Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 69-74

MEISI05-R-2005-02-0159-1-En.doc

69

16. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

16.1. General provisions

16.1.1. As a supplementary protection against exposure to hazardous conditions in

the production of iron and steel where the safety of workers cannot be ensured by other

means, such as eliminating the hazard, controlling the risk at source or minimizing the risk,

suitable and sufficient PPE, having regard to the type of work and risks, and in

consultation with workers and their representatives, should be used by the worker and

provided and maintained by the employer, without cost to the workers.

16.1.2. Items of PPE provided should comply with the relevant national standards

and criteria approved or recognized by the competent authority.

16.1.3. Those responsible for the management and operation of the personal

protection programme should be trained in the selection of the proper equipment, in

assuring that it is correctly fitted to the people who use it, in the nature of the hazards the

equipment is intended to protect against, and provide adequate comfort, and in the

consequences of poor performance or equipment failure.

16.1.4. PPE should be selected considering the characteristics of the wearer and

additional physiological load or other harmful effects caused by the PPE. It should be used,

maintained, stored and replaced in accordance with the standards or guidance for each

hazard identified at the facility and according to the information given by the

manufacturer.

16.1.5. PPE should be examined periodically to ensure that it is in good condition.

16.1.6. Different PPE and their components should be compatible with each other

when they are worn together.

16.1.7. PPE should be ergonomically designed, and to the extent practicable, should

not restrict the user’s mobility or field of vision, hearing or other sensory functions.

16.1.8. Employers should ensure that the workers who are required to wear PPE are

fully informed of the requirements and of the reasons for them, and are given adequate

training in the selection, wearing, maintenance and storage of this equipment.

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

equipment provided throughout the time they may be exposed to the risk that requires the

use of PPE for protection.

16.1.10. Items of special PPE for use in proximity to molten metal should protect the

wearer from heat and should withstand splashes of molten metal. It should be possible to

remove these items easily if molten matter gets between the body and the protective

clothing.

16.1.11. The PPE should not be used for longer than the time indicated by the

manufacturer.

16.1.12. Workers should make proper use of the PPE provided, and maintain it in

good condition, consistent with their training and be provided with the proper means for

doing so.