3M - Introducing the Science of Safety

Selection of PPE

Selecting the right PPE is critical to compliance, with regards to two main elements:

Is it adequate?

This is the element that is most understood and which is widely used today as the means by which to select PPE. It refers to whether the product has the ability to protect the user from the hazard they are facing. For example, earplugs attenuate the noise to a level which reduces harm to a reasonable level.

Is it suitable?

This is often an area that is not given as much consideration during the purchasing process. The fundamental question is: Will the product not only protect the wearer, but will it be suitable for the worker, the task and the environment in which it must be worn? This goes beyond understanding the technical specification of the product and ventures into the world of appreciating the product’s effectiveness in use.

If this area is overlooked, it can lead to a reduction in products being worn and hence workers that are not protected as they are intended.

Training

3M believes that PPE training is a critical element in the correct use of PPE, the promotion of hazard awareness and in motivating users to wear their PPE.

Why carry out training? We can think about this with regards to the three fundamental pillars of safety reasoning and justification:

Moral – Protecting the worker

We know that if PPE is not worn, worn properly or maintained as it should be, the wearer will not get the required protection and will, therefore, be a great risk of harm to the health and safety.

Legal – Protecting the organisation

Local regulations will have different requirements around the need for information, instruction and training, but when it comes to PPE the requirements are often born from the European PPE Directive (European Directive 89/656/EEC). This will be enacted into law in different ways in the various member states, but the core of the requirement states that: The employer shall arrange for training and shall, if appropriate, organise demonstrations in the wearing of personal protective equipment.

Of course, there is also the civil aspect of the legal rationale too. Being able to demonstrate that you have trained the worker in the use of their equipment may be useful in defending claims that are made against the company or organisation.

Financial – Getting the most from your investment

This can be considered in terms of the legal aspect and the effects on insurance premiums and penalties, or it can be considered in terms of the investment you are making in the equipment you are providing. This is especially true of the higher cost, non disposable items such as powered air respirators and fall protection equipment. Training workers in the correct use, storage and maintenance of this equipment helps to get the most of your investment and also helps to prolong the life of it, preventing unnecessary early replacements.

Fit Validation

Fit validation forms an essential part of an overall workplace protection programme. It is intended to help the wearer select the right product/size and train in the correct usage to ensure an appropriate level of protection against workplace hazard(s). The principles of fit validation can be applied to any item of PPE, however, recognised fit validation methods (fit tests) are commonly used for tight fitting respirators, hearing protection and eyewear.

How can fit validation help fit issues?

• Key element of workplace protection programme
• Gives an assessment of how well a given PPE fits the worker
• Also an assessment of comfort, compatibility and overall suitability for the wearer
• Ideal training opportunity for the worker on the use and correct fitting of PPE