PPE Course
Online PPE course helping staff understand the importance of PPE at work, including when and how to use it safely.
This fully accredited and online PPE course educates participants on the proper selection of PPE, its appropriate use, maintenance, and disposal. Together this knowledge helps to mitigate hazards and ensure a safer workplace for all.
PPE refers to Personal Protective Equipment. If PPE is used in your workplace it’s important that all staff receive appropriate PPE training.
Examples of PPE that are covered in their course include safety helmets, gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, weatherproof clothing and safety harnesses. We also offer specific eye protection, and hand safety courses.
The Echo3 PPE course covers the latest PPE regulations amended on 6th April 2022.
PPE Course Content
UNIT 1 | INTRODUCTION TO PPE
In this first UNIT we introduce PPE and its importance to safety.
UNIT 2 | TYPES OF PPE
In this second unit we explain the different types of PPE. Specifically, we cover.
- Head Protection
- Hand and arms
- Feet and legs
- Full body protection
- Drowning Protection
- Respiratory, height and access
UNIT 3 | USING PPE SAFELY
In this 3rd unit we detail how to work with PPE correctly. Specifically, we cover.
- PPE training
- Maintenance
- Removal of PPE
- Storage of PPE
PPE Certificate
At the end of the online PPE training is a 15 question, multiple-choice quiz. Achieving a minimum score of 80%, and we’ll email your PPE certificate.
If you score less than 80%, you can revisit any part of the course and retake the quiz.
The online PPE certificate is valid for 3 years. A posted certificate is available separately.
Course Preview
Echo3 courses include engaging motion-graphic video content, with full english subtitles
What are the objectives of PPE training?
The online Echo3 PPE course provides learners with an understanding of the importance, purpose, and different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Learners will understand the role of workplace risk assessments and that PPE is the last step in hierarchy of controls. Therefore, realising the limitations of various PPE.
This understanding helps increase proficiency in selecting, using, and maintaining PPE equipment appropriately. Participants also learn proper donning, doffing and storage best-practice.
Generally, the Echo3 PPE course emphasises the value of a strong a safety culture that will help protect staff, customers, and your business.
What is PPE?
PPE stands for “Personal Protective Equipment.” It refers to clothing or equipment that is designed to protect individuals from workplace hazards during specific activities.
The goal of PPE is to increase safety by minimising the exposure to physical, chemical, biological, or other risks.
Examples of PPE include:
- Head Protection: Helmets, hard hats.
- Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses, goggles, face shields.
- Respiratory Protection: Masks, respirators.
- Hand Protection:
- Foot Protection: Safety shoes, boots.
- Body Protection: Coveralls, vests.
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs, earmuffs.
What role does PPR have in safety?
The hierarchy of controls defines the priority order when protecting employees from workplace risks.
Eliminating a hazard is the most effective means of control.
Second to that is the substitution of the hazard.
Next in line are engineering controls, which aim to isolate individuals from the hazard.
Administrative controls are fourth and require a change in the way people work.
Finally, if the above aren’t possible PPE is the final control to implement and therefore least effective means of control.
PPE should, therefore, only be used as a last resort.
This is because
- It is only meant as a ‘last line of defense’ before the hazard contacts your body.
- PPE is susceptible to damage.
- PPE only protects the individual, rather than the workplace.
- It only works well when correctly maintained and used.
- PPE can be restrictive, reducing visibility or increasing weight, causing further hazards.
Where staff are required to use PPE, training on its appropriate use is important for maintaining a safe workplace.
How should PPE be selected?
Following injuries there are often excuses given for choosing not to wear the PPE provided. It is essential for staff to recognise that PPE provided must be warn.
To select PPE that is adequate and comfortable consider these 5 questions.
1. Does the PPE protect from all the risks? For example, gloves that are designed to protect from hot surfaces may not protect against chemicals.
2. Does the PPE add new risks? For example, if you need to wear a suit to protect against gas, it may be difficult to move around in, increasing the length of time it takes to complete a task.
3. Can the PPE be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly? For example, if an eye shield doesn’t fit properly, it is not providing adequate protection.
4. Are several items of PPE, compatible? For example, wearing a respirator may make it difficult to correctly fit eye protection.
5. Does PPE take the size, fit and weight of operators into consideration?
What are employee PPE responsibilities?
Employees have important responsibilities regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Their duties include:
Proper Use, Employees must use PPE as instructed and for the intended purpose, ensuring it is worn correctly and consistently while exposed to workplace hazards.
Maintenance, Workers should maintain and clean their PPE, inspecting it for damage or wear and promptly reporting any issues to their supervisor.
Training, Employees must participate in PPE training and follow safety guidelines, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively use the equipment.
Reporting, Workers should report any concerns about PPE inadequacy or discomfort to their employers so that necessary adjustments or replacements can be made.
Compliance, It’s crucial for employees to comply with workplace policies and procedures related to PPE, contributing to a safe working environment and their own well-being.
What are the new PPE rules?
The April 2022 updated PPE regulations extent duties to provide PPE from employees to include Limb workers. Limb workers are those who have a more causal employment relationship that employees.
If you employ limb workers, you are now responsible for their PPE and related training.
Limb workers can be tricky to define. If in doubt you may need legal advice.