Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Notes

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Overview

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes specialized clothing or equipment. It is used to reduce exposure to workplace hazards that may result in serious injuries or illnesses.

Objectives

  • Employers must train workers on PPE usage, covering:
    • When PPE is necessary.
    • What kind of PPE is necessary for specific hazards.
    • The limitations of the equipment.
    • How to properly put on, adjust, wear, and take off PPE.
    • Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment.

When PPE is Necessary

  • PPE is needed when other safety measures (engineering controls, work practices, administrative policies) can’t fully protect workers from hazards.
  • PPE acts as the final layer of protection against injury or illness.
  • Employers must provide the right PPE, ensure proper usage, and enforce consistent wear.

Types of PPE Based on Hazards

  • Chemical Hazards: gloves, face shields, chemical-resistant clothing
  • Physical Hazards: hard hats, safety boots, protective clothing
  • Noise Hazards: earplugs, earmuffs
  • Airborne Particles or Fumes: respirators
  • Electrical Hazards: insulated gloves, arc-rated face shields
  • Radiological Hazards: lead aprons, leaded glasses
  • Biological Hazards: gloves, gowns, masks, face shields

8 Types of Safety PPE and Their Uses

  • Head Protection (Helmets, Hard Hats)
  • Eye and Face Protection (Goggles, Face Shields)
  • Respiratory Protection (Respirators)
  • Hearing Protection (Earplugs, Earmuffs)
  • Hand Protection (Gloves)
  • Body Protection (Overalls, Vests, Flame-Resistant Clothing)
  • Foot Protection (Steel-Toed Boots, Slip-Resistant Shoes)
  • Fall Protection (Harnesses, Lanyards)
Head Protection (Helmets, Hard Hats)
  • Hard Hats: Used in construction, industrial, and manufacturing settings.
    • Rigid outer shell (High-Density Polyethylene - HDPE).
    • Suspension system to absorb and distribute impact forces.
    • Protects against falling objects, impacts from machinery, and low ceilings.
  • Type 1 Hard Hats: Reduce impact force from a blow only to the top of the head and have a partial or a full brim around the entire hat.
  • Type 2 Hard Hats: Reduce the force of lateral impact resulting from a blow which may be received off-center, from the side, or to the top of the head.
  • Welding Helmets: Protect against intense heat, sparks, and radiation.
  • Bump Caps: Provide limited protection against minor bumps, scrapes, and lacerations.
  • Electrically Insulating Helmets: Made from non-conductive materials to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
  • Hard Hat Color Codes
    • Laborers, Machine Operators
    • Managers, Engineers, Supervisors, and Foreman
    • Fire Fighters
    • Site Visitors
    • Safety Officers
    • Welders and Workers with high heat application
    • Electricians, Carpenters, and other technical operators apart from civil workers
    • Crane Operators, Road workers
    • Spare or temporary workers.
  • Three Classes of Hard Hats
    • Class C: No electrical protection
    • Class G: 2,200 volt
    • Class E: 20,000 volt
Eye and Face Protection (Goggles, Face Shields)
  • Safety Spectacles: Protective eyeglasses with metal or plastic safety frames and impact-resistant lenses.
  • Goggles: Tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes, eye sockets, and surrounding facial area.
    • Protects from impact, dust, and splashes.
  • Laser Safety Goggles: Protect against intense concentrations of light produced by lasers.
  • Welding Shields: Made from vulcanized fiber or fiberglass with filtered lenses.
    • Protect eyes from burns caused by infrared or intense radiant light.
    • Protect the eyes and face from flying sparks, metal spatter, and slag chips during welding, brazing, soldering, and cutting.
  • Face Shields: Transparent plastic sheets extending from the eyebrows to below the chin.
    • Used in constructions and industries
    • Used in health care/laboratories
    • Used in factory
    • Used in public safety for police officer in riot
Respiratory Protection (Respirators)
  • Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Disposable half facepiece respirators that filter out particles such as dusts, mists, and fumes.
  • Elastomeric Half Facepiece Respirators: Reusable with replaceable cartridges or filters.
  • Elastomeric Full Facepiece Respirators: Reusable with replaceable canisters, cartridges, or filters.
