Recognising The Risks Of Working Without Face Protection

Many people believe that prescription glasses or contact lenses will protect against certain hazards in the workplace. However, this simply is not the case. Only proper face protection will. Specific types of protection for the face are mostly used by professions such as doctors, nurses, electricians, carpenters, mechanics and labourers. Education is necessary to ensure that all employers understand exactly what PPE equipment their staff members should be wearing. The HSE regulatory body has introduced step by step guidelines to counter any myths and to highlight the dangerous risks associated with not wearing the right hi vis clothing and using the proper personal protective equipment. This ensures that employers are training their staff on the equipment that should be used and when it should be worn, so that it is used at the correct times and in the correct manner. It is particularly useful to run a workshop with all employees, to gain additional information from staff on what risks they face; answer any questions about the equipment; and/ or role play its correct use. Face protection gear can include both facemasks and respirators, which protect the user and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, for example. A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device, creating a physical barrier for the user’s mouth and nose. It may come with or without a face shield. It is also important to note that when any equipment is utilised in such scenarios, it is also cleaned in the right way to ensure that there is no contamination.