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|  | Personal Protective EquipmentYour work at Â鶹´«Ã½ may involve hazards that could result in injury or illness (e.g., sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, and noise). Using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as earplugs, glasses, respirators, hard hats, and gloves to protect yourself is often essential when completing tasks on campus. However, it is important to remember that PPE is not a substitute for more effective hazard control methods and should only be considered when more effective means of protection are not adequate or feasible.
If your job requires PPE use, ensure you are up-to-date on your biennial PPE safety training in myHR Learn. | |
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| Hierarchy of controlsUtilize the hierarchy of controls before starting a task to identify the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury and illness. PPE is the last line of defense and often will need to be used with other control methods, such as using safety glasses and a face shield when operating a bench grinder with the proper guards in place. |
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| Did you know?Despite its importance, the number of accidents associated with improper use or lack of PPE is significant. Studies in the U.S. indicate that only about 64% of workers use PPE properly, and failure to use PPE is one of the main factors leading to accidents. The main reasons workers do not use PPE are discomfort, lack of training, and poor fit.
Here at Â鶹´«Ã½, 57 hand and eye injuries occurred in the past 5 years that could have been prevented by wearing the correct PPE. |
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| Safety tips
- Select the correct PPE for the task, such as a face shield, goggles, and gloves for handling chemicals.
- Inspect PPE before each use, checking for cleanliness, damage, and defects. Immediately replace any damaged or defective equipment.
- Review safety data sheets (SDSs) to determine appropriate PPE and safety measures when handling chemicals.
- Know how to adjust and put on your PPE to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
- Keep PPE clean and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
- Contact your supervisor if you are unsure what PPE is required when assigned a task.
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| Safety at homeMany at-home tasks (e.g., yard work, cooking, and using cleaning chemicals) may require PPE for hand, face, foot, ear, and eye protection. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Always read the manufacturer guidelines to determine appropriate PPE, such as goggles for handling chemicals.
- Use oven mitts to protect your hands while handling hot items in the kitchen or outdoor grilling areas.
- Wear gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear, and hearing protection when operating equipment such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
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