PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• A. Certain permit entries may require the use of personal protective equipment by workers entering the confined space and/or by rescue teams. What equipment is needed will have been determined by a qualified person prior to the issuance of the permit. If the permit requires personal protective equipment, all employees entering the space must be equipped with it.
  
   
• B. If your are involved in deciding what equipment, if any, is to be required, the following guidelines may be helpful:
  
   
  • 1. HEAD PROTECTION Is there any danger from falling objects, either from within the confined space or through the entryway? Do obstructions or equipment in the confined space present a hazard?
    
     
  • 2. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION Will the workers encounter any irritant dusts, vapors, mists, abrasive particles or flying objects in the confined space? If so, are safety glasses, impact goggles, chemical goggles or face shields the best choice for the conditions within the space and the work to be performed in it? If the hazard will only be eye irritating, glasses or goggles may be sufficient. However, if the hazard poses a danger to both the face and eyes, such as in the process of scraping scale or cutting rivets, a full coverage face shield is needed. If welding will be performed, protection must meet the requirements for that procedure.
    
     
  • 3. HAND PROTECTION Will the workers need protection from sharp edges and rough surfaces? Protection ranging from canvas to metal mesh gloves may be needed. Gloves made of rubber or similar material may be worn to protect against toxic or irritating materials. Will the workers encounter extreme hot or cold? Heat protective gloves or thermal insulating gloves may be necessary. If there is a potential for electrical current flow through the body, rubber gloves may be called for. Other considerations include whether workers will be handling slippery tools or materials.
    
     
  • 4. FOOT PROTECTION Will the workers risk injury from falling objects, chemicals, etc.? Will they need additional protection from slippery surfaces, electrical conductivity, or sparks?
    
     
  • 5. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Will the workers need protection from temperatures, moisture, chemicals, vapors, flames, static electricity, etc.?
    
     
  • 6. RESPIRATOR PROTECTION Follow your company's policy if respiratory protection will be required.
    
     
  • 7. HEARING PROTECTION If conditions within the confined space require hearing protection, consider how it will affect communications between those workers and the attendant