Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION MANAGEMENT / ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM (SAMAS) ...................................................1
2.3 SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT PROCEDURES .......................... 1

2.3.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ........................................... 1

2.3.9.1 Responsibilities................................................................................................ 4

2.3.9.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................4

2.3.9.3 Actions Required to Implement This Procedure .............................................5

2.3.9.4 Reference Documents ................................................................................... 12

2.3.9.5 Author ............................................................................................................ 12

2.3.9.6 Approvals ....................................................................................................... 12

QCS 2014 Section 11: Health and Safety Page 2 Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PROCESS MAP – COMPANY DIRECT WORK

SHE
Ensure an adequate issue and return system is implemented
3.16

Ensure adequate instruction ion use, replacement and maintenance of PPE
3.16

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PURPOSE
1 The purpose of this procedure is to assign responsibilities and establish an adequate system is in place for the selection, storage, issue and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

SCOPE
1 This procedure covers all COMPANY projects and locations under the control of COMPANY. A COMPANY is defined as the organization with responsibility for management of safety at a construction site.

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2.3.9.1 Responsibilities
SHE DIRECTOR
1 Authorises this procedure.

MANAGING DIRECTOR
2 Agrees and communicates PPE requirements for their area of responsibility and sets the appropriate delegated authority to allow sign off of ‘exceptional’ risk assessments for any deviation of the mandatory PPE requirements set out in this procedure.

PROJECT/SITE MANAGER
3 Ensures that works are carried out in accordance with this procedure and arrangements are monitored.

BUYER
4 Ensures that PPE is ordered in accordance with the specifications set out in this procedure.

SUPERVISOR
5 Either supervises the work activities or the sub/work package contractor undertaking those work activities and ensures the controls are in place that are required by this procedure.

SHE ADVISER
6 Provides advice and support in the application of this procedure and monitors others’ effectiveness to manage the activities.

COMPETENT PERSON
7 Person identified as being competent to undertake a risk assessment in relation to the activity being undertaken.

OPERATIVE/CONTRACTORS EMPLOYEES
8 To comply and co-operate with COMPANY/Employer in respect of this and any associated procedure and requirements therein.

2.3.9.2 Definitions
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1 “Personal Protective equipment” (PPE) means all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects them against one or more risks to their health and safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective. Items such as fluorescent yellow waistcoats, safety harnesses etc are PPE as defined. Ordinary working clothes and uniform not specifically provided to protect the wearer’s health and safety are not PPE.

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

SUITABLE
2 “Suitable” means it is appropriate for the risk, user friendly, correctly fitted, effective and complies with design and manufacturing standards.

OVERLAPPING REQUIREMENTS
3 N/A

RESUME OF THE REQUIREMENTS
4 The required employers to ensure that:
(a)
PPE is provided but only as a “LAST RESORT” for employees exposed to a risk of health or safety whilst at work.

(b)
The PPE is suitable.

(c)
If two different types of PPE are worn, they do not adversely affect each other’s performance against the risk (i.e. they are compatible).

(d)
PPE is maintained (including replaced or cleaned), in efficient working order and in good repair.

(e)
Appropriate storage and accommodation is provided for PPE when not in use.

(f)
Employees are provided with adequate information, instruction and training about the use of the PPE, its limitations, the risk(s) it guards against and how to maintain it in efficient working order. Such information should be easily understood.

(g)
That PPE is properly used.

5 The required employees are to:-
(a)
Use the PPE provided to them in accordance with any training and instruction given

(b)
Return the PPE to any accommodation provided for it after use

6 Report any loss of or obvious defect in the PPE to their employer.

2.3.9.3 Actions Required to Implement This Procedure
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1 Places responsibilities on employers to provide suitable personal protective equipment to their employees whilst at work. There is a similar duty for the self employed.

