SECTION 12. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

12.1 INTRODUCTION

The best possible protection for personnel is elimination of the hazard. However, there are various processes or operations at APO that, by their nature, involve risk or hazard exposure.

Wherever the hazard cannot be eliminated, and there is reasonable risk to hazard exposure, personnel are required to use the proper protective equipment. Such equipment will also be worn in the case of temporary work or during emergency procedures. Depending on the situation, personal protective equipment can include protection from head to toe, or combinations thereof for the eyes, ears, face, skin, body, hands, head, or feet. It can also include the use of equipment, such as a flashlight during nighttime operations.

All personal protective equipment should be of safe design and construction, kept clean, properly maintained, and conveniently available. If help is needed in choosing the proper equipment, contact the Site Safety Officer.

12.2 EYE & FACE PROTECTION

(Refer to Section 13, titled “Eye and Face Protection”)

12.3 EAR PROTECTION

Exposure of the employee to high noise levels could permanently impair hearing if the sound level and length of exposure time is excessive. Although most noise can be reduced to acceptable levels by engineering and design, personal protective devices are still frequently needed.

Wherever the noise levels and exposure time exceed designated values, employees must wear ear protection. The ear protection devices available are various types of earplugs and earmuffs. Improvised cotton inserts are to be avoided because they are a poor choice as a noise suppressor due to their low attenuating properties. Approved devices are made of rubber and plastic and come in various sizes. In order to be effective and comfortable, it is important earplugs be properly fitted for the individual. Even the slightest leakage can decrease the attenuation of some frequencies by as much as 15dba.

12.4 HEAD PROTECTION

Hard hats (or helmets) protect the worker’s head from impact, flying particles, and electrical shock.

There are 4 classes of hard hats:

A-general service, low voltage resistance;
B-high voltage resistance;
C- no longer allowed;
D-limited protection (for fire fighters).

Appropriate helmets will be worn in all areas where there is any possibility of danger, such as construction and/or materials handling operations or any operation involving work overhead. Hard hats should also be worn in confined space or close quarter situations where low clearances, structural protrusion, or sharp objects are encountered.

It is important persons working at machines protect long hair from contact with moving parts. Protective caps binding the hair, or some other means, should be used.

12.5 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Possible hazard exposure can occur due to various environments: fire, extreme heat, corrosive chemicals, cold temperature, body impact, cuts from materials being handled, electrical shock, or other extreme conditions. Wherever there is a possibility of these hazards, special protective clothing is required.

For example, rubber insulation gloves are required to protect against electrical shock wherever work is done on high voltage power equipment. Other electrical protective devices include rubber matting for use around electric apparatus, rubber insulating blankets, hoods, line hoses, and sleeves.

Heat resistant gloves are required wherever there is a potential exposure to cryogenic temperatures.

Other examples of protective clothing include aprons, laboratory coats, and jackets. Special impervious materials are available which protect against harmful dusts, vapors, mists, and corrosive liquids. These are designed into clothing of all descriptions including aprons and gloves.

Make sure the clothing selected will protect against the hazards involved; use the MSDS information for determining the proper protective equipment. Avoid using natural rubber with oils, greases, organic solvents, and chemicals.

Gloves with metal parts or reinforcements should never be used around electrical apparatus.

Disposable clothing can provide special protection where contamination may be a problem.

12.6 FOOT PROTECTION

(Refer to Section 15, titled “Protective Footwear”)

12.7 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

(Refer to Section 14, titled “Selection and Use of Respirators”)

12.8 PPE REQUIREMENTS

(Refer to Figure 12.1, titled “Use of Protective Equipment”)

Table I - Use of Protective Equipment

General guidelines for required PPE on certain job functions. See specific area of protection and MSDS for more details and specifics.

1. All machining operations safety glasses/ goggles/face-shield
2. Weed cutting outdoor safety glasses/leather boots
3. Pouring LN2 face-shied/cryo gloves
4. Splashing LN2 face-shied/cryo gloves/apron
5. Spray Painting/enclosed area Prohibited
6. Spray Painting/’open area safety glasses/particle mask
7. Solvent use/enclosed area Prohibited
8. Solvent use/ventilated area respirator/gloves
9. Soldering/enclosed area Prohibited
10. Soldering/ventilated area safety glasses
11. Housekeeping/remote areas HEPA masks
12. Pressure filling LN2 safety glasses within 10 ft./cryo gloves
13. Telescope roof access body harness/lanyards
14. Hoisting operations hardhats
15. Handling of weights over 10” above floor and over 20lbs safety shoes