Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As per the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, PPE is “used as temporary or the last line of protection for workers against hazards (until more effective hazard control techniques can be used) . The PPE you use will depend on your work environment, the work conditions and the process being performed” (OH&S).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for all workplaces of all sizes. Each piece of PPE has different functions and may have specialized materials that assist in protecting the person wearing it. PPE is more than coveralls and goggles and depending on your workplace the equipment may be significantly different.

Recently, the Black Gold team participated in PPE training conducted by Jason Swan (VP, Operations and a certified CRSP) to understand what to use at a field level and in an office setting. Throughout our office we have pieces of equipment to keep each employee safe.

Some examples of PPE items that are available in the Black Gold office include:

• Earmuffs
• Earplugs
• Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• SPOT ( a location-based messaging and emergency notification technology)
• H₂S Monitors
• Safety Vests / Coveralls
• Steel Toed Boots
• Hard Hats

Each of these PPE items has different uses for different situations. For example, in our office, we completed a noise assessment for a folding paper machine that indicated a worker could be exposed to noise in our work environment in excess of 85 dBA. As a result, the company has established controls and provided personal protective equipment to use when operating this machine.

However, it is essential to note that PPE is not the final solution; it is critical to understand the following, as per the OHS regulations:

• PPE should be selected considering the type of hazard and how much protection is required.
• PPE should be available for all workplace hazards.
• All employees should be trained for proper use of PPE.
• All PPE items should be appropriately stored and maintained.

In the event an employee must use a chemical, whether it is Lysol wipes or toxic chemicals, it is essential to note the manufacturer’s label for safe use on the back of the container, or by referencing the appropriate Safety Data (SDS) sheet to determine what PPE should be used.

All employees need to understand:

• When the PPE is necessary;
• What PPE is necessary;
• Where the PPE is located;
• How to properly don, doff, adjust and wear PPE;
• The limitations of the PPE; and
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.