Personal protection

• Pages: 39-42

39

9. Personal protection

9.1. Personal protective equipment

9.1.1. The use of personal protective equipment should not be regarded as an

alternative to engineering or other suitable control measures but should be provided and

maintained where such control measures cannot ensure protection. Effective action

should continue to be taken by the employer to ensure that control measures are

developed and applied in order to eliminate or minimise the risk to a level at which

personal protection may not be required. Personal protective equipment includes

respiratory protective equipment, protective clothing and footwear, equipment to

protect the face, eyes and hands, and equipment to prevent an accumulation of static

electricity, e.g. anti-static footwear.

9.1.2. Personal protective equipment should afford adequate protection against

the risk from those hazardous chemicals to which the wearer is exposed, throughout the

period during which such equipment is necessary, having regard to the type of work.

9.1.3. Items of personal protective equipment provided should comply with

national law or be in accordance with criteria approved or recognised by the competent

authority and based on national or international standards.

9.1.4. The equipment provided should be suitable for its purpose and there

should be a sufficient supply readily available in the workplace for workers who

require it.

9.1.5. Workers required to wear protective equipment should be fully instructed

in its use.

9.1.6. When workers have been informed accordingly, they should use the

equipment provided throughout the time they are exposed to the risk that requires its

use for protection.

9.1.7. Employers should provide supervision to ensure that the equipment is

properly used.

9.1.8. All personal protective equipment that is necessary for safety in the use of

chemicals should be provided and maintained by the employer without cost to the

worker.

9.2. Respiratory protective equipment

9.2.1. Respiratory protective equipment should be selected in compliance with

national laws or national or international standards, approved or recognised by the