PPE is worn to protect workers from workplace hazards and must be worn correctly and be fit for the intended purpose. Recent audits found workers wearing the wrong or unserviceable PPE. The correct PPE includes safety helmets that are less than 5 years old without cracks or deep scratches, light eye protection without scratches kept clean in a bag when not in use, flame retardant and possibly anti-static overalls worn zipped up, gloves appropriate for the task without excessive wear, and safety boots with intact treads and toe caps without bare metal showing through.

1. Toolbox Talk
May 16 LEADING THE WAY SAFELY
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PPE is worn to protect you from injury, caused by hazards that you may face in the workplace. It is
our last line of defence against getting hurt, therefore it must be worn correctly and be fit for
purpose.
Recently on a number of management audits around Fabricom sites, personnel have been found
wearing either the wrong type or unserviceable PPE.
Safety Helmet: This is to be free from defects such as deep
scratches / cracks. The helmet should be fitted with a chin
strap when working at height to prevent it being affected by
wind. Unless the helmet is damaged it must be replaced
every 5 years from the date of manufacturer. Do not store
your gloves in your helmet as contamination can occur.
Light Eye Protection: These are to be free from scratches
and ideally kept within a bag when not in use. Only use
recommended cleaners for the lenses and ensure they are
cleaned regularly.
Overalls: Overalls are designed to keep you clean but also
provide protection from residual hazards. All of the overalls we
wear are Flame Retardant and on some sites it is also a
requirement to wear Anti-Static overalls. Overalls should be
worn zipped / buttoned up at the front to provide your chest
area with protection. When working ensure that this happens
as it also prevents the overalls been loose and being drawn into
machinery.
Gloves: Wear the right glove for the right task. These should
be detailed on the task risk assessment. This may mean that
you may require 2 pairs of gloves for a certain task, such as
grinding then coating bolts with Nickeleez. Ensure that the
gloves are free from wear which is especially common in
handling materials.
Safety Boots: Safety boots are to be worn by all personnel
when on construction sites. Common problems found with
boots are excessive wear around the treads resulting in boots
that don’t grip, snapped laces and the toe cap area that wears
out. There should be no bare metal at the front of the boot.