5 Myths and 5 Facts of Personal Protective Equipment Use British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) competition, sponsored by 3M.

1. Getting Your PPE Facts Right –
5 Myths and 5 Facts
Jodi Smith
Entek Consulting Group, Inc.

3. Injuries most commonly occur
during small or short duration tasks.

5. Experience is no protection from
the unexpected.
Conditions vary and PPE is often
used for unexpected, but probable
incidents.

7. PPE does not eliminate the hazard. PPE
must be used in conjunction with
engineering controls, such as
ventilation, and administrative controls,
including proper work practices and
housekeeping.

9. PPE presents a hazard to the worker
through physical and psychological stress
which can include: increased
respiration, visual obstruction, and heat
stress.
Ensure PPE selection fits the hazard,
task, location and duration of work and
does not unnecessarily burden the
employee.

11. Fit is important to how well PPE protects
and poorly fitting PPE discourages use.
PPE should be provided in varying sizes
and shapes to fit the diverse range of
employee users.

12. PPE Fact #1
It is important to use PPE at home, as well as
in the workplace, to avoid injury. Not wearing
PPE during hazardous tasks may cause:
▫ Loss of sight or hearing
▫ Burns and abrasions
▫ Crushed limbs
▫ Dismemberment
▫ Chronic diseases
▫ Lifelong disabilities
▫ Permanent brain damage
▫ Death

13. PPE Fact #2
A thorough hazard assessment is required to
ensure PPE selection is proper for the hazards
present.
1. Conduct a site survey and document
(SDS, equipment manuals, etc.) review to
determine which hazards are present.
2. Enact all available non-PPE controls.
3. Select PPE to minimize the risk of any
remaining hazards. Include employees in PPE
selection wherever possible.

14. PPE Fact #3
PPE is the last line of defense – if the PPE
fails, exposure may occur.
Proper PPE selection, care and use are
required to ensure adequate protection from
injury.

15. PPE Fact #4
PPE comes with user requirements. Personnel
must be trained to understand:
▫ When PPE is necessary;
▫ What PPE is necessary;
▫ PPE Limitations;
▫ How to properly don, doff, adjust, use and
inspect PPE;
▫ Proper care, maintenance and use

16. PPE Fact #5
Employers are not done once PPE has been
selected and purchased. The PPE program should
be monitored by equipment inspection and
procedures auditing. Evaluating the PPE program
will help ensure:
▫ User compliance
▫ The risk posed by the hazard is mitigated
▫ New hazards have not been created
▫ PPE keeps up with changes in the work/workplace