PPE Information Sheet Protective Clothing for the Body

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PPE Information Sheet Protective Clothing for the Body Introduction Certain work activities and situations may put workers at a risk of harm to their body and legs.

1 PPE Information Sheet Protective Clothing for the Body Introduction Certain work activities and situations may put workers at a risk of harm to their body and legs. Therefore, protective clothing will be required so as to provide protection to the area(s) of the body which are at risk. Clothing such as overalls worn to protect from general dirt is not PPE. Hazards heat or flame cold bad weather chemical splash molten metal splashes spray from pressure leaks or spray guns impact, penetration or abrasion contaminated dust low visibility excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing The material chosen depends on the hazard and the level of protection required. Material choice includes: non-flammable; anti-static; chain-mail; chemically impermeable; and high visibility. Clothing chosen should not increase the overall risk for example, the clothing should not cause the individual to overheat or pose a risk of entanglement. Types The type of clothing/equipment required will depend on the job undertaken and the specific nature of the hazard(s). Type of clothing worn to protect the body include: overalls boiler suits warehouse coats gaiters clothing to protect against machinery such as chainsaws aprons Types of clothing worn on the body to protect the person include: high-visibility clothing back supports safety harnesses Activities The following are examples of the types of processes and activities that require protective clothing for the body. It is not an exhaustive list. laboratory work or work with chemicals, dust or other hazardous substances; construction and outdoor work

work in cold-stores forestry work using chainsaws highway and road works spraying pesticides food processing welding grounds maintenance work Selection The selection depends mainly on the hazard and

The following table lists some of the clothing and protection that is available, with additional information listed below.

2 work in cold-stores forestry work using chainsaws highway and road works spraying pesticides food processing welding grounds maintenance work Selection The selection depends mainly on the hazard and risks involved. However, the individual, the work environment and the work undertaken must be considered when selecting appropriate clothing. The following table lists some of the clothing and protection that is available, with additional information listed below. CLOTHING AND PROTECTION PROVIDED TO THE BODY Overalls, aprons and coveralls: protects against hazardous substances reusable or disposable Overall Disposable asbestos coverall Clothing for cold, heat and bad weather protects against foul weather, wind and cold hazards. For example, personnel regularly working outdoors where they cannot be sheltered from the weather, then clothing which is wind and waterproof is needed. Waterproof, weatherproof or insulated clothing is subject to the PPE Regulations only if its use is necessary to protect employees against adverse climatic conditions that could otherwise affect their health and safety. Clothing to protect against machinery For example, chainsaws: Upper body protection - chainsaw jackets to EN Leg protection - to EN and Chainsaw boots - to EN and bearing a shield depicting a chainsaw to show compliance with EN (For occasional users working in even ground where there is little risk of tripping or snagging on undergrowth or brash, protective gaiters conforming to EN worn in combination with steel-toe-capped safety boots.) For more information - HSE INDG 317 Chainsaws at Work

CLOTHING WORN ON THE BODY AND THE PROTECTION PROVIDED TO THE PERSON High visibility clothing (jackets and vests): High visibility clothing is required when personnel are working in hazardous

CLASS 3 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 jacket and CLASS 1 trousers Where work is carried out on or adjacent to a highway open to traffic, staff shall at all times wear high visibility warning clothing complying

This should be worn by workers on roadsides and other areas where it is important to be seen to be safe. There are 3 classes of garment type based on the levels of conspicuousness they provide.

Jackets with sleeves are to be worn on dual carriageway roads with a speed limit of 50mph or above.

