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NJ CAR Safety Tip- Personal Protective Equipment

Oct 07, 2016

NJ CAR is committed to helping dealers develop a workplace safety culture that becomes second nature. Don’t wait until an accident happens to focus on safety. You can reduce the chance of injury and protect your bottom line with simple, common-sense changes.

When employees take the time to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), many of the common injuries that occur in a dealership can be prevented. Several different types of PPE are available and, in some situations, a certain type and use is a regulatory requirement.

EYEWEAR SAFETY

Types: Safety glasses, safety & dust goggles, chemical splash goggles, chemical face shield, welders’ goggles and welders’ shield.

Eye Protection is required when:

•Working under a vehicle.•Using or working near a grinder. •Handling or working on batteries.•Working on brake jobs or lathing. •Using pneumatic tools.•Working on a tire change or balancing.•Using springs, press or honing machines.•Using other machines where small solid matter can become a projectile.•Welding.

Goggles are typically required when:

Using any hazardous chemicals in which there is a splash hazard or where required under Section 8 of a manufacturers safety data sheet for a chemical. (Examples include but are not limited to spraying brake cleaner or when using other lubricants, wire wheel acid, battery acid, parts washer, dry sanding or whenever fine particulates are created that can hurt or irritate the eyes.)

Face Shields are used as:

•Additional protection from chemical splashes, flying particles and debrisEach PPE above must comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards or any other safety rating adopted and required by OSHA regulation (Review 29 CFR 1910.133).

PROTECTIVE GLOVES

Types:

Thick Rubber gloves. Use with parts washer and chemical handling and when handling/servicing batteries.•Thin Nitrile gloves. Best protection provided for oil changes, brake cleaner, gasoline, antifreeze, and lubricants. •Leather Gloves with cuffs. Use when welding/cutting/material handling.

Again always refer to a chemicals’ Safety Data Sheet Section 8, if unsure whether protective gloves are needed and what type (Review 29 CFR 1910.138).

PROPER FOOTWEAR

Types: Dependable well-made work boots with slip resistant heel, solid soles, ankle support, and crush proof toe box [Review ANSI & American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Z41-1991]. Sneakers and any other light walking shoe are dangerous in a shop environment and should never be worn (Reference 39 CFE 1910.136 for additional information).

HEARING PROTECTION

Employees should use properly-rated hearing protection depending on decibels created by tools, as well as the shop environment (Review 29 CFR 1910.95). Hearing protection must be used when operating an air chisel, air gun or grinding machine. Refer to the manufacturer’s safety specifications for guidance on recommended hearing protection.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Types: Respirators [Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved] and dust/face masks.

Respirators are mandatory when conducting body work, painting, or when toxic chemical fumes or dust is present. (Review 29 CFR 1910.134). Refer to safety data sheet when working with chemicals for PPE when spraying or sanding applied chemical.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

This list is not exhaustive. Employees should assess every situation to identify when to use personal protective equipment.

Start tasks with the following mindset:

•Is there a chance of serious injury that could arise from what I am about to do? •What protective equipment or information must be used to protect myself and others from harm?