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If you manage field work for a restoration business, you’re sure to encounter environments filled with hazardous materials – everything from asbestos and black mold cleanup scenes to chemical spills and biohazards. Maintaining a safe work environment is essential. And personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a big role in that effort. This quick guide covers:
Proper PPE does not just protect the immediate health of workers. It also guards against long-term health effects that may result from repeated exposure to hazardous substances. For instance, inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Similarly, exposure to mold spores can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even neurological issues. And chemical spills pose risks of burns, poisoning, and other acute health problems. However, PPE can serve as the first line of defense against these worksite dangers.
The use of appropriate PPE is not just a matter of personal safety. It's also a legal requirement. OSHA mandates that employers must protect employees from workplace hazards. Therefore, doing so protects your company from legal and financial consequences, which can include severe penalties and fines.
PPE is morally and practically imperative for workers who handle hazardous materials. So, implementing strong PPE practices can contribute to a positive corporate culture – one that helps attract and retain top talent. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to safety can build trust and confidence among your clients. This will enhance your company’s reputation and business growth.
A commitment to safety enhances productivity by promoting employee well-being, morale and job satisfaction. When workers feel secure, they can focus on their tasks without fear or distractions, leading to increased efficiency and better project outcomes.
The basic elements of PPE include protection of a person’s eyes, airway, skin, hands and feet:
- Eye protection often means a face shield and/or safety goggles to guard against gases and liquids
- Respiratory protection options include surgical masks and respirators
- Skin protection comes in various forms, including protective clothing or coveralls – but the most coverage is provided by a full-body biohazard suit
- Hand protection may consist of disposable latex (natural rubber) or nitrile (synthetic rubber) gloves
- Foot protection may involve wearing special footwear, such as slip-resistant waterproof boots or chemical-resistant shoe covers
Here is a good rule of thumb: PPE should provide enough chemical and biological protection to address the risk level and specific threats of the job. But it should also be comfortable enough to prevent overheating or restriction of movement.
Of course, the type of PPE required varies depending on the specific hazards present in a restoration project. Refer to IICRC Standards for detailed instructions.
Be sure to:
Providing PPE is not enough. Make sure your business also does all of the following:
Uphold these rules:
This ensures consistency in safety practices, facilitates compliance with regulations, streamlines training and onboarding processes, and aids emergency preparedness. So how should you go about it? Well, documenting protocols is easy to do if you have an appropriate restoration-work app. For example, you can use the magicplan app to create custom checklists to enforce standard PPE procedures for specific projects – e.g., mold remediation jobs or hazardous waste cleanups. This helps ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
This protects against liability with regard to worker and occupant safety. For example, the magicplan app
enables individuals to:
Ensuring the health and safety of employees who handle hazardous materials is an essential aspect of restoration management. You can significantly reduce risks associated with their work by understanding the importance of PPE, selecting the right equipment for various scenarios, following PPE guidelines for best practices, and documenting PPE protocols and uses with a versatile app.
READ MORE:
How to Build a Resilient Restoration Business Based on IICRC and OSHA
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Zuzanna Geib
Team Lead Marketing