Personal protective equipment policy

The purpose of this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program is to document hazard assessments, to ensure protective measures are in place and that PPE is used at Lynn University. The purpose of protective clothing and equipment (PPE) is to shield or isolate individuals from chemical, physical, biological, laser, noise or heat hazards that may be present in the workplace.

The University’s PPE Program is designed to cover any Lynn University employee, who during the course of their duties must perform tasks in work areas where recognized hazards are present and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required. This Program should serve as written compliance with OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment regulations. PPE will always be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions as an interim measure until other control measures are identified so as to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries or illnesses.

University employees are responsible to maintain equipment assigned to them. It is the responsibility of the supervisor or instructor to perform necessary checks to insure that equipment has been properly maintained and insure that damaged equipment is properly replaced. PPE may not be necessary in areas where administrative or engineering controls are feasible and can provide protection equal to or greater than that offered by PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment shall be provided by the University whenever it is necessary by reason of hazards of operations or environment encountered in a manner of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Any equipment or clothing designed to create a barrier to protect a person from chemical, medical waste, physical, or mechanical hazard. PPE includes, but is not limited to: chemical goggles, safety glasses with permanent side shields, face shields, gloves, chemical aprons, proper footwear, respirators, chemical boots, hearing protection devices, and hard hats.

I. Hazard Assessment

Auxiliary Services will conduct work site/task analysis to identify hazardous exposures to employees. The analysis will be reviewed semi-annually or updated when the hazardous exposures change. In those work sites/tasks that expose personnel to hazardous conditions that cannot be eliminated or controlled by other measures, PPE usage is the joint responsibility of both department heads and employees.

II. Training

Auxiliary Services is responsible for seeing that all personnel who are, or are likely to be, exposed to hazardous conditions are appropriately trained, supervised, and required to follow PPE safety rules. Auxiliary Services will certify and maintain records of training. Employees are responsible to use, maintain and dispose of PPE appropriately. Employees shall check the condition of their equipment before each shift. Employees should provide feedback to their supervisors about fit, comfort and suitability of PPE being selected. Employees must notify their supervisors any time they have a question concern about their safety of the safety of others.

Minimum training shall include:

1. When the use of PPE is necessary;
2. What PPE is appropriate;
3. How to properly put on, adjust, use and remove PPE;
4. Limitations of PPE;
5. Where to get PPE;
6. The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE.

Once training is completed, employees must demonstrate correct use, care, etc. of PPE. Retraining is necessary when any employee fails to properly utilize PPE or as conditions change, or PPE needs change.

III. General Guidelines

1. Ears: Employees shall use appropriate hearing PPE when required due to noise hazards associated with their job or workplace.
2. Eyes and Face: Employees shall wear appropriate protective safety glasses, goggles, or face shields when:
   1. Working in or near areas where laser, ultraviolet, or other intense illumination is present;
   2. Flying debris may strike the eyes;
   3. There may be splashing of biologic agents including blood and other body fluids; and
   4. There may be chemical splashes, mists, gases, or vapors that may cause illness, injury, or impairment.

Additionally, safety glasses, goggles, and face shields shall provide protection from flying debris entering from the side of the PPE and shall accommodate prescription lenses, either by fitting over prescription lenses, or by incorporating them into its design.

Prescription eyeglasses, alone, normally do not meet the requirements of this section. Employees should discuss prescription safety glasses with their eye-care provider to ensure that they meet all relevant standards. The University is not responsible for the cost of purchasing or providing prescription safety glasses.

1. Feet: Employees shall wear appropriate shoes or boots when:
   1. Working in or near areas where heavy objects may fall onto the feet.
   2. Working with or near objects that may penetrate footwear and cut or puncture the feet.
2. Head: Employees shall wear appropriate protective hard hats or helmets when:
   1. Working in or near areas where falling or moving objects may strike the head; and
   2. Working on or near exposed electrical conductors that could come into contact with the head.
3. Hands: Employee’s shall wear appropriate protective gloves to protect their hands from:
   1. Materials that may be absorbed through the skin or may damage the skin;
   2. Objects that may cut or puncture the skin;
   3. Biological agents;
   4. Human or animal tissues;
   5. Radioactive materials; and
   6. Other hazard that may cause illness, injury, or impairment.

Protective lotions or creams are not adequate substitutes for gloves.

Gloves shall be chosen according to the type of work to be completed (i.e., Gloves used for chemical work shall be chosen for resistance to specific solvents or other compounds and for adequate break through time; gloves used for general cleaning and trash removal shall be cut and puncture resistant).

1. Electrical Protection: Electrical protective equipment such as insulating blankets, matting, covers, lines hoses, gloves, and sleeves must be provided to employees who are exposed to electrical hazards.
2. Fall Protection: Fall protection must be provided when employees are exposed to a vertical fall of six feet or more over a lower level or at any height above dangerous equipment. Fall protection will consist of either passive (i.e., safety net) or active (i.e., lifelines, body belts, harnesses, or lanyards) fall preventing devices.
3. Respiratory System Protection: Employees will use appropriate respiratory protection when adequate ventilation, substitution of less toxic materials, or other primary control measures is not possible.

IV. Monitoring

Department heads will monitor work site tasks for the introduction of new hazards or changes in existing hazards. If new hazards are discovered, task analysis will be conducted to identify appropriate PPE. Department heads at least semi-annually will conduct a work site inspection of PPE use and maintenance.

Auxiliary Services will monitor the effectiveness of this plan and make recommendations for improvement.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Auxiliary Services.