What is PPET? Personal Protective Equipment Technology explained
Table of Contents
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Innovative Safety Technology
When do you need to use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
Canadian OHS obligations
United States OHS obligations
Technology - The new normal
According to the Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases, the first mention of the iconic plague doctor (which you have seen in many iconic photos) was during the 1619 plague in Paris. While known for, let’s be honest, it’s creepiness, these masks were actually the earliest examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) which help protect a range of workers facing a range of safety hazards.
In a twisted way, we seem to have come full circle in some ways. Ever since we all had to start living with the reality that looming, deadly viruses are now a part of life, the focus on worker safety and personal protective equipment has reached an all-time high. Although this virus is on top of a multitude of safety hazards that workers are already facing, in different industries, creating an increasingly complex picture of safety in the workplace. Worker safety is more comprehensive than just PPE. The standard in today’s workplace is a seamless technological experience, getting faster, reaching areas of the world not even explored yet
In order to deal with this new safety landscape, employers and workers are also looking to current technology to complement the existing PPE, increasing the safety of the worker, regardless of their situation or setting. This has obviously resulted in a new category of PPET – personal protective equipment and technology. Moving forward, technology will be as integral to the worker’s safety as the steel-toed boots on their feet or the hazmat suits they wear - speaking of hazmat suit sales increased by 88% over the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. As you read further, you’ll see examples of available safety technology and how it can complement your current worker safety program and existing PPE, combining forces for increased worker safety and well-being.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
So first of all, we need to look at PPE and what it entails. Depending on what industry or circumstances you work in, your PPE will be a response to whichever safety hazards you might face while working.
Essentially, PPE is equipment or clothing that is worn to minimize or eliminate exposure to particular work safety hazards. Common examples of PPE are face masks/shields/goggles, gloves, fall harnesses, respirators, and yes, hazmat suits. During the past year, we’ve seen an unprecedented increase in PPE with workers as well as the public – how many face masks did you own in 2020 and 2021?
PPE isn’t the only line of defense against safety hazards and risks. This equipment works in conjunction with your safety program, protocols, and training. PPE is part of an overall safety network that is tailored to protecting your team from specific threats.
Innovative Safety Technology
Since the 1600s, the equipment that protects vulnerable workers has evolved tremendously and technology is obviously a major chapter in that history. Thanks to technological advances, worker safety now includes important elements like wearables and impact and fall detection, advanced location tracking, dependable panic buttons and alerts, and probably most importantly, reliable, real-time connection and communication with those who can quickly provide help if or when needed.
According to ISHN: “safety technology encompasses all the new technologies now being applied to workplace safety: mobile apps, wearables, machine sensors, cloud-based software, predictive analytics, 3D printing, robotics, real-time employee monitoring and tracking, PPE tracking with embedded sensors, etc.”
Real-time employee monitoring and tracking is a growing field as more people are working remotely and in isolation. This type of technology includes automated check-in systems as well as advanced satellite devices. There is also technology that can monitor the vital signs of workers and therefore their health, directly linking the worker to a monitor who could send help if needed.
When do you need to use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), this equipment “is used to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact to injurious physical, chemical, ergonomic, or biological agents,” not necessarily eliminating the safety hazard but reducing the risk of injury.
“PPE should only be used:
as an interim (short term) measure before controls are implemented;
where other controls are not available or adequate;
during activities such as maintenance, clean up, and repair where pre-contact controls are not feasible or effective;
during emergency situations.”
Canadian OHS obligations
In order for employers to keep their team safe as well as reduce legal penalties for noncompliance, they must adopt and incorporate innovative safety technologies and equipment.
When it comes to worker safety and PPET the legal requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction and country that the employer is located in. In Canada, workers must use PPET in the workplace as required and needed. The current legal requirements in Canada according to the CCOHS are:
British Columbia, Manitoba, and Yukon state in their legislation who is responsible for each specific type of PPE.
Alberta requires employers to provide workers with, and pay for, PPE for emergency response, hearing, and respiratory protection if it is required for the job. The worker is responsible for providing and using PPE such as hard hats, safety boots, flame-resistant clothing, or eye protection if they are required for the job.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, and Saskatchewan require the employer to provide the worker, free of charge, with all the PPE either selected by the health and safety committee or required by the legislation.
Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and those organizations that follow legislation from the Canadian federal government use the term “provide”. However, the term “provide” is not always clearly defined, and its intention should be verified with your jurisdiction.
United States OHS obligations
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states:
“Personal protective equipment is addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction. OSHA requires that many categories of personal protective equipment meet or be equivalent to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).”
They say that when existing work practices and administrative controls are not providing sufficient protection, employers must provide PPET, ensuring its proper, regular use. Employers are also required to train each worker to be aware of:
When it is necessary
What kind is necessary
How to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off
The limitations of the equipment
Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment
Technology - The new normal
Part of the new normal will be the heavy integration of technology into existing PPE and safety programs. The good news is that this technology is becoming increasingly more cost-effective with the capabilities to protect more people in deeper and more complex ways. Like much of the safety industry, PPET’s strength is rooted in the fact that keeps workers more connected which could end up saving their lives in the end.
Integrating advanced PPE technology is crucial for enhancing lone worker safety. Discover more through our Lone Worker Safety Solution App and find a suitable safety plan by checking our pricing options. Additionally, gain deeper insights into mitigating various Workplace Hazards to further ensure a secure and protected working environment for your team.