How do you design safe personal protective equipment?

1 Identify the hazards

The first step in designing safe PPE is to identify the hazards that your workers are exposed to. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, or ergonomic, and they can affect different parts of the body, such as the eyes, ears, head, hands, feet, or lungs. You need to assess the severity, frequency, and duration of the hazards, and how they interact with each other. For example, if your workers are exposed to loud noise and dust, you need to design PPE that protects both their hearing and their respiratory system.

2 Involve the users

The second step in designing safe PPE is to involve the users in the process. Users are the ones who will wear and use the PPE, so they have valuable insights and feedback on what works and what doesn't. You need to consult with your workers about their needs, preferences, comfort, fit, and usability of the PPE. You also need to observe how they perform their tasks, how they interact with the PPE, and how they adapt to different situations. By involving the users, you can design PPE that is acceptable, appropriate, and adaptable.

3 Consider the tasks

The third step in designing safe PPE is to consider the tasks that your workers perform. Tasks are the activities that your workers do to achieve their goals, such as lifting, cutting, welding, or cleaning. You need to analyze the tasks in terms of their demands, complexity, variability, and frequency. You also need to consider how the tasks affect the performance, safety, and health of your workers. For example, if your workers perform repetitive or strenuous tasks, you need to design PPE that reduces fatigue, stress, and musculoskeletal disorders.

4 Evaluate the environment

The fourth step in designing safe PPE is to evaluate the environment where your workers operate. Environment is the physical and social context that influences your workers' behavior, such as the temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, vibration, or culture. You need to measure and monitor the environmental factors that affect your workers' comfort, well-being, and productivity. You also need to consider how the environment changes over time, and how it interacts with the hazards and the tasks. For example, if your workers work in hot or cold conditions, you need to design PPE that regulates their body temperature and prevents heat stress or frostbite.

5 Follow the standards

The fifth step in designing safe PPE is to follow the standards that apply to your industry and jurisdiction. Standards are the rules and guidelines that specify the minimum requirements and best practices for designing, testing, and using PPE. You need to comply with the standards that are relevant to your hazards, users, tasks, and environment. You also need to keep up to date with the latest developments and innovations in PPE design and technology. For example, if your workers use respirators, you need to follow the standards that regulate the filtration, fit, and maintenance of the respirators.

6 Test and improve

The sixth and final step in designing safe PPE is to test and improve your design. Testing is the process of evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of your PPE in real or simulated conditions. You need to test your PPE with your users, tasks, and environment, and collect data and feedback on its performance, safety, and usability. You also need to improve your design based on the results of your testing, and make adjustments and modifications as needed. For example, if your PPE causes discomfort, irritation, or interference, you need to improve its fit, material, or design.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?