16.8. Occupational Hygiene: Personal protective equipment

16.8. Occupational Hygiene: Personal Protective Equipment

Occupational Hygiene is a discipline of fundamental importance in the context of Occupational Safety. She is responsible for identifying, assessing and controlling risk situations that may affect the physical and mental health of workers. In this context, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role.

What are PPE?

PPE are devices or products for individual use that are used by workers, with the aim of protecting them from risks that may threaten their safety and health at work. The use of this equipment is essential in situations where collective protection measures are not feasible or do not offer complete protection against the risks of accidents and occupational diseases.

Types of PPE

There are several types of PPE, each designed to protect a specific part of the body or to minimize a specific type of risk. Some examples include:

• Head protection: helmets, caps, caps, etc.
• Eye and face protection: goggles, face shields, welding masks, etc.
• Respiratory protection: masks, respirators, etc.
• Hearing protection: ear protectors, earplugs, etc.
• Protection for hands and arms: gloves, sleeves, protective creams, etc.
• Protection for feet and legs: boots, shoes, leggings, etc.
• Fall protection: safety belts, lanyards, fall arresters, etc.

Importance of PPE

The correct use of PPE is essential to ensure the health and safety of workers. They can avoid a series of problems, such as burns, cuts, impacts, contamination by chemical substances, excessive noise, radiation, among others.

In addition, Brazilian legislation obliges companies to provide employees, free of charge, with PPE suitable for the risk and in perfect condition and functioning. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in penalties for the company.

Conclusion

In summary, Occupational Hygiene and the use of PPE are key elements to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. It is everyone's responsibility, employers and employees alike, to ensure that PPE is used correctly and when necessary. After all, safety at work is everyone's right and everyone's duty.

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