Body protection and PPE has rightfully taken the spotlight over the last 18 months. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of quality PPE and keeping frontline staff safe. While much of this discussion has centred around face masks, full body protection is just as important.
However, full body protection is a broad subject. It refers to everything from security armour for police forces to scrubs and gloves for medical professionals.
Below, we’ll discuss what full-body protection means in safety, how signs help with it and how you can keep your employees safe.
<h2>What is “Full Body Protection”?</h2>
Body protection refers to anything that protects a person. Protection can be anything from overalls to lab coats. Examples of body protection PPE include:
- Equipment that protects against pathogens (face masks, gloves, etc.)
- Equipment that protects against warm and cold weather (thermals, hats, etc.)
- Protection against radiation (hazmat suits and specialised rubber)
- Protection against chemical splashes and spills (thick clothing, rubber boots, etc.)
- Equipment that protects against force (helmets, body vests, etc.)
In the vast majority of cases, employers supply PPE. However, in some cases, such as with boots, employees may need to pay for them.
What Does The Law State About Body Protection?
Employers are expected to provide the correct body protection under The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2016/425 and the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
The HSE enforces these regulations and lists the necessary body protection for each type of risk. Employers are also responsible for maintaining this equipment and are advised to only use them as a last resort. The best method is to ensure employees carry zero risk.
So, when is full body protection needed? Body protection PPE should be used at any instance where an employee’s health is at risk due to an environmental hazard at work.
Under no circumstances should an employee face a hazard without protection – when in doubt, carry out a risk assessment and ensure all employees involved in a process have the body protection they require.
How Do Signs Help With Body Protection?
Signs, of course, don’t directly protect against hazards. However, if someone needs body protection, they likely work in a high-stress environment. Where there’s stress, there comes forgetfulness.
Signs directly help prevent forgetfulness by promptly reminding workers to wear their body protection. They can also convey instructions and other essential information, which can be life-saving at moments of high stress.
Overall, if you have invested in body protection, you should be equally invested in signs, too. They keep employees on their toes and ensures a business won’t be held liable.
You Need Body Protection Signs That Last
As you can see, you shouldn’t take any chances when it comes to protecting your staff. Invest in some high-quality body protection signs, and you can ensure your staff stay informed about the benefits of wearing the correct equipment.
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