Search

Why Common Sense Won’t Help with PPE

Posted on 6/13/2017 by Roger Marks

Safety managers in every industry share one goal: to send workers home safe at the end of the day—every day.

In workplaces nationwide, employees perform jobs every day that put them in danger. When these job hazards can’t be substituted, mitigated, or eliminated completely, the last line of defense is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).


Trust “Common Sense” at Your Own Risk

Selecting and using personal protective equipment may seem like “common sense,” but safety professionals know that when it comes to safety, common sense isn’t so common.

To avoid on-the-job injuries that cost US businesses billions every month, employees must know not only when they need PPE, but how to make sure it fits, how to use it, how to care for it, and its limitations.

That’s why OSHA requires training for EVERY employee who’s required to wear PPE as part of the job. [29 CFR 1910.132(f)]


Gloves—What Could Be Simpler?

Something as simple as putting on gloves raises safety questions that go far beyond what “common sense” would dictate.

gloves2.jpgEmployees must choose the right gloves—do they need chemical-resistant material? Do their hands need protection from machinery, from puncture hazards, or from biohazards from medical sharps? Do they need protection from extreme heat or cold? How far up the arm should the gloves go for this particular job? 

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) gloves are water soluble, which means they are not suitable for jobs that involve water or certain alcohols. If an employee puts on PVA gloves for a wet job, they won’t offer much protection. If these gloves are rinsed with water to “wash” them, they will be damaged beyond repair.

The same goes for other forms of PPE—from simple items like helmets and boots to half-face and full-face respirators, face shields, safety glasses and goggles, and much more. To protect themselves and their co-workers from injuries and lost time, employees need more than “common sense.” They need all the information they can get about how to select, use, and care for the PPE that protects them every day.


New! Convenient, Effective PPE Online Course—Only $29  

Be confident your employees know how to assess hazards at work and select the right PPE for every dangerous job. This 60-minute online course covers what employees need to know to stay protected from head to toe. This online course will satisfy OSHA’s PPE training requirement for employees at 29 CFR 1910.132(f). Plus, your employees will get 3 months of Lion Membership for fast answers to their questions, access to exclusive safety resources, and more. Learn more or sign up now at Lion.com.
 

Tags: osha, PPE, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.