Personal protective equipment Policy
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Originator: Edmund Sullivan
Revised: November 2003
Reviewed: July, 2006
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION........................................................
1.1 SCOPE............................................................
1.2 POLICY...........................................................
1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................
1.4 DEFINITIONS......................................................
2 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS................................................
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZARD AREAS............................
2.2 PPE PROCEDURES...................................................
2.3 REQUIRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SHALL MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS..........................................
2.3.1 SAFETY GLASSES..................................................
2.3.2 GLOVES.........................................................……..
2.3.3 SAFETY SHOES...................................................…
2.3.4 Hard Hats …………………………………………….
3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS................................................
1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this College Policy is to define the basic elements and
responsibilities to ensure the safe use of personal protective equipment on campus.
1.1 SCOPE
This standard shall apply to operations conducted at Middlebury College.
1.2 POLICY
An effective written Personal Protective Equipment Program shall be established,
implemented, and maintained to ensure that the purchase and use of personal
protective equipment is done in a manner so as to afford the sufficient
protection in situations where it is required.
1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
* Manager/Supervisor
Ensure that the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is used
based on the specific hazard of the operation(s) being conducted.
Ensure employees use PPE only when they are trained to do so and in a
manner consistent with the requirements of this written PPE Program and
any associated training.
Assist EH&S in identifying areas requiring the use of PPE. These areas may
include, but not be limited to: laboratories, mechanical rooms, power equipment use or
questionable environments.
Maintain knowledge and skills in order to ensure that PPE is used properly, safely, and
according to the requirements of this program.
Identify persons working in areas where PPE is or should be required.
Inform the EH&S of any changes in workplace conditions that may necessitate
the use of PPE.
Only approved PPE may be used by Middlebury College personnel. All equipment must
meet OSHA, ANSI or other appropriate authorities recognized by OSHA (VOSHA).
EH&S shall approve all PPE being used .
Ensure that PPE is properly maintained or replaced as required.
Conduct periodic audits of PPE usage to ensure that it is being properly used and
maintained.
* Employees
Use PPE only in accordance with instruction and training received.
Perform tasks requiring the use of PPE only when such equipment is available and in
usable condition.
Only use PPE that is clean and in good condition. Report problems with PPE to your
supervisor.
Only use PPE issued and approved by MC for the specific job. When not in use, store
PPE in a clean and sanitary condition. Maintain and/or replace PPE, as required.
* Contract Employees
If predetermined in contract terms and conditions, contract employees shall be permitted to be issued and use PPE supplied by Middlebury College, otherwise they must provide their own PPE.
* Environmental, Health & Safety
Assist management in ensuring that the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
is used based on the specific hazard of the operation(s) being conducted.
Assist management and consult in the development, operation, and maintenance of the
site’s written PPE Program and all associated standard operating procedures.
Maintain the written program. Ensure that PPE is being properly selected, used, and
maintained.
Conduct audits of the PPE Program to ensure effectiveness and
compliance.
Conduct PPE assessment and training as needed.
Approve PPE equipment on behalf of Middlebury College.
Manage reimbursements where applicable.
1.4 DEFINITIONS
Personal Protective equipment (PPE) - Any equipment or clothing designed to create a
barrier to protect a person from chemical, medical waste, physical, or mechanical hazard.
PPE includes, but is not limited to: chemical goggles, safety glasses with permanent side
shields, face shields, gloves, chemical aprons, proper footwear, respirators, chemical boots,
hearing protection devices, and hard hats.
Eye Hazard area - An area where it has been determined that there is a
reasonable probability of injury that can be prevented by such equipment. This may include,
but not be limited to, potential exposure to any one or a combination of the following: flying
objects/particulate, light/radiation (including visible, laser generated, infrared, and
ultraviolet), chemical/bio splashes, vapors, and fumes.
Personal Protective Equipment Area - An area which has been determined
to present potential danger by virtue of potential chemical/bio, mechanical
or physical hazards.
2 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Review of treatments, procedures, and environmental conditions to determine the need for
designating a specific area, work station or procedure as a hazardous area requiring the use of
PPE. Determination of the specific area, work station, or procedure requiring the use of PPE. The
incorporation of existing programs is permitted where it can be shown to be in compliance with
the PPE standard.
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZARD AREAS
* All hazard areas shall be posted.
* Postings shall readily identify the particular work station, area, or process involved and the type of PPE required.
* The postings shall meet the VOSHA requirements.
* The College shall make the specified PPE available at no cost to MC employees who require it. The College may contribute to safety shoe reimbursement. Safety shoes are not provided or paid for by the College.
* PPE shall be utilized for the designated area or for a designated procedure within an area.
