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Bill6152  
#1 Posted : 10 May 2016 14:36:13(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Bill6152

Hi, just wanted to get opinions on PPE and sunglasses. Some of our staff who work within a warehouse operations unit , but often work outside within yard areas and are asking for these. We supply baseball caps and don't believe these are really required, but just wanted to see what others think?

Thanks in advance
RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 10 May 2016 14:44:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Sunglasses could be deemed PPE. Purchasing sunglasses as PPE is not all that expensive. Just need to have clear guidance when they should be worn i.e. outside and when not to wear them i.e. in the warehouse. I suggest you look into the matter further to see how best to approach this.

Incidentally, when I was a train driver we were issued Ray Bans, but told they are not to be worn in tunnel sections!
Ron Hunter  
#3 Posted : 10 May 2016 14:53:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Please be very wary of exacerbating the marked change in light levels between the outside world and the warehouse environment. This is a particular problem for Forklift Drivers. Blinding all your pedestrians too won't improve things!!
gerrysharpe  
#4 Posted : 10 May 2016 15:01:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
gerrysharpe

Just buy the cheapest UV proof sunglasses you can buy and dish these out. I'll guarantee you they'll stop asking for them, however saying that what do you have in your Risk assessment about working outside in Bright Sunlight ? Do you use fork trucks? or is it just for people Packing or clearing up ? I'd be more worried about the workers getting Heat Stroke working in the Sun if they do Heavy manual work, than worrying about gettig sunglasses.

IOSH No time to lose has some pretty good info on working outside, but as far as sunglasses go, i think they are being a bit cheeky, but definitely buy some but keep them all the same, Don't start letting guys go out buying RayBans and fashion labeled glasses and giving you a bill for £100's

If your already supplying Prescription Glasses via a Voucher scheme, see if they do prescription sunglasses too, for everyone else get the same glasses and treat them as PPE as opposed to a fasion statement.
WatsonD  
#5 Posted : 10 May 2016 15:17:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

The question is: do you deem there to be a significant enough risk to warrant buying these?

You state that you already supply baseball caps. Providing they wear these the right way round they come with a peak which was designed to protect the baseball players eyes from the sun.

Is there any reason this would not be sufficient?
paul.skyrme  
#6 Posted : 10 May 2016 21:49:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Baseball cap with a deliberately, dark peak, doesn't work for me personally, I, NEED, to have sunglasses with me 365 days of the year.
Please remember, not everyone is the same, I have just spent £150 of my own money on a set of sunglasses/safety glasses.
imponderabilius  
#7 Posted : 11 May 2016 08:08:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
imponderabilius

I agree, everyone is different. I have to wear sunglasses when it's very bright outside. Sometimes the job requires you to look overhead and the clouds that reflect/diffuse sunlight can blind you. Painters might need sunglasses if they use bright colours... it all depends on working environment, job and individuals. If an employee requires sunglasses for medical reasons, ask them to bring a note from optician.
Invictus  
#8 Posted : 11 May 2016 08:22:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

What does your risk assessment say? If you do not feel they are warranted to get them, tell them no! I had gardeners asking for them and I told them on the basis they spend all day looking down not a chance. They contacted the HSE and got the normal response, what does your risk assessment say!

If you don't get the reactalight rapide glasses then you are asking for trouble because no matter how much you write in an assessment or SSOW to take them off in the warehouse someone will forget and the court will ask why didn't you buy the rapide type.

I would say no if the job doesn't warrant them.
TDS1984  
#9 Posted : 11 May 2016 09:22:59(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TDS1984

Invictus wrote:
If you don't get the reactalight rapide glasses then you are asking for trouble because no matter how much you write in an assessment or SSOW to take them off in the warehouse someone will forget and the court will ask why didn't you buy the rapide type.

You may find that if your FLT's have a fitted windscreen, then the reaction won't take place, one of our drivers has this issue and find it easier to swap glasses when working between inside and outside.
chris42  
#10 Posted : 11 May 2016 09:28:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

You could actually go out with them on a nice sunny day and see if they have a point or not.

Well Mr/Ms / Mrs HSE inspector, the pallet I was lifting on top of the other three didn't sit on the one below properly as the sun glare / reflection was blinding me as I looked up, I thought it was on properly. I had just driven away when someone walked past and the pallet fell. We had all asked for sun glasses but were refused.

Or on the other hand

If it is such an issue for them, have any of them bought their own ? If I had issues and the company would not buy them I probably would buy my own If I felt I needed them.

Chris


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