If I’m wearing PPE,

I’m protected.

MYTH or FACT?

You need the right type of PPE for the task.

Factors to consider include:

• Are coveralls made of the right material?

• Is it the right size for the worker?

• Does it create a new hazard?

The type of PPE you

need will change

depending on the task.

MYTH or FACT?

• Consider factors such as the duration of the

task, material type, weight, chemical protective

properties, seam strength, size and fit, and

select PPE accordingly.

• The type of PPE needed may change

dependant on the task or the area where the

task is being performed.

Removing hearing

protection to talk

is OK.

MYTH or FACT?

• If you remove your hearing protection for just 2

minutes in a noisy environment you can be

over exposed to noise.

• Speech intelligibility improves when you wear

the right hearing protection.

• Noise Induced Hearing Loss is incurable yet it

is 100% preventable.

Noise Induced Hearing

Loss can be prevented

by using the correct PPE.

MYTH or FACT?

• The right type of hearing

protection, when worn correctly,

can prevent Noise Induced

Hearing Loss.

• There are lots of factors to

consider such as the type and

class of hearing protection, and

the environment where the task

is being performed.

• The use of any PPE requires

appropriate training and

instruction.

I don’t need to be clean

shaven to wear a

respirator.

MYTH or FACT?

• Having a beard or a

moustache can obstruct the

seal between the face and the

respirator as well as

obstructing the exhalation

valve.

• Anything that interferes with that seal can

allow contaminated air to leak into the

respirator.

It is important that

all PPE fits correctly

MYTH or FACT?

• In order for PPE to work correctly, it has to

have a good fit for each individual.

• Respirators need to be fit tested to make

sure that the right model and size of

respirator is used.

• Inspect PPE prior to each use and always

check that it fits correctly each time.

When it comes to PPE,

overprotection is better.

MYTH or FACT?

Overprotection can lead to more

hazards

• Larger cartridges can make a

respirator heavier and harder for the

worker to breathe.

• Overprotection can lead to the

development of heat stress illnesses.

• Blocking out too much noise can

prevent workers from hearing nearby

hazards.

Selecting the right PPE

is a comprehensive

process.

MYTH or FACT?

Conduct a Risk Assessment and consider

chemical hazards, environmental factors, the

task being performed, and always make sure

that workers are consulted as part of the

decision.

Respirator filters

last forever.

MYTH or FACT?

• Cartridges and filters stop being effective if

they are not replaced regularly.

• A respirator cartridge change out schedule

should be developed and consider factors

such as the type and concentration of

airborne contaminants, breathing rates, and

environmental factors.

• Don’t rely on smell as an indicator to

change cartridges or filters. Once you smell

the chemical it can be too late. Remember

that some chemicals are odourless!

If you wear a respirator,

you need a Documented

Program.

MYTH or FACT?

• You need a Respiratory Protection

Program so that you can document

the process used for the selection

and specification of the right PPE for

the job.

• The program should consider

medical evaluation, the importance

of fit through fit testing, contain

procedures for the proper use,

maintenance and storage, protocols

for training and instruction, and

contain procedures for evaluating the

effectiveness of your program.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to the workers, staff, and management team at the

Thiess Macdonaldtown Gasworks Remediation Project for their

enthusiasm and cooperation in helping spread the word on the

proper use of PPE.

Thank you to the BOHS for launching this competition, and to 3M

for sponsoring a terrific opportunity to give one lucky young

professional the chance to attend IOHA 2015.