RISK ASSESSMENT
2 Prior to the selection of any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a risk assessment shall be carried out to identify the relevant PPE, proportionate to the risk involved. Any assessment should also take into consideration any overlapping requirements.
3 Refer to SHE-PRO-001 to assist with this process. The risk assessment shall also consider the requirements for specialist PPE, such as Breathing Apparatus. Further advice in this area can be sought from your local SHE Dept.
4 A guide to the standards required for common PPE is in Appendix 1.
5 The List at Appendix 1 covers:-
(a) Type of protection

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
(b)
Potential Health and Safety effects if not worn

(d)
Relevant BS/EN

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
6 COMPANY promotes the continual assessment of PPE in terms of fit for purpose and suitability and the users feedback on its effectiveness, comfort and compatibility should be encouraged by the relevant project management.
7 Any feedback on its effectiveness should then be reported to the SHE Department. This could then allow for items/types of PPE to be added to the approved list. Purchase of such unlisted PPE should initially not take place until there has been consultation with the SHE Department.

CONSIDERING TYPE OF PPE
8 When considering the type of PPE, ie gloves, respirators, foot protection etc. further information is available on the MSDS sheets as detailed in SHE-PRO-02. Information can be obtained through the COSHH Co-ordinator.

STOCK OF PPE
9 A stock of the appropriate PPE shall be available on site. This will be dependent on the contractual requirements (i.e. stipulated by clients) or as a result of risk assessment.

TYPES OF PPE
10 The main types of protection that are in regular use with COMPANY are:
(a)
Eye protection

(b)
Head protection

(d)
Respiratory protection

(e)
Foot protection

(f)
Hand protection

MANDATORY PPE
11 COMPANY has a requirement in place for the mandatory wearing of the following items of PPE on all its projects:
(a)
Head protection

(b)
Foot protection

(d)
Eye Protection

12 In addition where there are plant movements, Hi-Vis clothing must be worn in areas designated by the Project/Site Manager.
13 Mandatory requirements will be included in the Site Rules and communicated at Induction.
14 In exceptional circumstances an approved risk assessment may be undertaken to allow for deviation from the mandated PPE requirements. This would be at Director level.

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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EYE PROTECTION (SEE ALSO VII – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS)
Particular operations may require the use of either glasses, goggles or full face masks etc. The SHE Department shall be contacted and will advise on the type required.
It is also critical that suitable and sufficient risk assessments identify the correct type of eye protection to ensure that Light Eye Protection (LEP) is not used in place of the eye protection that may be required, e.g. grinding or cutting operations where goggles would be required and not LEP.
It is COMPANY policy to issue prescription safety glasses to COMPANY employees when applicable. Anyone who considers they need prescription safety glasses should contact the local SHE Manager/Advisor who will advise on the process to be followed.

HEAD PROTECTION (SEE ALSO 3.7 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS)
Safety helmets are only designed to last for 3 years and this figure may reduce dependent on the use, environment, storage arrangements etc., for example helmets must not be stored in direct sunlight as the sun rays degrade the plastic (e.g. if stored on the rear shelf of a car). Safety Helmets should be subject to regular inspection by the user, to determine their suitability for use up to the 3 year maximum.
To identify the “age” of a helmet there is identification on the underside of a helmet (usually under the peak), it is usually a stamped circular disc containing a number surrounded by 4 or 12 segments. The number represents the year of the helmet shell moulding and each segment containing a dot defines the month of the year. A shell marked with six dots surrounding a number 98 would represent a shell that was moulded in June of 1998. Some manufactures use different methods, reference should be made to the manufacturer’s guidance
Markings on the Helmet
Every helmet claimed to comply with the requirements of European Standard BS EN 397, shall carry a moulded or impressed marking giving the following information :
(a)
number of European Standard BS EN 397

(b)
name or identification mark of the manufacturer

(d)
type of helmet (manufacturer’s designation). This shall be marked on

(e)
both the shell and the harness

(f)
size or size range (in centimetres). This shall be marked on both the shell

(g)
and the harness

(h)
abbreviation for the material of the shell in accordance with ISO 472 (eg ABS, PC, HDPE etc)