  • Supplied-Air Respirators: Connected to a separate source that supplies clean compressed air through a hose.
  • Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs): Have a battery-powered blower that pulls air through attached filters, canisters, or cartridges.
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs): Used for entry into or escape from environments considered to be Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH).
    • Contain their own breathing air supply.
    • Can be open circuit or closed circuit.
Hearing Protection (Earplugs, Earmuffs)
  • Earmuffs: Also known as ear defenders or ear protectors.
    • Used to protect the wearer’s ears from excessive noise pollution, dust, or temperature variations (especially cold).
    • Cap mount with passive cups
    • Over-the-head band with electronics
  • Types of Earplugs
    • Foam earplugs: Soft, expandable, and disposable.
    • Reusable earplugs (pre-molded): Usually have a stem (more or less rigid) to make insertion easier and three or even four soft flanges attached to the stem.
    • Wax earplugs: Invented in 1907, moldable wax earplugs were the first commercially available earplugs. Typically paraffin wax recipes are used.
    • Silicon putty earplugs: Moldable silicone putty earplugs are very similar to wax earplugs both in terms of noise reduction effectiveness and use cases.
    • Earplugs for musicians / music earplugs:
    • Flight earplugs: Flight earplugs typically contain a small ceramic filter that slows down these pressure changes, giving the ear more time to adjust.
    • Custom-molded earplugs
Hand Protection (Gloves)
  • Leather Gloves: Designed to shield them from hazards such as cold, dirt, chemicals, or injuries. Gloves protection against cuts, abrasions, heat and sparks
  • Rubber/Latex/Nitrile Gloves: Protection against chemicals, skin irritants, oils and solvents.
    • Latex Gloves
    • Nitrile Gloves
  • Cut-resistant/Steel Mesh Gloves: Protection from cuts, lacerations and abrasions
  • Thermal Gloves: Protection from hot or cold temperatures
  • Electrical Insulating Gloves: Protection against electrical shocks
  • Vibration Gloves: Prevents fatigue and discomfort from prolonged exposure to vibrations
Body Protection (Overalls, Vests, Flame-Resistant Clothing)
  • Coveralls/Overalls: Protection from dirt, chemicals, sparks, and abrasions
    • Disposable
    • Cotton
    • High Visibility
    • Flame- Resistant
    • Chemical
    • Insulated
    • Thermal
    • Antistatic
  • Lab Coats: Protection against spills and splashes in laboratory
    • Cotton
    • Fire-Resistant
  • Aprons: Protect the front part of the body from chemicals, heat or sharp tools
    • PVC
    • Leather
    • Heavy Duty
    • Rubber
  • Reflective Vests or Jackets: Enhance visibility in lowlights or high traffic environments
  • Bulletproof/Stab-Resistant Vests: Personal protection for law enforcement or security roles
  • Radiation-Protective Clothing: Acts as a barrier, shielding the wearer from the harmful effects of radiation
Foot Protection (Steel-Toed Boots, Slip-Resistant Shoes)
  • Safety Shoes/Boots: Protect toes from falling objects or compression
  • Metatarsal Boots: Protection for the upper foot (metatarsal bones)
  • Puncture-Resistant Shoes: Prevent sharp objects from penetrating the sole of the shoe
  • Slip-Resistant Shoes: Reduce the risk of slips on wet or oily surfaces
  • Waterproof/Chemical- Resistant Boots: Protection from moisture, chemicals, skin irritations and burns
  • Electrical Hazard Rated Boots: Protection from electric shocks
  • Thermal or Insulated Boots: Protection from cold environments, keeps feet dry and warm in wet or cold conditions
  • Heat-Resistant Boots: Protect the whole foot from heat and can withstand extreme heat
  • Toe Caps/Overshoes: It is a temporary protection worn over a regular shoes. Protect your toes from injury and it can also save you from slips
Fall Protection (Harnesses, Lanyards)
  • Safety Harness: It distributes the force of a fall across the body’s larger areas. This significantly reduces the risk of injury from a potential fall.
  • Lanyard: It connects the harness to an anchor point
    • Reduce impact force during a fall
    • Shock Absorbing Lanyards
    • Types:
    • Positioning Lanyards: Hold the worker in place while working hands- free
  • Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs): It retracts itself into the housing unit. Automatically extends and retracts with movement and lock during a fall
  • Anchorage Connectors: Connects the worker’s fall protection system to the structure

