3 WAYS THAT PPE WILL KEEP YOU SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE

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Keeping You Safe

In response to the current pandemic, many areas around the world have implemented mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements in addition to protection regulations that have already been set in place. PPE is now more important than ever for not only protecting against workplace injuries, but for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s a closer look at how current PPE requirements will keep manufacturers safe in the workplace.

Eliminate Exposure Risk
Before COVID-19 changed the way we think about PPE, many manufacturing facilities already had PPE regulation set in place. Workers are often required to wear eye protection, hard hats, ear plugs and other equipment to keep them safe on the job. Now, PPE is required to limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.

The CDC recommends these additional forms of protection to reduce contamination risks:

N95 respirators should be worn at all times, even when not performing manufacturing duties
Cloth face coverings when outside of the factory floor to prevent contamination through coughing, sneezing or talking
Face shields may be beneficial to not only protect your face from dangerous dirt and debris on the job, but also from close contact with others
Disposable gear such as gloves and masks when possible to prevent contamination from shared equipment

These additional forms of PPE will not only provide protection against dangers of the factory floor, but will also significantly reduce the risk of virus exposure.

Contamination Control
When it comes to controlling contamination, face shields are an optimal protection source. Not only are they suitable for protection against common workplace dangers like dirt and debris, they also serve as a protection source against COVID-19.

Some of the benefits of face shield protection includes

Face shields can be designed to connect directly to helmets, creating a multifunctional piece of equipment
Safety glasses may fog when used in tandem with face coverings. Certain types of face shields can also act as eye protection to avoid fog, while also protecting against process-related splashes
Minimize contamination of masks and cloth face coverings
Can easily be decontaminated after every use

Providing Additional Process Protection
A lot of the equipment used for protection against COVID-19 also provides many protection benefits against other process-related hazards, such as chemical splashes and air contaminants. When PPE is required, make sure that each piece of equipment is fitted properly. Poorly fitted PPE, such as dangling mask ties or loose-fitting gear can put workers in even greater danger.

The goal of PPE is to provide workers with protection against anything that could potentially harm them. Adding extra forms of PPE into workplace regulations will only further protect your employees and keep your factory floor safe.

Want to talk more about PPE?
Give us a call at 1.800.333.7519 or contact us online to speak with an ACI representative today.