Staying safe in the work place

Work and Safety Wear are part of the growing range of products from Course Care. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is part of a range carefully selected and designed to meet requirements of The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 in relation to greenkeepers and all those working in the turf maintenance industry.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPEW Regulations) came into force on 1st January 1993 with the main requirement being that personal protective equipment is to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

To ensure adequate protection is afforded to employees and legislation is met, risk assessments should be carried out and equipment carefully chosen and supplied by the employer. Ask your PPE supplier for advice if you are unsure, as various options may be available depending on the nature of the risks involved. All equipment purchased, however, should be ‘CE’ marked and comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002.

Risk assessments should include the following six main hazard areas. Types of PPE are shown in each case;

Eyes

Hazards: chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation. Options: safety spectacles, goggles, faceshields, visors.

Head

Hazards: impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement.
Options: a range of helmets and bump caps.

Breathing

Hazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Options: disposable filtering facepiece or respirator, half or full face respirators, air-fed helmets, breathing apparatus.

Protecting the body

Hazards: temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.
Options: conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, waterproof jackets and trousers, specialist protective clothing, e.g. Hi-vis clothing, spraysuits, chainsaw wear.

Hands and arms

Hazards: abrasion , temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination. Options: gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wristcuffs, armlets.

Feet and legs

Hazards: wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.
Options: safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats.

N.B. Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by PPEW Regulations because other regulations apply to them.

A full range of PPE to meet the needs of the hazards listed above is available from Course Care and staff will provide free advice.

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