Limitations of PPE

  • PPE is the Last Line of Defense Relying on PPE alone ignores more effective ways to prevent injury or exposure.
  • PPE Does Not Eliminate the Hazard It only reduces the severity or likelihood of harm.
  • Limited Coverage or Protection Scope PPE typically protects specific parts of the body, not the whole system.
  • Improper Use Incorrect fit, misuse, or improper donning/doffing can render PPE ineffective.
  • Discomfort and Reduced Performance PPE can cause discomfort and lower work performance.
  • False Sense of Security Users may engage in riskier behavior, thinking they are fully protected.
  • Subject to Wear, Damage, and Expiry PPE can become compromised due to: Tears, cracks, or contamination Wear from repeated use Expired filters (e.g., in respirators)
  • One Size Doesn’t Fit All PPE must be matched to the specific hazard and user needs: Not all gloves resist chemicals. Not all masks filter viruses.
  • Dependency on Worker Behavior
  • Compliance with Standards is Crucial PPE must meet certification standards (e.g., NIOSH, ISO, ANSI, PNS). Fake or substandard PPE offers little to no protection.

Agencies Responsible for Approving and Regulating Standard PPE in the Philippines

  • Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) DOLE’s approval is required for PPE used in workplaces. They ensure PPE meets safety standards and is appropriate for the risks involved.
  • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Ensures PPE products meet safety, quality, and performance criteria before entering the market.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Philippines Regulates PPE used in hospitals, clinics, and health-related fields.
  • Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Reviews and approves protective equipment used by firefighters or in fire-prone environments (e.g., flame-resistant suits).

