Cutting corners in PPE is a false economy

Jim Findlay is product specialist for industrial workwear at W.L. Gore and Associates (UK), and he explains. “Developments in PPE over the past 30 years have been contributed significantly to prevention of injury and saving life in the work environment where demanding manual work in sometimes hazardous conditions is a reality. However, diminishing budgets threaten to make quality PPE provision and worker protection more of a financial decision rather than one purely focused on safety and protection. “Worker protection is paramount in today’s rapidly moving and time and budget focused world. Governments and industrial organisations, including Health and Safety experts, recognise that it is imperative to ensure that the employees are protected in case of unforeseen incident and are able to function safely, effectively and efficiently in all environments where protective clothing is required. “Procurement of PPE needs to be a structured, planned and well thought out process and not one that is in danger of misinterpretation or mismanagement. It is essential that technical specifiers and procurement teams recognize that buying just to the Norm may not be the correct decision. Is the Norm test the correct test for the risk identified? Is the Norm performance level understood relative to the likely hazard? Is the Norm performance level fully understood? “A fundamental part of the procurement process of PPE comes from selecting suppliers with a proven track record of understanding the specific requirements of the end user and who understand the products they offer. “In the field of foul weather wear and wind protection, including flame retardant and antistatic garments, W L Gore & Associates (UK) works closely with companies and industries to develop the most appropriate, functional and dedicated PPE solutions for each individual group of workers in any given sector of industry.” Findlay says that when it comes to a garment being fit for end use, it is imperative to use experts who offer accountability along with strict quality and technical manufacturing techniques. He adds: “When considering PPE for a workforce, best working practices need to be put into place in order to maintain, develop and review end user needs and the changing working environments and subsequent demands in the work place. Senior management need to discuss changes, demands and needs with the workers at a grass roots’ level. Structured approaches, reviews and prototype product testing in the field are essential for ensuring quality products that are fit for use are supplied. “Selection processes should also involve analysis of the credibility of the ingredients used in the manufacture of the PPE as well as the manufacture’s history and experience, and their ability to offer repair and warranty guarantees. Design and functionality of the end product is key to ensuring the garment or footwear is fit for end use. “Simply put, workers have to function safely in a wide range of climatic and sometimes hazardous conditions, therefore, selecting the correct garments for any workforce is essential to ensure the best in protection and comfort – cost cannot afford to be an issue!”