lower worker exposure to hazardous materials
(dust, vapors).
o Improved control of tools and materials for better
equipment safety.
 Efficiency:

o Easier material flow with reduced handling.

o More efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance.
o Better space utilization.
o Reduced janitorial work.
 Productivity:

o Improved access to tools and materials, leading to

faster work.
o Smoother workflows with less wasted time.
o Minimized errors for a higher quality output.
 Wellness:

o More hygienic conditions for better employee health.

o Improved morale and overall look and feel of the work
environment.
 Reduced Costs:

o Less property damage through preventive

maintenance.
o Decreased material waste.
o Lower accident and injury costs.

Elements of housekeeping and cleanliness at workplace

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  Dust & Dirt: Regular removal (no compressed air!) creates
a hygienic, safe environment.
 Employee Facilities: Provide and maintain clean drinking
water, washrooms, toilets, and rest areas.
 Flooring: Clean regularly, replace worn areas, and use
anti-slip measures where needed.
 Lighting: Maintain adequate levels and fix/clean fixtures for
optimal visibility.
 Aisles & Stairs: Keep clear, use signs/mirrors for blind
corners, and ensure proper lighting.
 Spill Control: Prevent spills through regular
maintenance, use drip pans, and clean spills promptly with
proper materials.
 Waste Disposal: Collect regularly, separate
recyclables, and place containers conveniently.
 Tools & Equipment: Inspect before use, clean after
use, and store properly.
 Maintenance: Address building and equipment issues
promptly to prevent accidents.
 Storage: Organize and mark storage areas, store safely
with appropriate containers, and keep exits & emergency
equipment accessible.
 Clutter Control: Develop habits to minimize clutter, keep
aisles clear, and dispose of waste promptly.
 Individual Workspace: Encourage employees to maintain
neat and organized workspaces to reduce risk of injury.

5 s of housekeeping.

1. Sort:

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  Declutter! Discard what's unnecessary, archive rarely used
items, and keep only essentials.
 Don't let sentiment rule - focus on efficiency and safety.
 Consider recycling, selling, or storing removed items.

2. Set in Order:

 Designate and label a place for every kept item.

 Use color codes, signs, and visual cues for easy
identification.
 Make the flow of work clear and efficient.

3. Shine & Clean:

 Thoroughly clean and maintain workstations, tools, and

equipment.
 Address any maintenance needs promptly.
 Create a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing work
environment.

4. Standardize:

 Document and share the new organization system.

 Take before-and-after photos to showcase improvement.
 Integrate 5S practices into daily routines and meetings.

5. Sustain:

 Conduct regular audits to maintain cleanliness and

organization.
 Celebrate successes and encourage continuous
improvement.

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  Make 5S a part of your company culture for long-term
benefits.

Bonus: Remember, 5S is a continuous process! Don't be afraid

to re-evaluate and adapt your system as needed.

With 5S, you can:

 Improve efficiency and productivity

 Reduce waste and clutter
 Enhance safety and well-being
 Boost morale and employee engagement
 Create a more organized and visually appealing workplace

Work permit system

What is it?

 A system specifying conditions and procedures for safe

work in hazardous areas.
 Allows controlled risk environments for necessary tasks.

Aim:

1. Authorization: Only authorized personnel work in clearly

identified hazardous areas.
2. Awareness: Permitted workers understand safety risks and
implemented precautions.
3. Legal Documentation: Defines responsibilities and
agreements between issuer and worker.
4. Shared Responsibility: Distributes responsibilities for job
safety among relevant parties.
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Purpose & Objectives:

 Reduce Risks: Minimize potential for

accidents, fires, explosions, and environmental harm.
 Control Workflow: Manage maintenance, repair, and
construction activities safely.
 Clear Communication: Facilitate transparency and
understanding of job hazards and precautions.
 Safe Environment: Promote a culture of safety for
personnel and property.

A hot work and cold work permits.

Both:

 Authorize controlled work in hazardous conditions.

 Provide specific instructions for job, time, place, and safety
procedures.

Cold Work (Green):

 No sources of ignition, sparks, or fire.

 For hazardous maintenance without "hot work" ignition
risks.
 Issued based on risk assessment with no identified
flammable/explosive risks.

Hot Work (Red):

 Generates heat or sparks.

 Examples: welding, drilling, grinding, cutting, combustion
engines.
 Works with ignition sources in potentially
flammable/explosive environments.
26
  Considers nearby flammable/combustible materials and
gas.

Remember:

 Always ensure the right permit for the job!

 Follow specified safety procedures diligently.
 Hot work carries higher risks due to potential ignition
sources.

Entry into confined spaces.

Confined Spaces in a Nutshell:

 Limited Access: Not designed for permanent
occupancy, with restricted entry/exit.
 Safety Risks: Atmosphere, materials, work activities, or
inherent hazards create risks.
 Examples: Silos, vats, tanks, towers, sewers, pipes, shafts,
vehicles, boilers, pits, bins.
 Not Just
Small: Ditches, wells, trenches, barges, containers, and
even large tanks can qualify.
 Remember: Always consider entry risks even with open
spaces like ditches or trenches.

27
 

What are the hazards in a confined space?

Remember: Confined spaces magnify common workplace

hazards. Be aware!

