Personal Protective Equipment
General Information
All Workers performing jobs for Qualico require protective equipment that are mandatory or specifically required for the task as per Hazard Assessment(s).
Hazards should be eliminated whenever possible. PPE is employed when engineering and administrative controls are ineffective or insufficient and generally, should be employed in conjunction with these. PPE is the last form of control used to protect Workers from injury.
Supervisors should ensure that Workers are properly trained and that all Safe Work Practices and Safe Job Procedures are followed. This section of the Health & Safety Manual addresses the type of PPE acceptable for use by Qualico Employees and Contractors. The following PPE types are part of and described in the current Directive:
- Foot Protection
- Eye and Face Protection
- Hearing Protection
- Head Protection
- Limb and Body Protection
- Respiratory Protection
- Personal Fall Protection
- High Visibility Safety Vests
Types of PPE
PPE generally falls into two categories. The first category, basic PPE, is the PPE that should be worn at all times by all Workers in the workplace. This includes hard hats, safety footwear, high visibility vests, and appropriate clothing.
The second category, specialized, covers PPE which is used only for specific jobs or for protection from specific hazards. This includes gloves, safety glasses, respiratory protective equipment, fall protection equipment, and special clothing where required by Applicable Legislation.
Selection, Use and Care of Basic and Specialized PPE
Selecting PPE
Selection of PPE is determined by a variety of factors such as: Hazard Assessments, Work Site rules, Applicable Legislation and Standards, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and manufacturers’ specifications.
In cases of specialized tasks, such as chemical handling or working at heights, you may wish to call on outside expertise to assist in the selection of PPE.
Using PPE
Qualico Employees will be trained in the use of PPE in a variety of methods, including classroom lessons, online training and demonstrations.
Specific use directions are provided in the DO’s and DONT’s subsections of the Manual that apply to that type of PPE.
PPE Care
Follow the manufacturer’s directions provided with your equipment for directions on how to care for your PPE.
Specific care directions are provided in the DO’s and DONT’s subsection of the Manual that apply to that type of PPE.
It is not the intention of this Health & Safety Manual to outline specific PPE for all situations. The ultimate responsibility of selecting suitable PPE is with the Worker and the Worker’s Supervisor.