PPE: A last line of defense

The term "PPE" is an extremely common term in the nuclear environment, but that doesn't mean using PPE is restricted only to such a workplace.
 

Personal protective equipment isn’t just used in the workplace – how can you use PPE at home to protect yourself and your loved ones?

PPE, also known as "personal protective equipment," is a type of gear that protects us from possible hazards - on and off the job.

"Grass cutting is a great example of when you need PPE," says Johnny Haynes, a Health and Safety professional at Oconee Nuclear Station. "For example, if you're cutting grass, you should probably wear ear plugs, especially if you're using the machine for more than an hour.

"Also, tractors and lawn mowers spit out debris, so wearing safety glasses is important. It's not something that we think about on a day-to-day basis, but wearing PPE can save you from serious injury, even in your own yard."

Hearing loss happens - wear your ear plugs! Check out this chart:

PPE, in any event, is the last line of defense against personal injury in case all else fails.

So, what are the common PPE worn in a nuclear power plant?

Ear plugs, safety glasses, hard hats and safety shoes are required in most non-office areas inside the plant's protected area. Safety shoes are shoes that have a composite or steel toe designed for toe protection.

Wearing the basic PPE is a good practice inside any active working area. At a nuclear plant, employees are charged with wearing this equipment to protect from possible falling objects or trip hazards, as well as to protect from loud machinery and other risks.

Types of PPE also vary depending on safety requirements.

For example, if safety glasses won't provide enough protection during a job where the risk of eye and face injuries increase, employees wear protective goggles and/or face shields to step up the protection.

Gloves are also changed out depending on the job at hand. For instance, employees are provided gloves for cutting, for dealing with chemicals, heat and more.

Respirators are used in areas where atmospheric hazards could affect breathing.

Haynes said another key piece of PPE in the work environment is fall protection - used if inadequate or insufficient guardrails are in place or openings are not guarded - to protect workers from falling.

Wearing PPE is easy to do, but often injuries in the work place are a result of not wearing proper PPE.

Why is that?

"I think it's because PPE is not always convenient and not always readily available," Hayes suggests. "Safety glasses are going to fog up when it's hot; you're not always going to be able to hear your co-worker well when wearing ear plugs; and sometimes, we just don't want to have to walk all the way back to the tool room to grab the appropriate PPE.

"But, it's so important to remember the reason we wear PPE - to protect ourselves and others from injury."

PPE goes a long way when dealing with personal safety. How are you utilizing PPE in the workplace and at home to mitigate injury?