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WorkSafeBC

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Types of PPE

Eye and Face Protection | Fall Protection | Foot Protection | Hand Protection | Head Protection | Hearing Protection | High Visibility Apparel | Limb and Body Protection | Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) | Respiratory Protection

Eye and Face Protection

Look at me (video)

video thumbnail A worker who does not use eye protection while operating a grinder suffers a serious eye injury. (3 min 53 s)
video guide (PDF 252 KB)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Protect Your Eyesight (video)

video thumbnail Dramatic examples showing the level of eye protection provided by regular glasses or any safety goggles compared to ANSI Z87 stamped safety eyewear. (7 min)
Available online or in DVD and VHS formats.
Source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Toolbox Meeting Guide - Eye and face protection (HTML)
Describes requirements for safety eye and face protection in construction.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

In plain sight (PDF 164 KB)
Article describing why employers and workers always need to be aware of potential hazards to eyes. WorkSafe Magazine, May/June 2009.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

The eyes have it (PDF 112 KB)
Article describing what you need to know about eye protection. WorkSafe Magazine, September/October 2005.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Choosing and using prescription safety eyewear (PDF 96 KB)
Article desribing what you need to know about eye protection. WorkSafe Magazine, November/December 2003.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Posters

The following posters are available for purchase from WorkSafeBCStore.com. Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Safety Glasses and Face Protectors (HTML)
Information about safety glasses and face protectors presented in a question-and-answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Contact Lenses at Work (HTML)
Information about using contact lenses in the workplace.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Guideline for the Use of Contact Lenses in Industry (PDF 96 KB)
Information to help determine if wearing contact lenses in the workplace is a hazard.
Source: WORK SAFE, Alberta

Clarifying Requirements Applicable to Prescription Safety Eyewear (PDF 87 KB)
Information bulletin on whether prescription eyewear meets regulatory standards for safety eyewear.
Source: WORK SAFE, Alberta

Selection of Eye and Face Protection (PDF 100 KB)
This document describes the different types of eye and face hazards and the type of protection to use.
Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of New Brunswick

Eye and Face Protection (PDF 77 KB)
Workers exposed to hazards such as flying objects and particles, splashing liquids, molten metal, and various types of radiation may be at risk of serious face or eye injuries.
Source: Workplace Safety & Health Division Manitoba Labour and Immigration

Eye Protection Posters and Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

Eye and Face Protection eTool - Selecting PPE for the Workplace (HTML)
This web site describes the appropriate personal protective equipment to wear for the different types of hazards that can exist for the eyes and face in the workplace.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Eye Safety (HTML)
Web site that describes the types of eye injuries that can occur in the workplace.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Eye Safety Checklist (HTML)
Checklist to help prevent eye injuries in the workplace.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Ten Ways to Prevent Eye Injuries at Work (HTML)
Web site describing ten ways that can help you prevent an eye injury at work.
Source: Prevent Blindness America

Toolbox Talk - Eye & Face Protection (PDF 68 KB)
Bulletin describing potential eye injuries and the types of protection you can use to protect yourself.
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM

Fall Protection

Fall Protection (video)

video thumbnail Fall Protection highlights the need for fall protection systems in the workplace. With dramatic footage of accidents and computer animation, this video outlines the steps to develop safe practices when working from heights. (11 min 42s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Fall Protection - Training (video)

video thumbnail A new take on the ABC's of Fall Protection from SnugHarness.com. (5 min 25s)
Source: SafetyFrank's Channel, YouTube

How To Put On A Safety Harness (video)

video thumbnail Video showing how to put on a safety harness. (4 min 51s)
Source: SafetyFrank's Channel, YouTube
Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Toolbox Meeting Guides (HTML)space
These guides include information on specific construction safety topics to help conduct effective toolbox talks.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment BK60 (PDF 545 KB) (Updated: September 2005) space
This booklet outlines the safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, including safety belts, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