 Poor Air Quality:

o Oxygen deficiency
o Toxic gases (chemical risks)
o Simple asphyxia
asphyxiants
nts (oxygen displacement)
 Chemical Exposures:

o Skin contact
o Ingestion
o Inhalation
 Fire & Explosion:

o Flammable liquids/gases
o Combustible dusts
 Process Hazards:

o Residual chemicals
o Supply line leaks
 Physical Hazards:

o Noise
o Extreme temperature
o Radiation
o Vibration
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 o Electrical
o Lighting
 Safety Hazards:

o Moving equipment
o Structural issues
o Engulfment/entanglement
o Slips/falls
 Other Concerns:

o Vehicle/pedestrian traffic
o Material collapse/engulfment
o Barrier failure (floods, spills)
o Visibility issues (smoke)
o Biological hazards (bacteria, fungi)

What should be done when preparing to enter the confined space?

Always remember:

 Identify: Confirm if the workspace is a confined space

before any work.
 Hazard Assessment: Follow existing confined space
program and assess all potential hazards.
 Evaluate Activities: Consider risks inside and outside the
space.

Air Quality Testing:

 Before Entry: Test air from outside the space, side-to-side

and top-to-bottom.

29
  Continuous Monitoring: Consider for spaces with potential
for changing conditions.
 Trained Personnel: Use a trained worker with calibrated
and maintained equipment.
 Testing Requirements:

o Ensure Oxygen levels are within safe limits.

o Confirm no hazardous atmosphere exists (toxic
gases, flammable).
o Verify proper ventilation function.
o Record results on Entry Permit with equipment and
methods used.

Remember:

 Air testing may be ongoing based on hazard potential and

work nature.
 Conditions can change within the space, including due to
work activities.

How are hazards controlled in confined spaces?

Remember: Traditional workplace controls apply, but often with

additional measures.

Control Methods:

 Engineering Controls:

o Primary: Eliminate hazards at the source (ideal).

o Mechanical Ventilation: Common control for air
quality.
 Administrative Controls:

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 o Entry Permit System: Control entry and work
procedures.
o Hot Work Permits: Manage ignition sources for
flammable atmospheres.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

o Respirators: For hazardous atmospheres.

o Gloves, Hearing Protection: As needed for specific
hazards.

Special Considerations:

 Confined spaces often require additional

precautions beyond regular workplaces.
 PPE may not be ideal:

o Can increase heat and reduce mobility.

o Use only as part of a comprehensive PPE program.
o Carefully evaluate all risks associated with PPE use.

How is air quality maintained?

Remember: Natural ventilation is unreliable, rely on mechanical

ventilation (blowers, fans) for safe air.

Key Points:

 Warning System: Alert workers immediately for ventilation

hazards or failures.
 Clean Air Supply: Ensure fresh, "clean" air reaches all
areas of the space.
 Air Movement: Consider factors like air pockets and
potential for stagnant zones.

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  Never substitute oxygen for fresh air: Increases
fire/explosion risk.
 Document Ventilation: Note use of mechanical ventilation
on the entry permit.
 Safe Exhaust: Direct removed air away from workers
outside.

How are fire and explosion prevented?

Hot Work Precautions:

 Minimize Ignition Sources:

 Remove flammable materials before work.
 Ventilation:

o Keep explosive/flammable substances below 10% of

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
o Maintain oxygen between 19.5% and 23% (exact %
may vary).
 Surface Preparation:

o Clean or shield combustible surfaces.

o Minimize fuel and fuel containers inside.
 Equipment:

o Use welding equipment in good condition.

o Employ spark-resistant tools when applicable.
o Ensure proper bonding/grounding.
 Monitoring:

o Continuously monitor oxygen and combustible

material levels during hot work.
 Special Cases:

32
 o If air cleaning/purging is necessary, test again before
entry (purging gases pose hazards).

Remember:

 Avoid hot work in confined spaces when possible.

 Always prioritize eliminating flammable materials and
ignition sources.
 Strict monitoring and adherence to safety protocols are
crucial.

How are energy sources controlled?

Key Rule: All potentially hazardous energy sources must be de-

energized and locked out before entry.

Sources to Control:

 Electrical
 Mechanical
 Hydraulic
 Pneumatic
 Chemical
 Thermal

Action Steps:

1. Lock Out & Tag Out: Preferred method for eliminating

accidental activation.
2. Alternative Control: If lock-out impossible, demonstrate
effective hazard control method:

o Blocking devices

33
 o Blanking and blinding
o Discharging stored energy
o Procedural controls

Remember:

• Never enter a confined space with uncontrolled hazardous

energy sources.
• Evaluate alternative control methods thoroughly and
document effectiveness.

What are other safety precautions?

Remember: Control all potential hazards, not just air quality and
energy sources.

 Liquids & Solids:

o Remove potential drowning/suffocation hazards.

 Pipelines:
o Physically disconnect or use bolted isolation blanks.
o Double-block with open vent between valves for
pipelines.
 Barriers:
o Prevent entry of liquids or free-flowing solids.

Additional Precautions:

 Entry/Exit: Use safe entry/exit methods

(ladders, hoists, lifelines).
 Communication: Maintain constant communication with
rescue team outside.

34
 Emergency Plan: Have a clear emergency plan and
practice it regularly.
 Rescue Equipment: Ensure readily available rescue
equipment in good condition.
 Training: All personnel involved must be properly trained
and authorized.

35