PPE perfect

From fingerless to full length, grip dotted to seamless. Available in racy red or classic ice white, embroidered factory crest optional. And that's just some of the options for gloves. The mind blowing number of ranges on offer from PPE suppliers mean it's easy to become bamboozled when buying kit, with potentially dangerous consequences for employee safety. That's why all PPE buys should begin with the basics, according to Paul Ness, divisional director of safety equipment at Arco. "The INDG174 guidance document [http://tinyurl.com/27u6vca] published by HSE is a great reference point for anyone who doesn't know where to start," says Ness of a leaflet which sets out what employers must do to avoid falling foul of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. One of the chief messages is choose PPE that's fit for purpose. "The first thing is is it the right kit?" asks Ness. "I've seen examples where someone is wearing a disposable mask that takes out dust and gas and they think because they've got the mask on they're protected. But they were applying floor paint where the solvent is the hazard. Correct product is the first step. "Manufacturers should address suitability as part of an extensive risk assessment before buying adds Ness. Always remember that, in HSE's own words, PPE is a 'last resort'. Take all other steps to mitigate the hazard first. "A good safety manager should look to reduce the hazard first before they even look at PPE," advises Ness. "Once they've reduced it as low as they can, if they still need PPE they should then look at a range of suitable products." Here is where your supplier earns their salt. Distributors are on hand to put your mind at rest over the suitability of a particular product to a given hazard. Arco, for example, has an online tool that recommends the most suitable hearing protection to manufacturers based on the results of their site noise survey. The supplier can also test footwear, gloves or glasses will provide the protection you demand through testing at a dedicated product assurance laboratory. Whatever PPE you do eventually decide on, double check the product carries a CE and where relevant an EN mark. This declares your mask, glove or hi-vis vest complies with minimum legal standards. However, in some instances a CE mark doesn't guarantee a product's authenticity, Ness advises. "I've seen safety glasses that bear the CE mark and said they: 'conformed to EN166' as a pose to approved to EN166. They just looked so cheap and nasty that I would have requested sight of the certification. But we also know people supply certification that isn't kosher." His advice for any manufacturer in doubt is to ensure you're dealing with a reputable PPE supplier. "Make sure your supplier is a member of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme run by the British Safety Industry Federation. That way they should be the ones making sure what ends up in your store is genuine equipment." Once you have the perfect PPE on paper, the next task is to test its suitability in the field. "Make sure the individual is actually able to wear it and the PPE is practical," says Ness. "So, for powered respirators, you might have a turbo unit on the front that is too long and prohibitive so you might look for something that's back-mounted." Only fools rush in with extensive PPE orders. Far better to try before you buy and test a few shortlisted items with the workforce, says Ness. "It makes complete sense to let people wear the equipment and give their feedback." Testing kit gives you prior warning of any issues around comfort or incompatibility with frontline tasks. Just as importantly, getting your people involved in selection means greater buy-in to using the equipment later. Arco can supply feedback forms and sample products for running a trial, according to Ness. Manufacturers should pay particular attention to issues like comfort, he comments. "An employee who is happier in what they're wearing is going to be more productive." The emphasis on employee engagement should carry though to site wide safety training once your chosen PPE comes in, adds Ness. "You can sit people in a classroom and give them a chance to ask questions. But then you need to execute and implement properly," says the Arco chief. "We would recommend you have people championing this. If you're launching a new hearing protection regime, make someone in each department responsible; not necessarily a manager because those peer conversations are sometimes more effective." Safety leading sites are those with the ability to extend the focus on PPE once the novelty value of new kit wears off, advises Ness. This is best achieved through workplace audits and mystery shopper style walkabouts, says Ness. "Where some manufacturers go wrong is by ignoring the monitoring and evaluation of PPE. They buy in the equipment and think the job is done," he explains "The safety audits should be led by someone who is not from that area walking an area and looking for compliance. You might look at different things each time like hearing or slip control." Auditors should address non-compliance there and then rather than bury it within a report published weeks later, he advises. Honesty and accountability are cornerstones of a company with a true safety first culture. "If you don't work to move up the safety culture progression line then whatever you do with health and safety there's going to be issue with people buying in and compliance." Buy-in, engagement and continuous auditing to get safety equipment right extends beyond a perusing the glossy PPE catalogue, concludes Ness."It's a journey. Select the right product, consult with your team to make they're comfortable wearing the PPE. Then educate them in the why and the how and make sure you have a regime to monitor and evaluate continuously. It's not rocket science." Ness' steps to perfect PPE 1. Assess the hazard and look to reduce it first 2. Research the most suitable PPE for protection if equipment is required 3. Check the PPE carries the relevant CE, EN safety marks and is being sourced from a reputable supplier 4. Consult with your workforce by trialling PPE 5. Educate and train employees on correct use 6. Audit your PPE compliance and re-assess whether it remains fir for purpose Pay attention 007: Arco's Bond-style PPE testing lab The floor shudders as a giant steel weight plummets down onto a safety shoe. Meanwhile, two robotic arms relentlessly try to tear apart a safety glove. Welcome to Arco's Product Assurance lab which looks a ringer for Q's gadget-laden laboratory in the James Bond movies. Arco launched the lab in 201 (check) to provide customers with extra piece of mind on PPE quality standards. The lab performs a series of mechanical tests of safety footwear, gloves and hi-vis clothing in accordance with EN standards and exceeds them where the supplier thinks standards can be improved. Danny Hobson, quality and ethical manager at Arco, says: "The significant investment in the design and build of our product assurance lab illustrates Arco's commitment to quality and continuous improvement." For more on the lab: http://tinyurl.com/kzulz2t