Situations on the job can change at any given moment. A work site that was safe in the morning can be hazardous by the afternoon. That is why it is always best to be prepared with personal protective equipment (PPE). Use this checklist to make sure your personal protective equipment is being used properly to ensure your safety in any situation.

Know When and Where Protection is Required

Once company leadership has assessed and identified all of the hazards that might be present at your work site, they will make protective equipment a necessary caution in areas based on those evaluations. All supervisors are required to advise you of when and where to wear your personal protection. However, if you notice a hazard, don’t be afraid to bring it up to your team so they can take action to protect you and everyone else.

Using PPE Properly

Using PPE that fits correctly is of utmost importance. The protection equipment will not be able to fully protect you unless it is sized according to your specific measurements. Everything from gloves to glasses must fit so that those pieces of protection work at all times. Additionally, you must only use PPE for what it is specifically designed for. An example of this would be gloves. One type of gloves may protect you from debris or small cuts on your hands. An entirely different pair of gloves might protect you from chemicals. You could not use the same type of gloves in both situations.

Take Care of Your PPE

Always make sure to clean and maintain your personal protection equipment. Improperly maintained equipment, such as dirty goggles or oily boots, may increase your chance of injury. Every time you are done using any PPE or gear, make sure to put it all away in a clean and secure area. This way, you will be safe and ready to go the next time you are on the job.

Specific Areas of Protection

There are critical areas of the body that need protection on a work site. They include hands, eyes, head and feet. Remember these simple tips regarding those parts of the body to stay safe:

  • Safety glasses need side shields to protect against flying debris
  • Goggles should be fitted around nose and ears properly
  • Use face shields when necessary to protect your whole face, but be aware they can fog up in different weather conditions
  • Ear protection is important in loud environments or when working with an extremely noisy tool
  • Protect your head with a hard hat in areas where you could be in danger of falling objects or moving equipment
  • Using steel-toed footwear is critical in work environments. This way you avoid stubbing or breaking your toes, and keeps you on your feet

,