Safety Training PPE
Written by Steve Hudgik
Safety Training Checklists - Proper Use of PPE
This article provides checklists giving the minimum requirements for PPE safety training in three areas.
PPE Safety Training - Introduction
Workers who are required to use PPE must be trained in the use of that PPE so that they, at a minimum, know the following:
- When PPE is necessary?
- What PPE must be used?
- How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear the PPE.
- The limitations of the PPE.
- How to care for and maintain PPE, including knowing the useful life of and how to dispose of worn out PPE.
After completing PPE safety training employees should be able to demonstrate an understanding of when to use the PPE, and have the ability to properly wear and use PPE. They must demonstrate this before they are allowed to perform work requiring the use of that PPE. This type of safety training is important. Even if an employee has previously completed this safety training, their knowledge and skills should be verified on a regular basis. Other situations that require additional training, or retraining of employees, include changes in the workplace or in the type of required PPE.
The training of each employee required to wear or use PPE must be documented by preparing a written certification containing the name of each employee trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the subject of the certification.
PPE Safety Training - Eye and Face
Checklist for Training Employees In The Use and Care Of Eye and Face Protection
Employees must be trained to know the following about eye protection:
- Why eye protection is necessary? (What workplace hazards threaten eyes?)
- How the eye protection that will be used functions to provide protection.
- The limitations of eye protection.
- When eye protection must be worn.
- How to properly use eye PPE.
- How to adjust protective eye wear for an effective and comfortable fit.
- How to use protective eye wear with existing corrective lenses.
- How to identify signs of PPE wear and damage such as
- Chipped, scratched or scraped lenses
- Loss of elasticity or fraying of head bands.
- How to clean and disinfect PPE eye wear.
PPE Safety Training - Head
Checklist for Training Employees To Use And Care for Head Protection
Employees must be trained to know...
- Why head protection is necessary? (What hazards threaten their heads?)
- How head protection will provide protection.
- The limitations of head protection.
- When head protection must be worn.
- How to properly wear head protection.
- How to adjust straps and other parts for a comfortable and effective fit.
- How to identify signs of wear such as:
- Cracked, torn, frayed, or otherwise deteriorated suspension systems.
- Deformed, cracked, or perforated brims or shells.
- Flaking, chalking, or loss of surface gloss.
- How to clean and disinfect hard hats.
PPE Safety Training - Foot and Leg
Checklist for Training Employees to Use and Care for Foot and Leg Protection
Train your employees to know the following about foot and leg protection...
- Why foot or leg protection is necessary? (What are the workplace hazards that threaten feet or legs?)
- How the foot and leg protection equipment will protect them.
- The limitations of the foot or leg protection.
- When must protective gear be worn?
- How to properly put on the leg and foot PPE.
- How to adjust straps, laces, and other parts for a comfortable and effective fit.
- How to identify signs of wear such as:
- Scuffed, cracked, or lacerated uppers.
- Signs of separation between soles and uppers.
- Holes or cracks in soles or heels.
- Metal embedded in heels or soles of safety shoes.
- How to clean and maintain the leg and foot protection.
PPE Safety Training - Signs and Labels
Reading And Understanding Safety Signs and Labels
Safety signs or labels should be at every location where a hazard exists. In addition, safety information signs and labels should be provided to inform workers about required PPE. As a part of your PPE safety training, employees should be made familiar with the signs and labels used in your facility, and what they mean. They should be trained such that they are familiar with all safety sign designs, as well as the messages and pictograms used on safety signs and labels.
When you need to make new or replacement safety signs and labels, be sure you have a DuraLabel printer handy. Having multiple DuraLabel printers in a facility ensures that making signs and labels is always convenient and never gets put off until a later time. Call 1-888-326-9244 and learn how you can get a DuraLabel printer when you order a minimum quantity of supplies.
