Module 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Health Management

Objective:

To educate workers on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of PPE while addressing long-term health hazards in construction, including respiratory risks, noise exposure, and ergonomic injuries.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Types of PPE for Construction (Hard Hats, Gloves, Harnesses, Respirators)

PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards. Key equipment includes:

Head Protection (Hard Hats)

• Purpose: Protects against falling objects, electrical shocks, and impacts.

• Types:

• Type I (Top impact only)

• Type II (Top and side impact protection)

• Electrical-rated (Class E for high-voltage protection)

• Inspection: Check for cracks, dents, and suspension damage before each use.

Hand Protection (Gloves)

• Cut-Resistant Gloves – For handling sharp materials (e.g., rebar, glass).

• Chemical-Resistant Gloves – For working with solvents, adhesives, or hazardous liquids.

• Insulated Gloves – For electrical work or extreme temperatures.

Fall Protection (Harnesses & Lanyards)

• Full-Body Harness – Must be ANSI-compliant with D-rings for attachment.

• Shock-Absorbing Lanyards – Reduce fall impact forces.

• Inspection: Look for frayed straps, damaged buckles, or corrosion.

Respiratory Protection (Respirators)

• N95 Masks – For dust and silica particles.

• Half/Face Respirators – For chemical fumes (requires cartridges).

• Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) – For prolonged hazardous exposures.

2. Fit Testing and Inspection Protocols

PPE must fit correctly to be effective.

Fit Testing for Respirators

• Qualitative Test (Bitterness/sweetness taste check for disposable masks).

• Quantitative Test (Machine measures leakage for tight-fitting respirators).

• User Seal Check – Performed each time a respirator is worn.

General PPE Inspection

• Before Each Use:

• Hard hats – No cracks or deformities.

• Gloves – No tears or chemical degradation.

• Harnesses – No worn stitching or broken hardware.

• After Exposure: Clean and store properly (e.g., wash gloves, dry harnesses).

3. Health Hazards (Silica, Noise, Chemical Exposure)

Construction workers face long-term health risks that require proactive management.

Silica Dust Exposure

• Sources: Cutting concrete, drilling, sandblasting.

• Risks: Silicosis (lung scarring), lung cancer.

• Controls:

• Wet cutting methods.

• HEPA-filtered vacuums.

• N95 or better respirators.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

• Hazard Level: >85 decibels (e.g., jackhammers, power saws).

• Prevention:

• Earplugs or earmuffs (Noise Reduction Rating ≥25 dB).

• Limit exposure time.

• Regular hearing tests.

Chemical Exposure (Solvents, Paints, Asbestos)

• Absorption Risks: Skin contact, inhalation.

• Protection:

• Chemical-resistant gloves & coveralls.

• Ventilation systems.

• OSHA-mandated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) access.

4. Ergonomics and Fatigue Management

Poor posture and repetitive motions lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Ergonomic Best Practices

• Lifting Techniques: Bend knees, avoid twisting.

• Tool Design: Use vibration-dampened tools.

• Work Positioning: Adjust work height to reduce strain.

Fatigue Prevention

• Hydration & Breaks: Mandatory rest periods in hot environments.

• Work Rotation: Alternate tasks to avoid repetitive stress.

• Sleep & Recovery: Educate on risks of shift work exhaustion.

Conclusion:

This module emphasizes that PPE is only effective when used correctly and must be combined with health hazard controls. By integrating proper fit checks, hazard awareness, and ergonomic practices, workers can prevent both immediate injuries and long-term health issues.

Next Steps:

• Hands-on PPE fitting drills.

• Respirator fit testing sessions.

• Ergonomics workshops (lifting, tool handling).