HEARING PROTECTION
There are two basic types of ear defender used in construction; they are ear plugs and ear muffs. It is also possible to purchase more specialist type such as ear muffs with in built communication systems.
Both plugs and muffs give good attenuation and comfort, although ear muffs give better protection at frequency ranges HZ 1000-8000 e.g. high impact noise, hilti, piling hammers.
In some extreme cases it may be required to give double protection, ie muffs and plugs. In all cases the requirement is for assessment of noise and the selection of the most suitable

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) type of defender. Consultation with the SHE Department will help you choose the most suitable type.
25 There may also be operational constraints on the type of protection, for example plugs should not be the automatic choice if working with contaminated land and should definitely not be used when working in compressed air.
26 If there are medical reasons why a person cannot use certain types of protection then this should only be agreed to after a letter has been received from a doctor.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
27 Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), as with any other form of PPE, should be considered as a method of last resort in preventing or reducing exposure.
28 Before ordering RPE there must be prior consultation with the SHE Department who will assist you in assessing the risks and advise on the type of RPE to purchase/use.
29 RPE includes a very wide range of devices, from disposable filtration masks to self contained Breathing Apparatus (BA). Therefore choosing the right type of RPE is essential. Please refer to COSHH procedure for information on face fitting or RPE.
30 In the case of BA, please refer to your local SHE Department for advice.

FOOT PROTECTION (SEE ALSO VII – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS)
31 The type of foot protection will depend on the particular circumstances and the identified types produced by means of assessing the risk. This includes the frequency of exposure and the likely severity of the injury.
32 The type and style is detailed at Appendix 1 and it should be recognised that in some circumstances personnel may be eligible for more than one type, e.g. when working in both dry and wet conditions.
33 As a minimum the protection afforded should be steel toe cap and mid sole protection.

HAND PROTECTION (SEE ALSO VII – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS)
34 Gloves must be carefully selected so as to be fit for purpose, taking into account use, comfort, dexterity, temperature protection and grip.
35 The general requirements of any glove must include:
(a)
Fit for purposes

(b)
Construction

(d)
Storage requirements

(e)
Breakthrough properties

36 For whatever glove is being used on site, both product and technical information should be available.
37 Consultation with the SHE Department will provide further advice on type/selection. Where gloves are required to prevent a health risk, they will be selected as part of the COSHH assessment.
38 NB: For further details on all the above protection see Appendix 1.

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

MINIMUM DRESS STANDARDS
39 The minimum acceptable dress on site when working is:
(a)
Long Trousers (Waist to ankle. Shorts & ¾ length are not permitted)

(b)
Shirt, T Shirt, Polo Shirt, wearing of short sleeves may also have restrictions in terms of COSHH assessment requirements such as protection against irritants etc – Long sleeves preferred ( Vest, singlets are not permitted

(d)
Safety footwear

CE MARKING
40 All PPE manufactured and imported from the European Union should have CE marking indicating its conformity with the PPE directive. Items referred to within this document conform to the CE standard marking and site management will check compliance.
41 NB: NUISANCE DUST MASKS (mask or gauze pad) do not conform to the European Standard EN149 and are not CE marked. Therefore they are not classified as protective equipment and SHALL NOT be used on site.

ISSUE AND USE
42 The COMPANY Personal Record/Issue Card logs shall be completed for the issue of protective equipment/clothing to confirm receipt by employees.
43 All PPE issued to COMPANY employees is issued/replaced free of charge .
44 Abuse or non use of PPE supplied is a disciplinary offence.
45 In addition to the issue of equipment the project manager shall ensure that there are procedures in place for the replacement, maintenance, means of reporting defects, storage and, if appropriate, return of PPE when not in use.
46 Where relevant adequate information, instruction and training proportionate to the risk shall be provided. This may range from instruction on how to fit and fit test RPE through to the mandatory legal requirement for training in the use of BA.

