Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect against safety and/or health hazards. Hard hats, safety glasses, and safety boots, for instance, are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of injury if an accident occurs. Other PPE, such as hearing and respiratory protection, is designed to prevent illnesses and unwanted health effects. It is important to remember that PPE only provides protection. It reduces the risk but does not eliminate the hazard.
While common to all trades, PPE varies according to individual, job, and site conditions. Legal requirements for PPE also vary and the appropriate sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act or the Regulations for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91) should be consulted. Federally regulated firms should refer to the Canada Labour Code, Part II for legal requirements of PPE.
Sections 25 and 27 of the OHSA makes employers and supervisors responsible for ensuring that required PPE is worn by the worker. The employer must also provide the PPE and maintain it in good condition. Under section 28 of the Act, workers have a duty to wear or use the PPE required by law as well as any required by the employer. This addresses situations where the regulations may not require PPE but the employer has set additional health and safety standards, such as mandatory eye protection. Workers also have to report any missing or defective PPE to the employer or supervisor and are prohibited from removing PPE or making it ineffective.
The construction regulation broadly requires that such protective clothing, equipment, or devices be worn “as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed.” It also requires that the worker be trained in the use and care of this equipment.
Under subsection 122.2 of the Canada Labour Code, Part II, preventive measures should, first, eliminate hazards, then reduce hazards, and finally, provide personal protective equipment, clothing, devices, or materials. Under section 125, the employer is responsible for providing every person granted access to the workplace by the employer with prescribed safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing. Under section 126, an employee must use any safety materials, equipment, devices, and clothing that are provided by the employer or prescribed by the Code.
PPE must be kept in good working order and replaced if it is damaged or has expired. It must also meet the various Canadian standards, such as the following:
In this presentation, you will find out about noise control, noise exposure levels, use of hearing protection and good hearing protection practices. An optional quiz is included to test your knowledge. 20:40 min.
In this presentation, you will find out about noise control, noise exposure levels, use of hearing protection and good hearing protection practices. An optional quiz is included to test your knowledge. 21:29 min.
A comprehensive handbook for dealing safely with asbestos. Complies with the new Asbestos Regulation 278/05. 70 pages. Revised, 2008. Reprinted, 2012.
Caution sticker with the messages: Asbestos Dust Hazard, and Access Restricted to persons wearing protective clothing and respirators. 10 x 7 sticker.
Contains everything you need to recognize and protect yourself against construction health and safety hazards. 350 pages. Revised, Nov 2010.
This issue of Construction Safety magazine describes the most common occupational health and disease hazards and how to control them.
Contains a guide for assessing noise exposure and determining the need for hearing protection. Shows you how to make sure that youre wearing earplugs and earmuffs properly. Lists recommendations for employers, supervisors and workers on how to prevent hearing loss. 4 pages.
"Eye protection must be worn in this area" sticker. Package of 50. 6 x 10Ό.
Use this with IHSA's Basics of Fall Protection kit to deliver training on fall protection fundamentals. Covers legal responsibilities, hazards and controls. Colour.
"Hearing protection must be worn" sticker. Package of 50. 2 3/8 x 4.
This manual contains everything Homebuilders need to recognize and protect themselves against construction health and safety hazards. 2006 edition.
As of Jan 2007, the pdf version is in colour.
The catalogue features a comprehensive list of the products, training, auditing, and consulting services we offer, along with descriptions, images, and prices. Also includes a training registration form and product order form. 2010 edition.
Use this in your new worker orientation program. Focuses on personal protective equipment, hazard awareness and responsibilities. Produced in 1997. 10 minutes.
Also available in French (Ask for F043-F).
Two-sided poster. One side reminds workers to use head, eye and foot protection. The other side reminds workers to use head and foot protection. 17 x 22.
This poster shows you how to choose the right respirator for the job and how to properly fit, clean and store it.
Please note: This product is currently under review, as it no longer complies with new legislation or recommended practices.
This guide outlines the proper respirator equipment suitable for common construction activities. 17" x 22".
The Safety Talks manual covers a wide variety of safety topics for the construction industry. By presenting the information in a concise and easily digestible format, you can prevent an injury or save a life in just 5 minutes. Revised May, 2008.
This award-winning DVD motivates workers to wear eye protection on the job. Features fast-paced action shots. Dust rises and sparks fly but the job gets done safely. 4 minutes. Colour.
This double-sided poster reminds workers to tie off on construction sites. One side features a low-rise residential site and the other side a high-rise residential site. 17" x 22". Colour.
Constructors and employers are required to provide worker training. This chart compiles all the training requirements for each type of construction work. Revised, April 2012. 8 pages. Colour.
