Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts or blouses) not intended to function as protection against a hazard is not considered to be personal protective equipment.

 For your safety and the legally required protection of employees, you will need to have personal protective equipment available that will include a respirator fitting for you and your employees. At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. OSHA standards require that employers maintain or improve workplace conditions to protect employees.

Protection from Potential Health Hazards

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to include: Boots, Chemical resistant gloves, Aprons, No loose fitting clothing or articles that may be caught in moving parts, Avoid belts with buckles that may damage painted surfaces, Avoid sharp objects that may damage leather or fabric upholstery

1.      Warning: Always use a ground circuit fault indicator) (GFPI) when using any electrical device around water

2.      Eye Protection: I would strongly advise the wearing of safety glasses or visor (prescription eyeglasses are not a substitute) when operating any machine polisher. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.

3.      Hearing Protection; the constant pitch of a polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise to protect you from hearing loss. Studies have shown that one half of workers that wear ear defenders receive half or less of the protection they should. This is because their ear defenders are not worn correctly or continuously due to improper or uncomfortable fit. Ear plugs that are comfortable fit every time and are also easy to use; the result of this is that the user wears them, and that they do the job.UK - http://www.ultimateear.com/industrial.php

4.      Hand Protection; Gloves- with the verity of chemicals a detailer uses on a daily basis wearing chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and will provide protection against dermatitis and chemical burns. Gloves can provide protection, but they must be chosen with care, the proper selection matched to the hazard is critical as they offer a much needed protective barrier when handling cleaning chemicals such as wheel cleaners and multipurpose cleaners.

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of chemicals.

Chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and cam protect against dermatitis, chemical burns and corrosion. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than latex rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of chemicals. Unlike other latex gloves, Nitrile gloves have low resistance to friction and are very easy to slide on –

Clove Chemical Resistance Chart - http://www.adenna.com/pdf/ChemicalsResistance.pdf

5.      Respiratory Protection (N95): Materials such as aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form) or silicon carbide (Nuisance particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in polishes and compounds, and powdered fillers

6.      Crystalline silica (polishes and compounds) poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis and Isocyanate clear coat residue represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause respiratory distress. Use  a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge should be worn while using them

7.      Consult the current 3M Respiratory Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630 for 3M technical assistance.

8.      Material Safety Data Sheets:  Use a ring binder or other filing system to ensure the appropriate MSDS is always available to identify hazardous substances

9.      Work Hygienic Practices: Rinse cloves under running water before removing them

10.  Chemical clean-up: small spillage: absorb spill with an inert absorbent material (e.g. dry sand or kitty litter), then place in a chemical waste container. If liquid has been spilt in large quantities clean up promptly by scoop or vacuum.

11.  Protect yourself, work safe. As in all things, allow common sense to prevail and proceed with due caution

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) is the UK law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health - http://www.hse

GFCI and Extension Cord

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and Extension cord selection is based on two main principles. First, the cable should be able to carry the current load imposed on it without overheating. It should be able to do this in the most extreme conditions of temperature it will encounter during its working life.

Second, it should offer sufficiently sound earthing to (a) limit the voltage to which people are exposed to a safe level and (b) allow the fault current to trip the fuse or MCB in a short time. To meet these requirements requires consideration of the circuit load current (AMPS) a reasonable voltage drop, cable thickness (G) and length (feet) and the over-current protection device

Prime Wire & Cable Duplex GFCI -residual current device is also known as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) junction Box with 6-Ft. cord, Model# GF200806 Portable GFCI duplex receptacle detects power leaks and shuts off electricity in less than a second to prevent shock. Test and reset buttons Tough jobsite box with 6-ft. 12/3 SJTW power cord UL listed, meets OSHA standards.

Prime Wire & Cable 50-Ft extension 12/3 Neon Power Cord — Blue, Model# NS514830 Bright NEON extension cord stands out for easy identification. 12 Gauge, SJTW, 3 prong cord features super-flexible vinyl jacket with a cold temperature rating of -31°F. LIGHTED connector indicates when power is on. Cord is water and flame resistant and rated at 15 amps, 125V, 1875 watts, UL listed and meets OSHA standards – Northern Tool

Eye Protection

I would strongly advise the wearing of safety glasses or visor (prescription eyeglasses are not a substitute) when operating any machine polisher. Safety glasses are usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye from flying debris. Although safety lenses may be constructed from a variety of materials of various impact resistances, certain standards suggest that they maintain a minimum 1 millimetre thickness at the thinnest point, regardless of material.

OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.

The type of safety eye protection you should wear depends on the hazards in your workplace. If you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects, or dust, you must at least wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields). If you are working with chemicals, you should wear goggles. If you are working near hazardous grinding, welding or abrasive polishing; you must use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that task.

The Wise Owl Program, sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, has recognized more than 86,000 people who avoided losing their sight in a workplace accident because they were wearing proper eye protection.

Chemical Burns to the Eye

In all cases of eye contact with chemicals:

·         Immediately flush the eye with water or any other drinkable liquid. Hold the eye under a faucet or shower, or pour water into the eye using a clean container. Keep the eye open and as wide as possible while flushing. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes.

·         DO NOT use an eyecup.