3 CLOTHING WORN ON THE BODY AND THE PROTECTION PROVIDED TO THE PERSON High visibility clothing (jackets and vests): High visibility clothing is required when personnel are working in hazardous positions where they cannot be seen. CLASS 3 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 jacket and CLASS 1 trousers Where work is carried out on or adjacent to a highway open to traffic, staff shall at all times wear high visibility warning clothing complying with BS EN 471. High visibility clothing is made from PVC impregnated with fluorescent pigments. This should be worn by workers on roadsides and other areas where it is important to be seen to be safe. There are 3 classes of garment type based on the levels of conspicuousness they provide. On all garments the retro-reflective tape must not be less than 50 mm wide. CLASS 3: Highest Level of conspicuity. Jackets with sleeves are to be worn on dual carriageway roads with a speed limit of 50mph or above. CLASS 2: more conspicuous than class 1 (2 band and brace hi-visibility waistcoat/ jacket and some trousers) CLASS 1: the least conspicuous (waistcoats and most trousers) Minimal risk such as off road activities. It is essential that this clothing is kept clean if it is to be effective. Badly soiled garments should be replaced. Personal fall protection Personal fall-protection systems comprise an assembly of components for protection against falls from height at work, including at least a body-holding device connected to a reliable anchor. Such systems include work-restraint systems, work positioning systems, rope-access systems, rescue systems and fall-arrest systems. Personal fall protection needs to be selected based on its appropriateness for the type of work being conducted and for the wearer. Back supports To be used only after careful advice, as they do not help users lift more, it provides support to the back and helps with posture. There are also wrist and elbow supports available.

4 Selection of clothing for protection from: Chemicals and hazardous substances: Low risk chemicals chemical-resistant clothing, coveralls and laboratory coats made from uncoated cotton or synthetic material such as nylon or Terylene with a water repellent finish. Strong solvents, oils and greases coats, overalls and aprons made from neoprene or polyurethane coated nylon, or Terylene or rubber aprons. Chemical suits totally encapsulating suits which are either vapour-proof or liquid-splash proof and are fed with breathable air. Chemical suits have a life expectancy of three to four years and should be inspected every three months even if not in use. This entails an air test and looking at all of the seams. Vapour suits made of butyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), viton, a combination of viton and butyl or teflon. Splash-resistant suits are made from the same polymers as vapour suits (see above) but may also be made of limited-use fabrics such as saran coated tyvek and barricade fabric. Fibres and dust: suits made from bonded olefin that forms a dense shield which keeps out fibres and particles. Thermal and weather: Keeping dry Jackets, trousers and leggings made with PVC coated nylon or cotton will offer protection against rain. These materials are also resistant to abrasions, cracking and tearing and will protect against most oils, chemicals and acids. 'Breathable' waterproof fabrics will keep out water while allowing body perspiration to escape. Waxed cotton will also protect against rain. Keeping warm Minus 25 and Minus 50 suits are available which are guaranteed to protect at these respective subzero temperatures. More limited protection can be obtained from quilted and insulated coats and vests. Keeping cool Welding and foundry clothing is flame retardant and is mainly of flame retardant cotton or wool materials. Chrome leather is used for aprons etc. Cotton or cotton and polyester coveralls with flame-retardant finishes are available to protect against sparks and flame. Food processing Food quality overalls and coveralls will protect against splashes from oils and fats.

5 Chainsaw protective clothing: Legwear is available with all-round protection or with protection only for the front of the legs. The legwear with all round protection offers the greatest protection for users. Jackets and gloves are also available with inserts of chainsaw resistant materials at vulnerable points. Maintenance Protective clothing should be maintained in good condition and checked regularly. It should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, or discarded if damaged. Storage Protective clothing should be stored when not in use. The storage should be adequate to protect the PPE from contamination, loss, damage, damp or sunlight. Examples of proper storage are hanging on clothes pegs or putting in clean cupboards or lockers. Information, instruction and training Employees should be informed of their duties which are: To wear the clothing as instructed by their manager/ supervisor. To look after the clothing issued, check for and report any damage to your manager/ supervisor. To use the storage facilities provided when clothing is not in use. Damaged or ill-fitting clothing will not protect you properly. Standards It is important to ensure that the right garment is chosen for the hazard. In some cases, garment conformity to a single standard may be sufficient. In a more hazardous environment, it may be necessary to select garments which combine a number of conformances. Here are some of the principle EN norms pertaining to the different hazards. Protective clothing general requirements EN 340 Protection against entanglement with moving parts EN 510 Protective clothing against liquid chemicals EN 465, EN 466, EN 467 Protection against rain EN 343 Protection Against Cold EN 342 Chainsaw Protective Garments EN 381 Hi Visibility Garments EN 471 Flame Retardant Garments EN 470-1, EN 533 EN 531, EN Protection Against Radioactive Dust EN 1073

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