Page 44 - PPE GUIDELINE

Guidelines on the Use of PPE Against Chemical Hazards

An induction program relevant to personal protective equipment should include:

a. Duty of care under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994;
b. Safety and health policies and procedures;
c. Provision, use, storage & maintenance of personal protective equipment,
particularly the risks caused by incorrect use or maintenance of the equipment;
and
d. Emergency procedures in case of special risks e.g. chemical spills or fires.

• Job Training

Training of new employees for their specific jobs should cover the hazards and risks
associated with the job identified in a hazard identification and risk assessment
process. It should also include instruction in the use of personal protective equipment
required by the job including:

o Correct selection, use and wearing of personal protective equipment;
o Comfort and fit requirements;
o Limitations in use and effectiveness; and
o Maintenance and replacement procedures.

Ongoing training should be provided to employees, as work practices and equipment
are up-dated.

4.4. Proper Use & Supervision

Personal protective equipment should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions for use. Proper use of personal protective equipment can only be achieved
through adequate instructions, training and supervision. The degree of protection
afforded is by the personal protective equipment is greatly dependent on the duration
of use in the hazardous environment. For respiratory protection to be effective to keep
all contaminants out of worker’s air intake, they must be worn for more than 99% of
the time in the hazardous environment. Hence, this equipment must be worn
continuously throughout the time when the risk or risks are present.

Personal protective equipment provided should be made full use of and its use should
not create risk to the wearer or other people at the place of work. Most personal
protective equipment must be returned after use to the storage place provided. An
exception may be made for some equipment the employee may take away from the
workplace (such as safety shoes), or which are used or worn intermittently and need
only be returned at the end of the working period, shift or assignment (such as
welding visors).

Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia ™October 2005 44