SUPPLIERS
47 Suppliers quoted within these procedures have no prior arrangements or contractual agreements and all purchases shall be made in accordance with COMPANY Procurement Procedures.
CONTRACTORS, VISITORS AND LABOUR AGENCY PERSONNEL

CONTRACTORS
48 It is a condition of contract that all contractors provide PPE to the appropriate BS/EN as required, and also be of the type identified by the Project or the contractors’ risk assessment.
49 The type identified for the Project will, where appropriate, be discussed at the initial safety meeting.
50 If the contractors do not supply the relevant PPE then COMPANY will supply the PPE and charge the contractor at cost, plus handling fee.

LABOUR AGENCY PERSONNEL
Labour agencies are required by COMPANY contract conditions to ensure the personnel they supply to COMPANY possess the relevant PPE. Visitors shall comply with the directions of the Project Manager.

QCS 2014 Section 11: Health and Safety Page 11 Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

APPENDIX 1 - PPE PURCHASE LIST
Type of Protection Typical Hazards Relevant BS/EN
Eye Protection • Chemicals
Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn: • Liquids
• Blindness • Gases
• Eye injuries (various) • Molten metal BS 2092
• Cataracts • Hot solids Short circuit electrical BS EN 166
• Headaches • Direct sunlight 349B
• Restricted vision • Laser beams
• Eye strain • Airbourne dust (large and small particles)
• Arc eye • Flying particles (high and low velocities)
Head Protection Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn:• Head injuries • Sunburn • Cuts, bruises • Fractures • Concussion • Unconsciousness • Falling objects • Striking objects • Sunlight UVA & B • Restricted view EN 397
Hearing Protection Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn. • High noise levels
• Hearing damage • Low frequency noise levels EN 352-1
• Noise induced hearing loss • Mid frequency noise levels EN 352-2
• Tinnitus • Increased stress levels • Communication problems • High frequency noise levels • High impact noise levels EN 352-3
Respiratory Protection Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn: • Harmful dusts • Inhalable dusts • Respirable dusts • Toxic dusts
• Upper tract respiratory problems ie rhinitis • Gases EN149
• Lower tract respiratory problems ie asthma, bronchitis • Liquids or solids Pr EN 140
• Toxic poisoning (various health effects) • Viral infections • Asphyxiation South West Architecture • Micro biological • Vapours • Fumes • Mists • Oxygen deficiency En 405
Foot Protection
Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn: • Falling objects
• Foot injuries/amputation • Sharp objects
• Burns • Piercing objects
• Dermatitis • Biological infection • Blood poisoning • Cements • Oils • Contaminated land BS EN 345 and 346
• Sprains & strains • Chemicals
• Fractures • Water/mud
• Bruising • Uneven ground
• Cuts
Hand Protection Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn:• Hand injuries general • Cuts/lacerations • Dermatitis • Burns • Poor dexterity and grip (i.e. due to cold weather) • Sharp objects • Abrasives • Chemicals • Oils • Cement • Wood • Lack of dexterity • Cold/ Heat • Weather • Water EN 420
High Visibility Clothing Potential Health & Safety effects if protection not worn:• Bruising • Fractures • Concussion • Unconsciousness • Death • Cars • Mobile Equipment • Heavy Equipment EN 471 Class 3

Notes: 1) This list must be read in conjunction with any relevant company procedure.
2) When in doubt the SHE Department must be consulted to assist in any assessment
or alternative PPE.

Part 2.3.09: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2.3.9.4 Reference Documents
FORMS
1 N/A
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
2 Qatar Regulatory Document (Construction) RD1.3 and RD 1.4
3 Safety, Health and Environmental Risk Management and Written Safe Systems of Work – (SHE-PRO-001)
4 COSHH - (SHE-PRO-002)
2.3.9.5 Author
SECTION NAME POSITION IN COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS
SHE Manager

2.3.9.6 Approvals
NAME POSITION IN COMPANY SIGNATURE & DATE
Approved by: SHEQ Director