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TYPES OF PPES
PPEs can be classified into the following categories
- Eye protection
- Head protection
- Foot protection
- Hand protection
- Respiratory protection
- Hearing protection
- Cloth protection
1. Eye and Face Protection
- Safety glasses
Safety glasses are worn whenever there is the possibility of objects striking the eye, such as particles, glass, or metal shards.
Safety glasses do not provide adequate protection from significant chemical splashes.
They do not seal to the face, resulting in gaps at the top, bottom and sides, where chemicals may seep through.
They are also not appropriate for dusts and powders, which can get by the glasses in ways similar to those described above.
- Chemical Splash Goggles
Chemical Splash Goggles should be worn when there is potential for splash from a hazardous material.
They are impact resistant and have indirect ventilation so hazardous substances cannot drain into the eye area.
Some may be worn over prescription glasses.
- Face Shields
Face shields are used when working with large volumes of hazardous materials, or for protection from splash to the face or flying particles.
Face shields must be used in conjunction with safety glasses
- Contact Lenses
Contact lenses may be worn in the laboratory, but do not offer any protection from chemical contact.
If a contact lens becomes contaminated with a hazardous chemical, remove the lens immediately and rinse the eye(s) using an eyewash.
Contact lenses that have been contaminated with a chemical must be discarded.
2. Footwear
Foot wares protect the foot and the form possible mechanical, chemical or thermal injuries
Open shoes and high-hilled shoes are and must be discouraged in laboratories
Chemical resistant overshoes or boots are used to avoid possible exposure to corrosive chemical or large quantities of solvents or water that might penetrate normal footwear (e.g., during spill cleanup).
Leather shoes tend to absorb chemicals and may have to be discarded if contaminated with a hazardous material.
3. Gloves
Gloves are covering for the hand, they protect and comfort hands against cold or heat, damage by friction, abrasion or chemicals, and disease; or in turn to provide a guard for what a bare hand should not touch.
Protective gloves should be worn when handling hazardous materials, chemicals of unknown toxicity, corrosive materials, rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or very cold materials.
Based on their usability, gloves can be classified into disposable and non-disposable gloves
They can also be classified as industrial or surgical gloves
4. Hearing protection
Hearing protectors are used in those operations that produce noise levels above threshold limits. The most common noisy protection equipment in the laboratories are Ultrasonicators and wind tunnels
5. Respiratory protectors
Respirators protect against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays which can cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases, or death.Respiratory protectors may include use of dust mask, face masks and even use of fume hoods or chambers There are many types of respirators and masks available and the different types offer very different levels of respiratory protection.
6. Lab Coats and aprons
Lab coats are worn over street clothes and are used when the possibility of chemical contamination exists.Lab coats are appropriate for minor chemical splashes and solids contamination, Aprons are best for protection from corrosive or irritating liquids.
Surgical disposable may be useful in clinical procedures or when cleaning and decontamination of reusable clothing is difficult. Overalls can be used to protect the clothing from spatters and spills
7. Head protective gears
Head protective gears include, hats, caps and helmets. They protect the wearer’s head from impact and penetration by falling or flying objects and from high-voltage shock and burn.
8. Fume chamber
Fume cupboards are used widely in laboratories
A fume chamber are often considered as a PPE since it protects the laboratory user from exposure to hazards caused due to fumes
They are designed to capture and remove air-borne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments (e.g. gases, vapors, aerosols and particulates/dust).
9. Biological safety cabinet
Biological safety cabinets (BSC) are enclosed work stations intended to serve as a barrier to protect individuals working with biohazardous materials.
Laboratory procedures that could create airborne biohazards should always be performed in a BSC as it protects laboratory workers and the environment from aerosols or droplets that could spread biohazardous material.
There are three general types of biosafety cabinets available: Class I, II, III, each with specific performance characteristics and applications.
PPE Maintenance and Inspection
- Inspect PPE before and after each use.
- Take care of PPE at all times.
- Clean all PPE after use.
- Repair or replace damaged or broken PPE.
- Store PPE in clean dry air – free from exposure to sunlight or contaminants