High stakes (PDF 570 KB) space
Article describing why you should take fall protection seriously. WorkSafe Magazine January/February 2008.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Harnessing safety (PDF 151 KB) space
This article from the January/February 2008 issue of WorkSafe Magazine outlines choosing, inspecting, and using a full body harness.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

On top of their work (PDF 374 KB)
Article describing some of the causal factors that contribute to falls from elevation. WorkSafe Magazine, November/December 2006
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Fall protection basics (PDF 123 KB)
Article describing the hierarchy of fall protection and the steps to take to protect workers from injury as a result of a fall. WorkSafe Magazine, January/February 2005
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

New apparatus protects workers from falls (PDF 280 KB)
Article describing a fall protection system for use when working atop a shipping container. WorkSafe Magazine, October 2003
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Fall protection initiatives get high marks (PDF 124 KB)
Article describing a new tool that can help protect workers working on a roof. WorkSafe Magazine, July/August 2003
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Protecting workers from elevated risks (PDF 138 KB)
Article describing methods of fall protection. WorkSafe Magazine, July/August 2001
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Working at Heights in the Live Production Industry in B.C. (PDF 1 MB)
This manual will help those that work in the performing arts understand the WorkSafeBC requirements and industry safe work practices for working at heights.
Source: SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment


Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of New Brunswick

OSH Answers: Safety Belts, Harnesses, and Lanyards (HTML) space
Information about safety belts, harnesses, and lanyards presented in a question-and-answer format.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), US

OSHA Technical Links: Fall Protection (HTML) space
List of "technical links" to internal and external online resources.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), US

MSHA - Equipment Safety Alert - Miller BackBiter Lanyard (PDF 1.4 MB) space
Bulletin describing a safety issue with Miller BackBiter lanyards.
Source: MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration), US

Toolbox Talk - What is a Safety Belt or "Fall Arrest System"? (PDF 69 KB)
Bulletin describing what a safety belt is and when it should be worn.
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM

Foot Protection

Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Safety Footwear (HTML)
Information about safety footwear presented in a question-and-answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Foot Comfort and Safety at Work (HTML)
Information about keeping your feet comfortable and safe in the workplace.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Protective Footwear (PDF 87 KB)
Information about safety footwear presented in a question-and-answer format.
Source: Workplace Safety and Health Division (Manitoba)

Putting Your Best Foot Forward (PDF 87 KB)
Simple steps for improved foot safety.
Source: Workplace Safety and Health Division (Manitoba)

Foot Protection Posters and Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

Toolbox Talk - Foot & Leg Protection
Toolbox talks describing when and where foot and leg protection should be worn.
Foot & Leg Protection I (PDF 67 KB)
Foot & Leg Protection II (PDF 69 KB)
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM

Safety@Work Creative Awards 2008 - The Cleaner (video)

video thumbnail Bronze Award winning animation entry from students of Nanyang Polytechnic. (1 min 16s)
Source: ShineAtWork's Channel, YouTube

Hand Protection

Personal Protective Equipment Information Sheets - Hand Protection
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain personal protective equipment.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Washing Hands Saves Lives (Slideshow)
Corrina Hellens, Occupational Health Nurse, demonstrates how to wash your hands properly to prevent the spread of infection in this slideshow (2 min 29 s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Posters

Wash your hands
This poster is a quick reminder about the importance of washing your hands to help prevent the spread of infectious disease.
* PDF (866 KB) (English - brown colour)
* PDF (2 MB) (English - red colour)
* PDF (204 KB) (English - purple colour)
* PDF (124 KB) iLávese las Manos (Spanish)

*That's gotta hurt - Get help and use oven mitts (PDF 495 KB)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Dealing with "Latex Allergies" at Work BK2 (PDF (550 KB)
Describes what latex allergy is, who is at risk, and how you can protect yourself from latex allergy. Updated: December 2005
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Chemical Protective Clothing - Glove Selection (HTML)
Information presented in a question and answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Worksafe Bulletin - Protective gloves (PDF 133KB)
Guidelines to help employers and workers select the appropriate hand protection for all hazards in their work environment.
Source: Workplace Safety and Health Division (Manitoba)

