Ensure you're protecting yourself and your workers with 'Getting your PPE Facts Right - 5 Facts and 5 Myths' Kristy Thornton of Thiess Services entry in the British Occupational Hygiene Society and 3M competition to attend the IOHA 2015 conference. #IOHA2015 #3Mcompetition @BOHSworld

2. If I’m wearing PPE,
I’m protected.
MYTH or FACT?

3. You need the right type of PPE for the task.
Factors to consider include:
• Are coveralls made of the right material?
• Is it the right size for the worker?
• Does it create a new hazard?

4. The type of PPE you
need will change
depending on the task.
MYTH or FACT?

5. • Consider factors such as the duration of the
task, material type, weight, chemical protective
properties, seam strength, size and fit, and
select PPE accordingly.
• The type of PPE needed may change
dependant on the task or the area where the
task is being performed.

6. Removing hearing
protection to talk
is OK.
MYTH or FACT?

7. • If you remove your hearing protection for just 2
minutes in a noisy environment you can be
over exposed to noise.
• Speech intelligibility improves when you wear
the right hearing protection.
• Noise Induced Hearing Loss is incurable yet it
is 100% preventable.

8. Noise Induced Hearing
Loss can be prevented
by using the correct PPE.
MYTH or FACT?

9. • The right type of hearing
protection, when worn correctly,
can prevent Noise Induced
Hearing Loss.
• There are lots of factors to
consider such as the type and
class of hearing protection, and
the environment where the task
is being performed.
• The use of any PPE requires
appropriate training and
instruction.

10. I don’t need to be clean
shaven to wear a
respirator.
MYTH or FACT?

11. • Having a beard or a
moustache can obstruct the
seal between the face and the
respirator as well as
obstructing the exhalation
valve.
• Anything that interferes with that seal can
allow contaminated air to leak into the
respirator.

12. It is important that
all PPE fits correctly
MYTH or FACT?

13. • In order for PPE to work correctly, it has to
have a good fit for each individual.
• Respirators need to be fit tested to make
sure that the right model and size of
respirator is used.
• Inspect PPE prior to each use and always
check that it fits correctly each time.

14. When it comes to PPE,
overprotection is better.
MYTH or FACT?

15. Overprotection can lead to more
hazards
• Larger cartridges can make a
respirator heavier and harder for the
worker to breathe.
• Overprotection can lead to the
development of heat stress illnesses.
• Blocking out too much noise can
prevent workers from hearing nearby
hazards.

16. Selecting the right PPE
is a comprehensive
process.
MYTH or FACT?

17. Conduct a Risk Assessment and consider
chemical hazards, environmental factors, the
task being performed, and always make sure
that workers are consulted as part of the
decision.

18. Respirator filters
last forever.
MYTH or FACT?

19. • Cartridges and filters stop being effective if
they are not replaced regularly.
• A respirator cartridge change out schedule
should be developed and consider factors
such as the type and concentration of
airborne contaminants, breathing rates, and
environmental factors.
• Don’t rely on smell as an indicator to
change cartridges or filters. Once you smell
the chemical it can be too late. Remember
that some chemicals are odourless!

20. If you wear a respirator,
you need a Documented
Program.
MYTH or FACT?

21. • You need a Respiratory Protection
Program so that you can document
the process used for the selection
and specification of the right PPE for
the job.
• The program should consider
medical evaluation, the importance
of fit through fit testing, contain
procedures for the proper use,
maintenance and storage, protocols
for training and instruction, and
contain procedures for evaluating the
effectiveness of your program.

22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the workers, staff, and management team at the
Thiess Macdonaldtown Gasworks Remediation Project for their
enthusiasm and cooperation in helping spread the word on the
proper use of PPE.
Thank you to the BOHS for launching this competition, and to 3M
for sponsoring a terrific opportunity to give one lucky young
professional the chance to attend IOHA 2015.