Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – E-Learning

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Workplace

In the UK, there are approximately 144 fatalities and 621,000 non-fatal injuries annually due to workplace accidents. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks. However, historical data shows that many workers who were injured were not using appropriate PPE.

This course emphasizes the importance of PPE in preventing workplace fatalities, injuries, and diseases. It covers a wide range of PPE options and examines the legislation and regulations that govern the responsibilities of employers, employees, and suppliers. A real-life case study illustrates how the law is applied in practice. The course also highlights the role of risk assessments in the selection and use of PPE, along with other hazard control measures that can be implemented to improve safety.

Additionally, the course discusses how to properly use, fit, and maintain PPE, as well as its physical and theoretical limitations.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the legislation surrounding the use of PPE, legal obligations, and safety standards that must be met for PPE to be effective and safe to use.
• Recognize that PPE is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls and should only be used when necessary, as indicated in risk assessments.
• Evaluate the different types of PPE, understand 3 or 5 point protection, and know where and when PPE provides the necessary protection.
• Understand the importance of maintaining PPE and the procedures for replacing damaged or worn-out equipment.
• Develop methods to ensure that broken or unfit PPE is not used in the workplace.

Target Audience:
This course is primarily aimed at individuals working in industries such as construction, where PPE is frequently used, but it is also applicable to other sectors like factories, warehouses, healthcare, beauty industries, and window cleaning, where PPE is also essential for health and safety.

Advantages:
By understanding the importance of using PPE consistently and correctly, workers are more likely to follow safety protocols, significantly reducing their risk of injury. The course also ensures that workers understand the limitations and proper maintenance of PPE, helping them take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being on the job.