Basic 9 · Career Technology · Personal and Workshop Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
In this topic you will identify the various items of personal protective equipment, explain their uses and practise using and caring for them correctly.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify types of personal protective equipment
- Match PPE to hazards
- Use and care for PPE correctly
What you already know
- Workshop safety
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Health & Safety
- Sub-strand
- Personal and Workshop Safety
- Indicator
- B9.1.2.1.2 – Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working
Introduction
Safety boots do not look exciting, but a worker who has kept all ten toes will tell you how useful they are.
1. What Is PPE?
Personal protective equipment: Clothing and devices worn to protect the body from hazards.
PPE protects a worker when a hazard cannot be fully removed. It is the last line of defence, not the first. The best way of controlling a hazard is first to remove it, for example by fixing a loose guard on a machine, or to make the task safer. If some risk remains, PPE is used. Workers in construction, welding, health, mining, farming and cooking all use PPE.
2. Items of PPE
| Body part | PPE | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| head | hard hat | falling objects |
| eyes | goggles, face shield | sparks, dust, chemicals |
| ears | ear plugs, ear muffs | loud noise |
| lungs | dust mask, respirator | dust and fumes |
| hands | gloves | cuts, heat, chemicals |
| body | overalls, apron | dirt, sparks, spills |
| feet | safety boots | heavy objects, nails |
| whole body | safety harness | falls from height |
3. PPE in Different Jobs
| Job | PPE needed |
|---|---|
| welder | welding mask, leather gloves, apron |
| farmer spraying | mask, gloves, boots, long clothes |
| carpenter | goggles, dust mask, ear protection |
| nurse | gloves, mask, gown |
| chef | apron, hat, oven gloves |
| miner | helmet with lamp, boots, respirator |
4. Why People Do Not Wear PPE
Some workers say that PPE is hot or uncomfortable, that it slows them down or that they have never had an accident. Others cannot afford it. Many artisans in Ghana's informal sector, such as those at Suame Magazine in Kumasi, have traditionally worked without proper PPE. A serious injury can end a person's career, however, and the cost of PPE is far lower than the cost of losing an eye. Employers have a duty to provide PPE, and workers have a duty to use it.
5. Choosing the Right PPE
PPE must suit the job and the person. A dust mask does not protect against strong chemical fumes, which need a respirator with the correct filter. Thin kitchen gloves give no protection when handling broken glass. Gloves can even be dangerous around rotating drills, as they can be caught. So you must read safety instructions and ask a supervisor. PPE that does not fit properly gives only a false sense of safety.
New words
- PPE
- Protective clothing and devices.
- respirator
- A mask that filters harmful air.
- harness
- Straps that protect a person from falling.
- informal sector
- Unregistered small businesses and trades.
Summary
- PPE protects the body from hazards.
- Different jobs need different PPE.
- PPE must fit, suit the job and be used consistently.
Class activity: PPE Match
- Write hazards and PPE on cards.
- Match them.
- Explain each pair to the class.
You need: Safety goggles, Work gloves, Dust mask
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A hard hat protects the…
- A. head
- B. hands
- C. feet
- D. ears
Show answer
Answer: headFalling objects.2. Ear muffs protect against…
- A. noise
- B. dust
- C. heat
- D. sparks
Show answer
Answer: noiseHearing.3. PPE is the last line of defence.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAfter removing hazards.4. Straps that protect a person from falling form a ______.
Show answer
Answer: harnessHeight.5. State the PPE for a welder.
Show answer
Answer: Welding mask, leather gloves and apron.Job PPE.6. Why is PPE not the first step in safety?
Show answer
Answer: It is better to remove or reduce the hazard first, and PPE only protects against what remains.Control.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Health & Safety
- Sub-strand
- Personal and Workshop Safety
- Indicator
- B9.1.2.1.2 – Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working
Introduction
Having safety equipment is only half the job. It must be worn correctly and kept in good condition.
1. Using PPE Correctly
- Read the instructions and ask for guidance.
- Check the item for damage before use.
- Adjust it so that it fits properly.
- Wear it during the whole task.
- Remove it carefully to avoid contact with dirt or chemicals.
- Clean and store it after use.
2. Demonstrations
| Item | Correct use |
|---|---|
| goggles | fit closely over the eyes, strap firmly |
| dust mask | cover nose and mouth; press the nose clip |
| gloves | choose the right type and size |
| hard hat | adjust the band; wear it with the brim forward |
| safety boots | lace them fully |
| ear plugs | roll, insert, hold until they expand |
3. Caring for PPE
PPE only works if it is in good condition. Clean goggles with soap and water, and let them dry. Wash overalls separately from family clothes if they have chemicals on them. Replace dust masks when they get dirty or hard to breathe through. A hard hat that has received a heavy blow should be replaced, even if it looks fine. Store PPE in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight, which can weaken plastic.
4. PPE and Infection Control
In health care, PPE protects both patients and workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Ghana learned how to wear face masks to reduce the spread of infection. Used masks should be disposed of safely, and gloves should be removed without touching the outside. These same habits apply in clinics and laboratories, and they are very useful.
5. Responsibilities
| Person | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| employer or school | provides suitable PPE and training |
| supervisor | checks that it is worn correctly |
| worker or learner | wears it and reports damage |
Do not lend or swap PPE without cleaning it first. If an item is missing or damaged, report it and do not start the job. Never allow friends to dare you into working without protection. Safety is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of professionalism, and you will be taken seriously by those who employ you.
New words
- fit
- How well an item matches the body.
- defective
- Damaged or faulty.
- disposal
- Safely getting rid of something.
- professionalism
- The conduct expected of a skilled worker.
Summary
- PPE must be checked, fitted and worn throughout a task.
- Clean, store and replace PPE as needed.
- Employers provide PPE, and workers must use it.
Class activity: PPE Demonstration
- Practise putting on goggles, gloves and a mask.
- Check each other's fit.
- Describe how to care for them.
You need: Safety goggles, Work gloves, Dust mask
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Before using PPE, you should…
- A. check it for damage
- B. throw it away
- C. paint it
- D. lend it
Show answer
Answer: check it for damageInspection.2. A hard hat that took a heavy blow should be…
- A. replaced
- B. washed only
- C. repainted
- D. ignored
Show answer
Answer: replacedDamage.3. PPE should be stored in a clean, dry place.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueCare.4. Damaged or faulty equipment is ______.
Show answer
Answer: defectiveTerm.5. State three ways of caring for PPE.
Show answer
Answer: Clean it, store it dry and replace it when damaged.Any three.6. Whose responsibility is PPE at work?
Show answer
Answer: The employer provides it, supervisors check it and workers wear it and report damage.Shared duty.
Homework
- Interview an artisan about the PPE they use.