Gloves (PDF 37KB)
Describes the different types of protective gloves.
Source: ESAO (Education Safety Association Ontario)

Hand Protection Posters and Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace (PDF 390 KB)
Describes six case reports of workers who developed latex allergy. The document also presents NIOSH recommendations for minimizing latex-related health problems in workers while protecting them from infectious materials.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Toolbox Talk - Hand & Arm Safety (PDF 69 KB)
Bulletin describing the potential hazards to your hands and the different types of gloves you can use to protect yourself.
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM

Head Protection

Head case (PDF 161 KB)

"So you think you know everything about hard hat safety? Think again. Wearing the right one - all the time - will let you do just that."
Source: WorkSafe Magazine, November/December 2009 WorkSafeBC

Know your hard hat (PDF 78 KB)

Article from WorkSafe Magazine showing the key components of a hard hat and how to use them safely.
Source: WorkSafe Magazine, January/February 2006 WorkSafeBC

2009 WorkSafeBC student video contest: Bricks Happen (video)

video thumbnail 2009 WorkSafeBC student video contest: Honourable Mention (Grades 11-12) - Templeton Secondary, Vancouver (0 min 39 s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

2007 Video Contest - Put a Lid on Your Melon (Honourable Mention) (video)

video thumbnail 2007 WorkSafeBC student video contest - Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School (0 min 48 s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Care of Headwear (HTML)
Information presented in a question and answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Protective Headwear and Turbans (PDF 153 KB)
Bulletin on approaches to complying with the protective headwear requirements or how to change the circumstances of the work to avoid the need for such headwear.
Source: WORK SAFE, Alberta

Protective Headwear on Construction Sites (PDF 58 KB)
Bulletin describing the different types of protective headwear.
Source: SAFE Work, Manitoba

Head Protection Posters and Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

Toolbox Talk - Head Protection (PDF 70 KB)
Bulletin describing the different types of hard hats and the situations where you need to wear one.
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM

All about Head Protection (HTML)
This web site provides many articles relating to hard hats and how to use them safely.
Source: Texas America Safety Company

Safety@Work Creative Awards 2008 - Falling Bricks (video)

video thumbnail Commendation Award for animation work from students of Nanyang Polytechnic Singapore. (0 min 36s)
Source: ShineAtWork's Channel, YouTube

Hearing Protection

Personal Protective Equipment Information Sheets - Hearing Protection (HTML)
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain hearing protection.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

How Loud Is It?
A series of handouts listing typical noise exposures in a variety of industries, as well as off the job noise levels.
* Construction (PDF 57 KB)
* Fishing (PDF 112 KB)
* General (PDF 66 KB)
* Logging (PDF 71 KB)
* Municipalities (PDF 80 KB)
* Off the Job (PDF 108 KB)
* Public Schools (PDF 64 KB)
* Pulp Mills (PDF 76 KB)
* Sawmills (PDF 111 KB)
* Ship Building (PDF 61 KB)
* Waste Management (PDF 95 KB)

Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Toolbox Meeting Guides - Hearing Protection
These guides include information on specific construction safety topics to help conduct effective toolbox talks.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

The Hearing Video (video)

video thumbnail The Hearing Video uses vintage films, computer animation, and noise-defying stunts to demonstrate how your ears work and the effects of hazardous noise on your hearing. The video also demonstrates the proper use and maintenance of hearing protection and how to choose the right protection for you. (17 min 29 s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Fitting Foam Earplugs (video)

