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Posted By jon hammond
Is there a time limit for wearing safety shoes or PPE in general.
Thanks in anticipation
Jon
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Posted By Sean Fraser
Jon,
Interesting question - why do you ask?
The 1992 set of Regs recommended that PPE was the very last thing considered in the RA hierarchy - funny then that we seem to all accept that wearing certain gear is a pre-requisite of the job, rather than eliminating the cause for wearing it. Rather sweeping statement I know - certain environments and scenarios are inherently dangerous and a certain level of protection is always a wise precaution, but are we in danger of taking our eye off the real goal, that being elimination of hazards?
In answer to your question Jon, there is no time limit that I know of. But I would need the context to answer properly.
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Posted By Alison Dando
As Sean says there is no time limit because there are too many variables that can affect PPE if you have to provide it. Think about it.
There is general wear and tear, some individuals will have heavier use on PPE than others, there is individual variability of sweat rates - sweat will degrade boot linings, affect adjustments of PPE as well as comfort levels, so increasing the risk of contamination.
There is damage from the working environment, the effect of body movement on PPE (both must be taken into consideration for PPE risk assessment!). The work environment may also change as the job progresses, so the PPE issused may have to be reassessed and new provided. Consider breakthrough times of filters and changes in breathing patterns of individuals during working.
What about the degree of contamination, the effects of permeation and degradation from chemicals. The mechanical action of putting on and removal of an item of PPE like a glove will effect the fabric, so even gloves that look perfect and have been looked after well have a life span because of microscopic damage.
Has the item beeen cleaned adequately after use, what is the rest of it's maintenance been like.
Changes in personal health of the individual, feet get broader and flatter if you walk alot or as you get older. Some individuals are clumsier than others and so the PPE will sustain more damage in a shorter time frame than the PPE belonging to their mate does. Vision also alters with age, can you wear the current eye protection with prescription lenses, many people wear contact lenses- something happens to one of them and they suddenly turn up in work wearing their glasses.
You can never be prescriptive about how long an individual wears their PPE before being issued with new items, you may decide that there is an average time but this can only be a rough estimate. If the reason is genuine then you have to provide it (free of charge!)and that's only for normally working not for emergencies!!
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Posted By Ken Taylor
The advice is to follow the manufacturers instructions/guidance. Some items have expiry dates and others are disposable. I get quite annoyed upon finding old grubby disposable FFP masks that are used to the point of disintegration as a cost-saving exercise.
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