How to Properly Put On, Adjust, Wear, and Take Off PPE

Head Protection (Hard Hat)
How to Properly Put on Hardhat
  1. Inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks, fading, or loose straps.
  2. The suspension should fit comfortably and be tightened so it's unlikely to fall off when you bend forward.
  3. The chin strap should be adjusted so you can fit a finger between your face and the strap.
  4. Make sure your hard hat sits straight and flat on your head, not tilted or loose. The brim should face forward, unless the hard hat is designed to be worn backward.
  5. Lower your head to ensure the helmet stays in place.
How to Properly Take off a Head PPE
  1. First, go to a safe and clean area before removing your head PPE.
  2. Use both hands to gently lift the hard hat or helmet straight up off your head.
  3. Avoid touching the inside part that rests against your head.
  4. Check the PPE for any signs of dirt, cracks, or damage.
  5. Clean it if needed and store it in a dry, safe place away from sunlight or chemicals.
Eye and Face Protection/PPE
Steps on how to wear Eye and Face Protection/PPE
  1. Check goggles, face shields, or safety glasses for cracks, scratches, or damage before use.
  2. Wipe lenses and frames to ensure clear vision and hygiene.
  3. Place the eye or face protection securely on your face, ensuring it fits snugly and covers your eyes or face completely.
  4. Tighten or loosen straps so the PPE stays in place comfortably without slipping.
  5. Make sure there are no gaps between your face and the protection, especially around the eyes.
  6. If you wear a hard hat or respirator, ensure the eye/face protection works well with them and doesn’t interfere.
How to Take Off Eye and Face Protection/PE:
  1. Remove Carefully. Take off the PPE by the straps or arms, avoiding contact with the front to reduce contamination.
  2. After use, clean and disinfect your PPE and store it in a clean, dry place.
Foot Protection/PPE
Steps on how to wear Foot Protection/PPE:
  1. Choose proper size of the shoe: The size and fit of the shoes are must be accurate.
  2. Make sure that your feet, socks, and the insole of the safety shoes are dry. As the moisture can cause discomfort when safety shoes are worn.
  3. Put on your socks, stretch and smoothen your socks out to remove any folds.
  4. As you place your feet into the shoes, check that the insole doesn’t shift from its position. If it shifted repeat the process.
  5. When tying the shoelaces, make sure that it is not loose or too tight. Always make sure that it was tied.
How to Properly Take Off Safety Shoes:
  1. Remove One Shoe at a Time. Sit down if needed and take your time to avoid injury or tripping.
  2. Loosen the Laces or Straps. Fully untie the laces or undo the straps to avoid damaging the shoe or hurting your foot.
  3. Use Your Hands. Don’t use the other foot to push the shoe off, instead, use your hands or a shoehorn to gently remove it.
Gloves
How to wear Gloves
  1. Inspect the gloves carefully before use. Look for any holes, cracks, or worn-out areas that could reduce protection.
  2. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. This helps the gloves fit better and prevents slipping inside the glove.
  3. Slide your fingers in and pull the glove over your hand. Use both hands to ensure the glove is fully in place.
  4. Check that the glove covers your wrist completely. A full wrist cover gives better protection against hazards.
  5. Adjust for a snug, comfortable fit. Gloves should not be too tight or too loose, they should allow free movement.
How to properly remove Gloves
  1. Loosen the glove by gently pulling at the wrist. Don’t snap or tug too hard to avoid spreading dirt or contaminants.
  2. Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand. Keep the dirty side folded inward as you remove it.
  3. Slide fingers under the wrist of the second glove. Avoid touching the outside surface of the glove.
  4. Peel off the second glove carefully. Wrap the first glove inside the second as you remove it.
  5. Dispose of or clean the gloves properly. Then wash your hands to remove any leftover dirt or contaminants.
Respirator
How to Wear a Respirator
  1. Inspect the respirator for damage or dirt. Check the straps, facepiece, and filter to make sure everything is clean and in good condition.
  2. Place the respirator over your nose and mouth. Make sure it sits comfortably and covers your face fully without gaps.
  3. Pull the straps over your head and adjust them. The top strap should sit high on the back of your head, and the bottom strap around your neck below your ears.
  4. Tighten the straps until the respirator fits snugly. It should feel secure but not too tight or painful.
  5. Perform a seal check. Cover the filter area with your hands and breathe in, if the respirator pulls toward your face and no air leaks, the seal is good.
How to Remove a Respirator
  1. Move to a clean, safe area make sure you’re away from any dust, chemicals, or harmful substance before removing it.
  2. Wash your hands or wear clean gloves if needed.
  3. Do not touch the front of the respirator. Instead, grab the bottom strap and pull it over your head first.
  4. Then pull the top strap over your head and lift it away from your face without touching the inside.
  5. Clean or dispose of the respirator properly.
Ear Protection
How to Wear Ear Protection
  1. Check the earplugs or earmuffs are clean and not cracked or worn out.
  2. If using earplugs, roll them into a small, tight cylinder.
  3. Gently insert the earplug into your ear canal, hold it in place for a few seconds until it expands and fits snugly.
  4. If using earmuffs, place the cups over both ears. Make sure the headband sits firmly on top of your head for a tight seal.
  5. Check the fit and seal. You should feel a noticeable reduction in noise if they’re worn correctly.
How to Remove Ear Protection
  1. Wash your hands before removal, if needed.
  2. Gently twist and pull out earplugs. Don’t yank them out quickly, as that could hurt your ear.
  3. If using earmuffs, lift the headband up and off your head, remove the cups gently without pulling too hard.
  4. Inspect the ear protection for damage or wear. Clean or replace it if necessary before storing.
  5. Store the ear protection in a clean, dry place to avoid dirt and damage.
Body Overall PPE
How to Wear Body Overall PPE
  1. Check the overall for any damage like holes, rips, or broken zippers, make sure it is clean.
  2. Step into the legs of the overall, one leg at a time, pull it up carefully to avoid snagging on boots or equipment.
  3. Put your arms into the sleeves and adjust the shoulders. Make sure the fabric sits comfortably and doesn’t restrict movement.
  4. Zip up or fasten the front completely, secure all buttons, snaps, or Velcro for full body coverage.
  5. Tighten cuffs at the wrists and ankles if available.
How to Take Off Body Overall PPE
  1. Unzip or unfasten the front of the overall, start from the top and work your way down slowly.
  2. Slide the overall off your shoulders and arms.
  3. Roll the overall down past your waist and hips, avoid stepping on it to keep it clean and undamaged.
  4. Step out of each leg carefully, one at a time.
  5. Hang the overall in a clean, dry place or fold it neatly.

