We're in the process of upgrading our facilities and I've been asked for advice on new PPE for the cremator operators- (at the minute its looking like face shield, gloves, gauntlets and apron.) Our cremator team feel that suggestions from the equipment supplieris is likely to be too heavy and uncomfortable and is very OTT. Our stores have proffered helmet and face visor and gloves suitable for welding which our operators don't feel is appropriate as they don't like the tinted visor. Does anyone have advice/practical experience? Main hazard is radiated heat - comfort and relatively light weight in what is a distinctly warm environment woudl be a key factor.

As PPE is the last resort in a hierarchy of control, can I suggest that you look at engineering solutions in the first instance: to cool the environment if it is too hot and solutions to protect the workers from the open cremators.

In previous experience with good insulation/extraction/cooling the four cremators we had didn't make the environment too hot.

When charging the doors to the cremators were open for such a short duration (seconds if that) that it didn't impact significantly on the air temperature.

Do you have automatic charging? The mechanism of charging we had didn't put the operatives at such a close proximity to the heat or face onto the heat, so face shields etc were not required.

From what I re-call gauntlets were used for charging and also removing the ashes after cremation. Only other PPE were safety boots.

I think Jay offers sensible advice to seek industry best practise. I would also suggest the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

http://www.iccm-uk.com/iccm/

Regards Lisa B