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SAFETY MOMENT, NOVEMBER 20

Know how to wear it and what it cannot do

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, November 20

Know how to wear it and what it cannot do

PPE is the gear you wear to protect your body from a hazard, like hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and safety-toe boots. It is the last line of defense, after the hazard has been removed or controlled as far as possible. PPE only works when it is the right gear for the hazard, fits, is in good shape and is actually worn. Gear left in the truck protects nobody.

SAFETY MOMENT

November 20

The hazard

PPE is the gear you wear to protect your body from a hazard, like hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and safety-toe boots. It is the last line of defense, after the hazard has been removed or controlled as far as possible. PPE only works when it is the right gear for the hazard, fits, is in good shape and is actually worn. Gear left in the truck protects nobody.

The action

Under the general industry rule, workers who are required to use PPE must be trained in when it is needed, which PPE is needed, how to put it on, take it off, adjust and wear it, its limits, and how to care for it. Every piece of PPE has limits: regular safety glasses do not seal out a chemical splash, and leather gloves are not chemical gloves. Clean your gear, store it away from sun, heat and dirt, and replace it when it wears out. (29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1))

ASK THE CREW

What PPE does each of your tasks today call for, and why?

From the talk: Personal protective equipment (PPE). Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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