Safety & Health in the Stone Crushing Industry - Occupational ...

34
Figure 1: noise map from a typical crushing unit with boulder pit on right and machinery in center of
picture (Source: SRU Chennai, India)
A.3.4 Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks or goggles may sometimes be required
to protect workers from an unsafe working environment. This should be used ONLY when ALL other
possible means of controls, such as administrative and engineering controls, have been exhausted.
This is why PPE is called a "secondary" control method, for it is a last resort option.
When we cannot enclose or isolate machines, no
proper ventilation is possible, then PPE is an option to
protect the health of workers and should be
mandatory. It is important to realize that personal
protective equipment does nothing to reduce the
hazard; it merely serves as a barrier between the
hazard and the worker. If the barrier fails, there is no
backup and the worker is directly exposed to the
hazard.
When PPE is provided, the employer must be sure
that workers are wearing the equipment properly and
at all times. This can be accomplished through
routine inspections throughout the yard. Proper
training on how to wear PPE is needed for all workers
and management.