Reviewed by: Suzanne Deadman, Executive School Business Manager
Ratified by: Resources Committee, 13/03/2024
Next Review: Spring 2026
Contents
Introduction
During many everyday tasks, school staff and pupils may be exposed to chemical, physical, biological or environmental hazards. The aim of Deptford Park Primary School is to ensure that where persons are exposed to hazards, they are provided with, and trained in the use of, personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
What is PPE?
PPE is defined as “all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects them against one or more risks to their health or safety”.
Personal Protective Equipment is any equipment which protects the wearer from health or safety risks. It includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE), eye and face protection, hearing protection, head protection (safety helmets), safety boots and gloves. Weatherproof and insulation clothing and high visibility jackets are also PPE because they help protect employees from adverse weather and the risks of being struck by moving vehicles.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibility for the health and safety of employees and pupils and the implementation of this policy resides with the Head Teacher and Governing Body. However, everyone is responsible for their own safety and that of others, it is therefore up to all individuals to follow health and safety precautions.
Head Teacher
The Head Teacher is responsible for:
- The management of all health and safety within the school.
- Allocating sufficient funding for the provision and maintenance of PPE
- Ensuring that suitable PPE is provide free of charge.
- Ensuring the risks arising from work activities are identified and assessed.
- Ensuring appropriate training for the use of PPE if required.
- Ensuring managers are aware of their responsibilities.
- Provide suitable storage accommodation for PPE provided.
- Act upon any reported defects in the PPE
- Review this policy every two years or sooner after any related accident or if legislation changes.
The Individual User
- Taking reasonable care of themselves and others affected by their actions.
- Using PPE provided in accordance with training and instruction given.
- Using PPE in accordance with the findings of the relevant risk assessment e.g. COSHH, Manual Handling, First Aid etc.
- Checking equipment for defects before use and reporting any defects in the PPE provided
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure that their PPE is returned to the storage area allocated.
Assessment of Risk
When performing any task involving potential hazards to an employee, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment should be carried out.
In all cases the following points MUST be considered:
- Can a less risky option (procedure/substance) be used instead?
- Can the hazard be controlled (e.g. encapsulation) such that PPE is not required?
ONLY USE PPE AS A LAST RESORT
It is important to remember that if PPE fails, the employee may be exposed to a significant risk to their health and/or safety.
PPE is the last resort in the Hierarchy of Control Measures
Hierarchy of Risk Control
Once you have identified the risk there is a standard approach to the order in which precautions must be considered known as a hierarchy of risk control.
The definition of risk is the likelihood of a hazard to cause harm and the severity if it does. The hierarchy of risk control approach will help to ensure that the risks have been reduced to a level which is as low as is reasonably practicable.
By considering precautions in the following order then the most effective measures are considered first and the least effective last.
Reduce risk by:
1. Elimination
Physically remove the hazard. This could include changing the work process to stop using a toxic chemical, heavy object, or sharp tool. It is the preferred solution to protect workers because no exposure can occur.
2. Substitution
Substitution is using a safer alternative to the source of the hazard, replacing the hazard. An example is using plant-based printing inks as a substitute for solvent-based inks.
3. Engineering Controls
Engineering controls isolate people from coming into the hazard. Engineering controls can include modifying equipment or the workspace, using protective barriers, ventilation, and more.
4. Administrative controls
Administrative controls change the way people work. They establish work practices that reduce the duration, frequency, or intensity of exposure to hazards. This could include:
- Work process training.
- Job rotation.
- Ensuring adequate rest breaks.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is protecting the worker from the equipment. PPE can reduce exposure to risk, but it is considered last because it only protects the wearer. Personal protective equipment must always be used with other control measures and should be worn correctly and fitted properly.
The Provision and Selection of PPE
PPE must be suitable for the activity, conditions in which it will be used and the wearer. The following aspects should be taken into consideration when selecting PPE:
- Protection afforded and compatibility with other PPE should it be required.
- Capability of PPE to fit the individual concerned.
- Ergonomic and health requirements of the individual using the PPE.
- PPE should be specific to each individual and they should be consulted during the selection process.
Information, Instruction and Training
Users of PPE must be made aware of and instructed in:
- the risks present and why the PPE is needed – this should be contained within the relevant risk assessment
- when the PPE is to be used
- how the PPE is used
- how to examine for and report faults in the PPE
- procedures in the event of failure of PPE.
Where the task constitutes a significant risk to health or the use of more complex or multiple pieces of PPE, a full written training protocol should be adopted.
This should include:
- conducting a pre-use check
- how to use the PPE
- how the PPE works, and limitations
- how to fit the PPE properly
- what to do if the PPE fails whilst in use
- how to clean, decontaminate or dispose of the PPE safely.
A record of all training should be kept for each individual.
Standards
PPE must meet relevant British or European standards or HSE approval. New PPE will also need to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. PPE that meets these requirements will be CE marked (i.e. carry the European Conformity mark).
The CE mark only means that PPE meets the standard; it does not mean it can be used in all situations. PPE must be suitable for the actual condition of use and the users must be trained in its use. PPE must always be suitable for the work. If the way of working is changed – check that the PPE is still suitable.
An inventory of all the PPE issued will be maintained by the premises manager.
PPE will be stored and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Storage of Personal Protective Equipment
Some means of storage must be provided for PPE when it is not in use, so as to protect it from loss or damage. E.g. pegs or lockers for clothing or a protective box or case for safety eyewear.
A storage facility should be provided for PPE which has become contaminated during use, and this should be separate from that provided for ordinary clothing. If the PPE contains hazardous materials, such as asbestos / infectious diseases, it may need special storage arrangements.
Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment
Generally, make sure PPE is kept clean and in good order. Manufacturer’s maintenance schedules and instructions must be followed.
Where appropriate, records of checks and maintenance, and where appropriate examination and tests, must be kept. Any defects must be reported to the SBM / Head Teacher / Premises Manager.
First Aid / Infectious Diseases
Personal protective equipment is used to protect staff from the risk of cross infection when dealing with waste and bodily fluids.
Disposable gloves / aprons / masks are stored in the first aid room and must be worn cleaning up human waste / bodily fluids.
Soiled PPE must be disposed of after use by double bagging and placed in the clinical waste bin?
PPE for specific infectious diseases may be required and risk assessments undertaken.