Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Understanding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, aprons or other equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injuries or infection
  • PPE acts as a barrier between the blacksmith and the risks they could be exposed to in a blacksmithing environment
  • The use of appropriate PPE can significantly reduce the risk of injury and is a vital part of a comprehensive health and safety strategy

Types of PPE for Blacksmithing

  • Safety glasses or goggles: Protects the eyes from flying debris, sparks, and the intense light produced by a forge
  • Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs: Reduces exposure to high noise levels commonly encountered in blacksmithing
  • Heat-resistant gloves: Protects the hands from burns when dealing with hot materials like metals, and can offer some protection against cuts and abrasions as well
  • Aprons and jackets made from heat-resistant material: Shields the body from hot metal sparks, forge scale and hot tools
  • Lung protection, like a dust mask or respirator: Helps prevent inhalation of metal dust or fumes when grinding, cutting or welding metal

Effective Use of PPE in Blacksmithing

  • PPE must be suitable for the task at hand – for instance, a blacksmith should not use a regular dust mask when dealing with toxic fumes like welding fumes
  • PPE should be well-maintained, clean and in good working order; otherwise, it might not offer sufficient protection
  • PPE should fit the wearer correctly, or its effectiveness could be compromised
  • Remember that PPE is the last line of defence – it does not replace safe working practices or other control measures, but is used in conjunction with them

Legal Obligations and PPE

  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 requires employers to provide appropriate PPE to employees
  • Employers are also obliged to ensure that PPE is used correctly and maintained in a clean and reliable state
  • Employees have a responsibility to use PPE properly, to report any defects and not to interfere with or misuse it

Limitations of PPE

  • PPE only protects the wearer – it does not eliminate the risk
  • PPE might restrict the wearer’s mobility or visibility, which could, in itself, create a risk
  • If PPE fails, the wearer could be exposed to the full danger of the hazard
  • PPE should be considered as a last option, when other methods of protection are not satisfactory

Key Takeaway

  • Proper selection, use, and maintenance of PPE greatly enhance safety in blacksmithing practices, but they are only one element of a complete safety plan. They should be used in combination with a safe working environment, safe working practices, and a culture of safety consciousness.