PPE Personal Protective Equipment

Study Notes

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
PPE can be specific to the type of job or work being carried out.
Common types of PPE used in the lighting industry include head and face protection, hearing protection, fall protection, hand protection, and foot protection.

Always ensure both hands are free to hold onto the ladder when climbing.
Wear a tool belt and pouch to carry materials, and move material up or down by rope if necessary.
Always use a three-point contact when climbing ladders, using two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, to maintain contact with the ladder at all times.
Always face the ladder when climbing and keep your centre of gravity between the frames of the ladder.
Ensure ladders are of good construction, sound material, and adequate strength, free from patent defects, and suitable and safe for the purpose for which they are intended.
Ensure the surface upon which the ladder rests is stable, level, and firm, and of sufficient strength to safely support the ladder and any person and load intended to be placed on it.
Ensure the ladder is positioned to ensure its stability during use.

Injuries can occur when lifting or moving heavy loads, commonly to the back or spine.
Safe lifting and moving techniques should always be practiced to prevent such injuries.
Keep a wide base of support, with feet shoulder-width apart, and one foot slightly ahead of the other.
Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only, and keep good posture.
Slowly lift by straightening the hips and knees, keeping the back straight, and don't twist as you lift.
Hold the load as close to the body as possible, at the level of the belly button.
Use the feet to change direction, taking small steps, and lead with the hips as you move.
Set down the load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.

Electricity kills and does not discriminate based on experience.
Working in the lighting industry involves working with large capacity electrical power, making adherence to safe electrical working procedures vital.
Electrical accidents are usually caused by negligence, incorrectly connected wires, lack of good earth termination, damage to electrical wiring and equipment, lack of regular maintenance checks, carelessness, and unsafe electrical operating procedures.
Ensure permanent or temporary electrical power installations are approved for use by licensed electrical workers.