Department of Biology
Protective Equipment
- Adequate and suitable PPE must be used by all participants as indicated by the risk assessment. It should be checked regularly, maintained in good condition and worn correctly as required by the manufacturer's instructions and/or training instruction given to the user.
- Equipment must comply with UK / European / International Standards, whichever are appropriate and should be used wherever specified by the relevant risk assessment. PPE should be marked with the CE mark under the requirements of the Health & Safety (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations (2002). It is important that the risk assessment identifies the correct type of PPE to be used e.g. correct glove for chemical used, type of hearing protection etc.
- Types of PPE to be considered include:
| PPE Type | Use |
|---|---|
| safety helmets (hard hats) | where there is a risk of falling objects |
| eye/face protection: face visors, safety spectacles | when using tools, chemicals e.g. geology hammers, acid etchants |
| hearing protection: ear plugs, ear defenders | when in a noisy environment e.g. use of noisy mobile equipment, chainsaws, drills etc. |
| respiratory protection | where there may be exposure to dusts, toxic vapours, smoke |
| high visibility jackets | in remote areas, road traffic, mobile equipment |
| life jackets | when sailing, boating, canoeing or other water based activities |
| gloves | for handling sharp objects, chemical protection, or heat protection |
| foot protection | where there is a particular risk to feet e.g. impact (toe caps), water/chemicals (wellington boot) |
| sun screen | for protection against sunburn, exposure to UV radiation |