Description

This course is designed for employees and other individuals who may be required to wear or use personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of their work and require an understanding of its selection, correct use, limitations, inspection and maintenance. The course introduces the purpose of PPE and its position within the hierarchy of controls, reinforcing that PPE is generally the last line of defence and does not remove the underlying hazard. Learners consider elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls before examining when PPE may be required alongside other appropriate control measures. Learners develop an understanding of employer, management and individual responsibilities relating to PPE, including appropriate selection, provision, instruction and use. The course considers factors affecting PPE selection, including the nature of the hazard, suitability for the task, relevant standards, correct fit and compatibility where multiple items of PPE are worn together. The course examines a range of PPE, including protective clothing and high-visibility clothing, safety helmets, protective footwear, gloves, hearing protection, respiratory protection, eye and face protection, fall-arrest equipment, UV protection and other outdoor protective equipment. Learners consider the hazards each type is intended to protect against, together with important limitations and precautions associated with its use. The course also reinforces the importance of inspecting PPE before use, wearing and fitting it correctly, storing it appropriately and undertaking suitable cleaning and routine maintenance. Learners consider when damaged, defective, contaminated or deteriorated PPE should be reported, repaired by a competent person where appropriate, or removed from service and replaced. This eLearning course provides general PPE awareness and underpinning knowledge. It does not replace workplace-specific risk assessment, PPE selection, face-fit testing, specialist instruction or practical training where these are required for the equipment or hazards involved.

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