In addition to identifying the need for PPE, it is essential that the right or proper type and grade of PPE is specified and provided.

Two types of criteria need to be determined:

a. the degree of protection required, and
b.the appropriateness of the equipment to the situation (including the practicality of the equipment being used and kept in good repair).



The degree of protection and the design of PPE must be integrated because both affect its overall efficiency, wearability, and acceptance.

GSR 2 also stipulates that the employer or user should effectively manage and controlling risk by making use of the following safety equipment and facilities:

1. safety equipment or facility of a type that will effectively prevent bodily injury
2.safety equipment of a type that will effectively protect the wearer thereof against harm
3.equipment that will effectively protect persons against falls
4.facilities that will effectively prevent slipping, unsafe entry or unsafe conditions
5.safety equipment or a facility of a type that will effectively protect against harm
6.suitable insulating material underfoot where persons work on a floor made of metal, stone, concrete or other similar material, and
7.generally, such safety equipment or facilities as may be necessary to render the persons concerned safe

In addition, a number of other OHS Act regulations have specific requirements relating to the provision, maintenance and use of PPE. The stipulations of these regulations are more specific than the requirements stipulated by GSR 2. A particular regulation that prescribes specific safety equipment or facilities shall take predominance over the above mentioned regulation.

PPE could also be used in conjunction with other controls to ensure the safety and health of workers.

It is essential to train employees in the proper use, maintenance and limitations of PPE and facilities. The extent of information, instruction and/or training will vary with the complexity and performance of the task.

Information and training could for example include:



1. the level of risk(s) involved
2. the reason why the PPE is needed (the potential risks to health and safety caused by exposure)
3. precautions to be taken by the employees to protect themselves against the health risks associated with the exposure, including the wearing and use
4. potential sources of exposure
5. the content and scope of applicable regulations
6. the operation (including demonstration), performance and limitations of the equipment
7. correct use (how to fit and wear PPE, how to adjust it for maximum protection and storage)
8. correct storage
9. any testing or medical surveillance requirements before use
10. any user maintenance that can be carried out (e.g. hygiene/cleaning procedures) factors that can affect the performance of the equipment (e.g. how to care for it, working conditions, personal factors, defects and damage)
11. how to recognise defects in PPE, and arrangements for reporting them
12.where to obtain new PPE if it needs to be replaced


In addition to initial training, refresher training may be required from time to time. Education programs should continue on a regular basis. One of the most common reasons for failure of a PPE program is the inability to overcome objections to wearing it.


PPE must be properly maintained, it is important to make sure the equipment continues to provide the degree of protection for which it is designed. Maintenance should include inspection, care, cleaning, repair, and proper storage. Manufacturer’s instructions (including recommended replacement periods and shelf life) could prove to be valuable in this regard.

An important part of maintenance is the need for continuous inspection of the PPE. Continuous inspections help to identify damaged or malfunctioning of PPE before it is used. The use of poorly maintained or malfunctioning PPE could sometimes be more dangerous than not wearing any form of protection at all. The workers gain a false sense of security and think they are protected when, in reality, they are not.

PPE may not be removed from a workplace or from premises where machinery is used, except for purposes of cleaning, repair, maintenance, modification, mending or replacement. Adequate storage facilities for PPE should thus be provided for situations when it is not in use. Where PPE may become contaminated during use, storage should be separate from any storage provided for ordinary clothing.

If items of PPE are required they must be provided free of charge by the employer. PPE stays the property of the employer. In order to prevent the unecessary loss or misuse of PPE, the implementation and use of a PPE policy could prove to be very valuable.

An employer may not require or permit any employee to work unless such an employee uses the required safety equipment or facilities. The worker is also obligated to co-operate with the employer to ensure that this duty or requirement are performed and complied with.

By law employees must carry out any lawful orders given to them and obey the health and safety rules and procedures laid down the employer in the interest of health or safety.

It is an offence to interfere with, damage or misuse safety equipment or personal protective equipment.

I trust that the above mentioned information would be useful.

Source: http://www.labourguide.co.za/most-re...ign=art%2Freps