The employer will risk assess all situations and provide written instructions on the equipment which must be used and why.
Let us look at how the most commonly used PPE in social care can protect you.
Employers will need to provide PPE in a range of sizes because care workers are not all the same shape and size.
For example, someone with very small hands will need small gloves that fit properly.
Employers must take account of workers’ individual health needs.
For example, if someone is allergic to latex, the employer needs to provide an alternative product. Latex allergies can range from unpleasant to life-threatening.
Given that wearing gloves is so common in social care, click on 1, 2 and 3 below to get an understanding of what harm latex could cause and what to do about it.
Any challenges or symptoms you experience from using PPE must be reported to your manager, without delay, through your usual reporting system.
Health and Safety Executive
This is a link to the HSE’s web page which provides further general information about PPE.
Do not go to work if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
For example:
- A new continuous cough
- A high temperature
- A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell.
.svg)
