Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential safety component of a worker’s tasks when they could become injured as a result of an exposure to a physical, chemical, electrical or biological hazard. PPE is designed to protect the worker from potential harm and is required by workplace legislation.
Employers must educate and train workers in the proper use of skin protection, and ensure all skin protection is worn and is properly maintained.
PPE, including skin protection, is the last means of protection by ensuring:
On every construction project, workers must use appropriate protection when there is a risk of injury from contact between the worker’s skin and,
Personal hand and skin protection is often the only practical means of preventing injury and there are a variety of ways to protect the skin while on projects. Examine each situation carefully to identify potential risks of injury to the skin and hand. Understand the uses and limitations for relevant types of skin protection. Select and use the appropriate type of protection when there is a hazard that cannot be removed or controlled adequately.
Construction Projects
O. Reg. 213/91
Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
Section 21 Protective Clothing, Equipment and Devices
21. (1) A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed.
(2) A worker's employer shall require the worker to comply with subsection (1).
(3) A worker required to wear protective clothing or use personal protective equipment or devices shall be adequately instructed and trained in the care and use of the clothing, equipment or device before wearing or using it.
Section 25
25. A worker shall use protection appropriate in the circumstances when there is a risk of injury on a project from contact between the worker's skin and,
(a) a noxious gas, liquid, fume or dust;
(b) an object that may puncture, cut or abrade the skin;
(c) a hot object, hot liquid or molten metal; or
(d) radiant heat.