·         If a contact lens is in the eye, begin flushing over the lens immediately. This may wash away the lens.

·         DO NOT bandage the eye.

·         Seek immediate medical treatment after flushing.

Specks in the Eye

·         DO NOT rub the eye

·         Try to let tears wash the speck out or use eyewash.

·         Try lifting the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid.

·         If the speck does not wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage it lightly, and see a doctor

Ear Protection

Hearing Protection; the constant pitch of a polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise to protect you from hearing loss. Studies have shown that one half of workers that wear ear defenders receive half or less of the protection they should. This is because their ear defenders are not worn correctly or continuously due to improper or uncomfortable fit. Ear plugs that are comfortable fit every time and are also easy to use; the result of this is that the user wears them, and that they do the job.UK - http://www.ultimateear.com/industrial.php

The constant pitch of a polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise to protect you from hearing loss. There are mainly two types of earplugs for hearing protection:

1. Foam earplugs, mainly made of memory foam, which are compressed and put into the ear canal, where they expand to plug it.

2. Silicone earplugs, which are rolled into a ball and carefully moulded to fit over the external portion of the ear canal, providing a snug custom fit for the wearer.

Noise Levels dB (A)

What are the occupational exposure limits for workplace noise?

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for noise are typically given as the maximum duration of exposure permitted for various noise levels.

Level of noise dB (A)             Maximum daily exposure

            85                                            8 hours

            91                                            2 hours

            95                                            1 hour

            97                                            0.5 hour

           100                                           0.25 hour

What is the criterion level? The criterion level, often abbreviated as Lc, is the steady noise level permitted for a full eight-hour work shift. This is 90 dB (A) in most jurisdictions, but in some jurisdictions it is 85 dB (A).

Hand Protection

Gloves provide a barrier protection; with the verity of chemicals a detailer uses on a daily basis wearing chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and will provide protection against dermatitis and chemical burns. Gloves can provide protection, but they must be chosen with care, the proper selection matched to the hazard is critical as they offer a much needed protective barrier when handling cleaning chemicals such as wheel cleaners and multipurpose cleaners.

Chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and cam protect against dermatitis, chemical burns and corrosion. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than latex rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance too many types of chemicals. Unlike other latex gloves, Nitrile gloves have low resistance to friction and are very easy to slide on.

Clove Chemical Resistance Chart - http://www.adenna.com/pdf/ChemicalsResistance.pdf

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance too many types of chemicals.

Nitrile gloves vary in softness and flexibility Nitrile and latex protective gloves both come in various degrees of thickness, powdered or non-powdered, and sterile or non-sterile. Nitrile is favoured by many, primarily because so many people have latex allergies. Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to punctures, making this material suitable for many professions

1.      Vinyl gloves have great strength, contain no protein or allergenic proteins however, they do not offer the same tactile properties as latex or Nitrile

2.      Latex gloves, due to their high level of elasticity, comfort and dexterity and fit the user hands very well

3.      Latex gloves and vinyl gloves are generally very affordable. Nitrile gloves, polyurethane gloves and other synthetic gloves are usually more costly.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms caused by vibrating tools. It used to be called vibration white finger (Raynaud's phenomenon). The name was changed to HAVS as other symptoms may occur in addition to white fingers.

What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome?

It‘s caused by repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools. For example, power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. Possibly, up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.

The following steps are thought to help prevent HAVS in workers who use vibrating tools:

·         Hold tools as loosely as possible, and in varying positions.

·         Do not use an excessively tight grip or to use a tool for longer than necessary.

·         Ensure that tools are well maintained

·         Use the correct counter-balance in oscillating polishers

·         Use tools correctly, and use the right tool for the job.

·         Use ant vibration gloves.

·         Take regular breaks of at least 10 minutes, short bursts of work are better than long periods without a break.

·         Keep your hands warm.

A medicine called Nifedipine may be prescribed if symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon are severe. It works by opening up (dilating) the small blood vessels. Some people take Nifedipine regularly, each day, to prevent symptoms. Some people take Nifedipine just during the winter, or just during cold weather spells.

Mechanics (Mechanix) Glove - heavy duty mechanical gloves use a special fabric, unlike leather it breathes offering comfort and non slip in wet, double padding in palm for extra protection and a layer of silicon fingers tips giving extra protection.

Anti Vibration (AV) Gloves - the range of gloves available are designed to exceed the rigorous requirements of the ISO Standard 10819 (ANSI S3.4-2002) for the absorption of vibration due to direct hand contact with vibrating equipment, machinery or hand held tools.

AV Glove Liner - can be worn alone or under standard work gloves to protect against shock and impact, Akton® padding cushions the hand and spreads vibration energy away from original point of contact, allows complete fingertip dexterity for improved control. Breathable cotton spandex body

Respiratory Protection

Materials such as aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form) or silicon carbide (Nuisance particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in polishes and compounds, and powdered fillers (Crystalline silica poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis) and Isocyanate clear coat residue represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause respiratory distress. Use a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge should be worn while using them

Consult the current 3M Respiratory Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630 for 3M technical assistance.

Bibliography

1.      American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) publications

2.      Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations & Compliance Links

3.      Handbook of Hearing and the Effects of Noise, K.D. Kryter