Personal Protective Equipment - Skin and Hand Protection

Employers must educate and train workers in the proper use of skin protection, and ensure all skin protection is worn and is properly maintained. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 21(3)]

PPE, including skin protection, is the last means of protection so it is vital to ensure that:

• the hazard is controlled at the source and employees know PPE is a secondary means of protection.
• all employees have a full understanding of the need for proper care and use of PPE.
• PPE is properly fitted for each employee.
• the use of PPE is consistently enforced where needed.

On every construction project, workers must use appropriate protection when there is a risk of injury from contact between the worker’s skin and, [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 25]

• a noxious gas, liquid, fume or dust,
• an object that may puncture, cut or abrade the skin,
• a hot object, hot liquid or molten metal, or
• radiant heat.

Personal hand and skin protection is often the only practical means of preventing injury. 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.