Proper Care of the Equipment: Maintenance, Useful Life, and Disposal

  1. Head Protection (Helmets, Hard Hats)
    • Maintenance: Inspect daily, clean with mild soap and water, avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
    • Useful Life: Typically 2 – 5 years, or immediate replacement after significant impact.
    • Disposal: Destroy before discarding to prevent reuse; follow hazardous waste procedures if contaminated.
  2. Eye and Face Protection (Goggles, Face Shields)
    • Maintenance: Clean lenses with appropriate solutions, store properly, inspect straps and seals.
    • Useful Life: 6 months to several years, depending on usage and wear.
    • Disposal: Dispose of intact items as regular waste; if contaminated, follow hazardous waste guidelines.
  3. Respiratory Protection (Respirators)
    • Maintenance: Clean reusable components, replace filters per manufacturer instructions, perform seal checks.
    • Useful Life: Disposable: Single use or up to 8 hours. Reusable: Several years with proper maintenance.
    • Disposal: Follow hazardous waste procedures for contaminated respirators and filters.
  4. Hearing Protection (Earplugs, Earmuffs)
    • Maintenance: Wash reusable earplugs, wipe earmuffs, check seals, store in a clean, dry environment.
    • Useful Life: Foam earplugs: Single use. Reusable earplugs: Weeks to months. Earmuffs: Up to 3 years.
    • Disposal: Discard earplugs as regular waste; earmuffs when cushioning hardens or fails.
  5. Hand Protection (Gloves)
    • Maintenance: Follow manufacturer guidelines, check for tears or degradation, avoid reusing disposable gloves.
    • Useful Life: Disposable: Single use. Reusable: Days to months depending on exposure.
    • Disposal: Dispose based on contamination type; hazardous waste handling may be required.
  6. Body Protection (Overalls, Vests, Flame-Resistant Clothing)
    • Maintenance: Launder per manufacturer recommendations, inspect for damage or fading.
    • Useful Life: Months to several years, flame-resistant properties degrade over time.
    • Disposal: Destroy before disposal; follow hazardous waste regulations if necessary.
  7. Foot Protection (Steel-Toed Boots, Slip-Resistant Shoes)
    • Maintenance: Clean and dry regularly, inspect soles, steel caps, stitching, replace worn insoles.
    • Useful Life: 6 months to 2 years, or immediate replacement if tread or structure fails.
    • Disposal: Dispose as general waste if intact; donate if still usable.
  8. Fall Protection (Harnesses, Lanyards)
    • Maintenance: Inspect thoroughly before use, store properly, clean with mild detergent.
    • Useful Life: Typically, 5 years, or immediate replacement if damaged or following a fall event.
    • Disposal: Render unusable before disposal; adhere to hazardous waste disposal procedures if exposed to contaminants.

Importance of PPE for Various Industries

  • Construction
  • Fire Fighter
  • Manufacturing
  • COOK
  • Metal Works
  • Electrical