It is an important duty for all companies to protect their employees. And due to the corona outbreak, PPE Management has become a very important equipment in our day to day life.
Likewise, PPE is widely used in many other fields for the worker’s protection. With the improvement of technologies and many new methods, several PPE management software is found and widely used. PPE is used physically as well as digitally.
What is PPE?
The abbreviation of PPE is personal protective equipment. It is used to minimize the exposure of any physical, electrical, or mechanical hazards that are caused in the workplace and to prevent any illness caused by chemical, radiological or bacterial hazards from the workplace or environment.
All the PPE should be designed for safety as well as comfort and should be maintained clean. If PPE is being used, then a PPE management system is really necessary. The management program should address the selection, maintenance, uses of PPE, and most importantly it should address the hazards present.
Purpose of PPE
PPE is just one of the elements in the hazard control system. The hazard control system uses various other methods and measures to keep the workplace and environment safe. Let us discuss the purpose and uses of PPE and how it is used.
To prevent hazards in the workplace
Generally, PPE is worn by workers to minimize the risks of any specific hazards. Hazards exist everywhere in the workplace and using PPE plays an important role in controlling the risk factors in the workplace.
Employers should take care of their employees from the possible hazards in the workplace. Employers should follow the below processes with help of PPE to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Hazard assessment: Every workplace should perform a hazard assessment to know the possible risks that can occur in the workplace and to prevent it. Hazard assessments may include impact, penetration, compression, heat, cold, dust, light, chemical, and biological factors.
Identifying the appropriate PPE: By performing hazard assessments, employers should identify the possible risks and provide the required PPE to their employees.
Information and training about PPE: After providing the PPE to employees, It is necessary to provide information regarding the usage and its functions and also train them to use it properly.
Maintaining the PPE: PPE’s are important investments for the workplace. So, it is necessary to maintain it properly by cleaning and using it properly. Also, if it is damaged it should be replaced immediately. It can be identified by the PPE management system.
Types of PPE
Selecting the right type of PPE sufficiently reduces the exposure to hazards. So, it is necessary to know the types of PPE and its uses to identify and select the right one for safety precautions.
The different types of PPE are:
- Eye and face protection
- Hand protection
- Bodi protection
- Respiratory protection
- Hearing protection
Eye and face protection
Specifically designed eyewear is worn to be protected from exposure to chemical splashes, lasers, radiation, and dust. Some eye and face protection PPE are :
- General safety glasses
- Laser safety glasses
- Chemical splash prevention goggles
- Impact goggles
- Face shields
Hand protection
Gloves are a simple yet important hand protection PPE. It is necessary to select the right pair of gloves for your workplace. you should also know that gloves are not impervious to chemicals and you should replace them with time.
Hand protection PPE are:
- Latex gloves
- Low, medium, and high chemical resistant gloves
- Insulated gloves
- Mesh gloves
Body protection
Different types of coats like lab coats, Nomex coats, barrier coats, and PPE suits are used for body protection.
Body protection PPE are:
- Traditional coats
- Flame resistant coats
- Barrier coats
Respiratory protection
To use respiratory protection the employee should be trained and should complete a medical evaluation questionnaire and “ Basic respiratory protection” course. Respiratory protection PPE are:
- Surgical masks
- N-95 respirators
- Respirator carriages
- Full face and half mask respirators
Hearing protection
All laboratories and workplaces should perform noise monitoring tests and advise the use of hearing protectors for employees.
Hearing protection PPE are:
- Disposable earplugs
- Reusable earplugs
- Hearing aid
Digital PPE Management
Digital PPE’s are nothing but the PPE’s integrated with digital functions. All the vulnerable areas from head to toe can be equipped with a sensor and can be monitored and managed by digital PPE management software.
The digital transformation offers new products and concepts in PPE too. Digital PPE can be in the form of both hardware and software.
Some of the Digital PPE products are:
- Smart helmet
- Smart glasses
- E-glove
- Active light vest
- Smart insole