2.2 PROCEDURES
2.2.1 Purchase:
In making PPE purchase decisions important considerations are:
Application for which the equipment will be used.
Recommendations of accredited/certifying organizations.
Past experience with particular item of clothing and the supplier.
Cost, availability, and size selection.
Approval of equipment by Middlebury College’s EH&S Coordinator.
2.2.2 Pre-Use Inspections
Each piece of PPE should be inspected immediately upon removal from the
package. Determine if PPE is that which was ordered and/or specified for the
task.. Visually inspect PPE for defects.
2.2.3 Donning
Each worker shall inspect PPE to be worn immediately before donning.
The wearer should be trained in and understand all aspects of the equipment’s operation and
limitation. Assure that the PPE fits properly.
2.2.4 In-Use
During the course of the work task, each worker should be aware of the
condition and periodically inspect their PPE.
Any item that has been physically damaged or chemically degraded should be doffed (described
below) and replaced.
2.2.5 Doffing
The principal objective of the doffing process is to restrict the
transfer of chemical, Bio-hazards or other contaminant from the work area.
Avoid contact with a person doffing a garment as well with others with
hazardous substances on the outside of their garments.
2.2.6 Re-Use and Storage
Surface contamination may be removed by washing/cleaning the PPE. This is dependent upon
the particular chemical or contaminant involved.
Equipment should be cleaned prior to storage.
Storage should be kept in a clean and accessible area, away from other equipment.
Disposable PPE that is disposable shall be disposed of in a manner consistent with the type and
degree of contamination involved. Contact Facilities Management for guidance.
2.2.7 Required Personal Protective Equipment shall meet the following minimum requirements:
* It shall:
Provide adequate protection against the particular hazard for which it is selected.
Fit properly and not unduly interfere with the movement or comfort of the wearer.
Be durable.
Be capable of being disinfected and cleaned or be disposable.
Meet applicable performance and design criteria of ANSI and/or other applicable
agencies.
Be kept clean and in good repair and stored away from contaminants.
2.3 Required PPE shall meet the following minimum requirements:
2.3.1 Safety glasses
Whether plano or prescription, shall be specified and worn
per college/department policy, VOSHA regulations and meet the ANSI Standards.
Prescription safety glasses may be fully or partically remburseable depending on a number of factors. If reimbursement is approved, the employee would be required to use a College approved vendor for the purchase. The fixed side shields may not be removed. You may contact the EH&S for more information.
Where face shields are required, they shall always be worn with safety glasses or chemical goggles.
Face shields shall be mandatory for the transfer or pouring of chemicals, disposal of chemical hazardous waste, or any other operation where there is the potential for splashes to the face (blood or Bio-Hazardous contamination).
2.3.2 Gloves
Chemical gloves must be leak-checked prior to each use.
Examining gloves (surgical disposable type) are not to be used for chemical exposures.
Verify the appropriate glove for the chemical being used. Check the MSDS sheet or EH&S.
2.3.3 Safety Shoes
* They shall:
Meet the requirements and specifications of the American National .
Standards Institute (ANSI) Safety-Toe Footwear Z41.1-1983 or later Guideline.
Be I/75 and C/75 classification of the above standard.
.
* Procurement of New Shoes
Employees approved for safety shoes will be allotted up to $50.00 per pair after a $10.00 co-pay is deducted. Employees that work outside may be approved for a winter pair in addition to a warm weather shoe. In addition, an employee may be reimbursed when their shoes are no longer safe to wear or can be given an allowance to have the sole or/and heel replaced. Replacements shoes must be pre-approved by EH&S. The same conditions will apply for repair reimbursement.
The EH&S is responsible for implementing this program.
* Employees that cannot wear safety footwear for medical reasons must provide a letter from their medical provider stating the reason they cannot wear the safety footwear. Other suitable footwear would then be determined by the EH&S office. For example, a heavy duty leather work boot or shoe. It may also be necessary to excuse the employee from performing any potentially dangerous job requiring safety shoes. This would be determined by the supervisor and/or EH&S.
2.3.4 Head Protection
When there is a chance of head injury because of overhead obstacles (e.g. overhead pipes,
conduits, large electrical panels) as well as overhead work, a hard hat shall be worn.
Electricians shall insure that their hard hat meets the max. electrical resistance available.
3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
American National Standard Practice for Occupational ANSI Z87.1-1979 and educational Eye and Face Protection.
American Standard of Testing Materials (ASTM) - Rubber Protective Equipment. Doc. no. D-178.
Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Standards (VOSHA) (29 CFR 1910)
National Society to Prevent Blindness - Position Paper on the Use of Contact Lenses in Industry.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH)