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CHOOSING THE RIGHT PPE MATTERS
Whether handling chemicals, carrying out laboratory analyses or filling and processing substances, employees working in chemical and laboratory environments can be exposed to a wide range of hazards. Liquid splashes, hazardous substances and mechanical risks each place different demands on personal protective equipment (PPE).There is therefore no universal solution. Which PPE is suitable for chemical and laboratory environments depends, among other factors, on the substances being used, their concentration, the task being carried out and the potential exposure. The relevant risk assessment always forms the basis for selecting suitable PPE.
But which PPE is used in chemical and laboratory environments, and what should be considered when selecting it?
WHAT HAZARDS CAN OCCUR IN CHEMICAL AND LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS?
Working conditions in chemical and laboratory environments can vary considerably. As a result, the potential hazards can also be very different.When handling chemicals, for example, splashes or direct skin contact may present a risk. Depending on the task, vapours, aerosols or dusts may also be generated. Mechanical hazards should not be overlooked either – for example, when handling glass, equipment or other work tools.
Typical hazards can include:
+ Chemical hazards: Contact with substances such as acids, alkalis, solvents or other chemicals
+ Eye hazards: Splashes, particles or other substances may come into contact with the eyes
+ Mechanical hazards: For example, hazards caused by glass, sharp-edged objects or work equipment
+ Foot hazards: Depending on the workplace, falling objects or spilled liquids may present a risk
+ Respiratory hazards: Depending on the substance and task, dusts, aerosols, vapours or gases may occur
Which of these hazards are actually relevant must be assessed individually for the respective workplace. Technical data sheets and the risk assessment provide important information when selecting suitable protective measures.
WHICH PPE IS USED IN CHEMICAL AND LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS?
Depending on the task, personal protective equipment can protect different areas of the body. What matters is not only the type of PPE, but also whether its protective performance is suitable for the specific hazard.+ Protective gloves: In many tasks, the hands come into particularly close contact with substances. When selecting chemical protective gloves, it is therefore essential to consider which chemical protection is required against. EN ISO 374 provides important guidance. It covers protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms. It is important to remember that not every glove material provides the same level of protection against every chemical. The glove material, chemical, concentration and duration of contact must all be taken into account when making a selection.
+ Eye protection: Splashes can occur when transferring, mixing or processing liquids. Depending on the hazard, safety spectacles or goggles may be required. The specific type of eye protection must be suited to the respective risk.
+ Protective clothing: Protective clothing can help protect the skin and clothing underneath against certain substances and contamination. The type required will again depend on the task and the respective hazard.
+ Foot, respiratory and additional protection: Depending on the workplace, safety footwear, respiratory protection or other PPE may also be required. With respiratory protection in particular, it is essential to determine exactly which substances are present and which protective measures are specified.
Important: The term ‘chemical protection’ alone is not sufficient when selecting PPE. What matters is whether the respective PPE is suitable for the specific substance, its concentration and the intended application.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PPE STARTS WITH THE RISK ASSESSMENT
Chemical and laboratory workplaces can place very different demands on PPE. A protective glove that is suitable for one particular chemical, for example, will not necessarily provide protection against another substance.The specific hazards in the workplace are therefore crucial: Which substances are being handled, how could contact occur and which areas of the body need to be protected? The risk assessment provides the basis for answering these questions.
Manufacturer information, markings and safety data sheets also provide valuable guidance when making a selection. This allows PPE to be specifically matched to the task and the hazards involved.