video thumbnail Video showing how to fit foam earplugs. (5 min 23s)
Source: Aearoweb channel, YouTube
Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Loss Prevention Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Selecting hearing protection (PDF 625 KB) space
This document explains the criteria by which employers should select hearing protection devices for their workers.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Protection is for Everyone! (PDF 57 KB)
Explains why everyone should be aware of protecting their hearing and using hearing protection devices.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Protection - What Do I Really Need to Know? (PDF 77 KB)
Basic hearing protection question and answer sheet.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Protection (selection criteria) (PDF 55 KB)space
This document explains the criteria by which employers should select hearing protection devices for their workers.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Protection Program Checklist (PDF 59 KB) space
A safety program checklist for use in the workplace.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Specialty Hearing Protectors (PDF 50 KB) space
A list of hearing protection devices designed to enhance listening while providing effective noise reduction (attenuation).
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Uniform (flat) Attenuation Earplugs (PDF 74 KB) space
Appropriate hearing protection for noise-exposed workers in industries where accurate communication is important for safety or job performance.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hearing Protectors
Information in question-and-answer format on how to protect your hearing at work.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Hearing Protection Posters and Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

Myth: Health and safety laws mean concert-goers have to wear earplugs (HTML)
Going to noisy concerts is an personal choice. The laws are there to protect people who have to work in loud places.
Source: HSE (Health and Safety Executive) UK

Visit the hearing loss prevention web pages for more information.

High Visibility Apparel

WCB Standard: PPE 2 High Visibility Garment - Personal Protective Equipment Standard 2
This standard outlines the minimum requirements for three types of high visibility garments acceptable to the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters

Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Safety Apparel Technical Circular (PDF 144 KB)
Bulletin on Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways - SAFETY APPAREL AND TRAFFIC CONTROL RETRO-REFLECTIVITY SPECIFICATIONS
Source: BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA)

Safety@Work Creative Award-"Dance,Take The Lead (video)

video thumbnail Commendation Award for animation work from students of Nanyang Polytechnic Singapore. (1 min 06s)
Source: ShineAtWork's Channel, YouTube

Limb and Body Protection

Personal Protective Equipment Information Sheets - Leg Protection (HTML)
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain personal protective equipment.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

WCB Standard PPE 1 - 1997 Leg Protective Devices (Amended January 2008) (HTML)
This standard provides specifications and performance criteria for leg protection for a worker using a chain saw.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Appropriate Workwear for Flash Fire and Explosion Hazards (PDF 91 KB)
Bulletin describing work areas where you may need to wear fire retardant (FR) clothing and the characteristics to look for when selecting FR clothing.
Source: WORK SAFE, Alberta

Worker Dies When Caught in Lathe (PDF 48 KB)
Hazard alert describing an accident where a worker's coveralls became entangled on a bolt protruding from the revolving shaft on a lathe.
Source: WorkSafeNB, New Brunswick

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Personal Protective Equipment Information Sheets
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain personal protective equipment. Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
Hazard Alert Posters
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Don't take a deadly plunge (PDF 129 KB)
Article describing how your body responds to sudden and unexpected immersion in cold water. WorkSafe Magazine, December 2005
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Lifejackets & PFDs (HTML)
Information about lifejackets and personal flotation devices from Transport Canada
Source: Transport Canada

Loading lobster traps on fishing vessel (PDF 72 KB)
Hazard alert about a fisher who was not wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and was caught in the trap rope lines and pulled overboard.
Source: Dept of Environment and Labour, Nova Scotia

Respiratory Protection

Personal Protective Equipment Information Sheets - Respiratory Protection
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain respiratory protection.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Toolbox Meeting Guides
These guides include information on specific construction safety topics to help conduct effective toolbox talks. Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Hazard Alert Posters and WorkSafe Bulletins
  • WS 07-03 Exposure to flour dust at work can cause asthma
  • WS 06-03 No warning with deadly lack of oxygen in air
  • 2005111810047 Respirator feature may allow ambient air mode in a hazardous atmosphere
  • Hazard Alert 99-02 MSA Ultra Elite(r) SCBA facepiece - Install corrective valve stem guard
  • Hazard Alert 0689 Entry into confined spaces
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Caring for your respirator (PDF 334 KB)
Article describing how to care and maintain a respirator. WorkSafe Magazine, May/June 2007
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Protecting workers from breathing hazards (PDF 104 KB)
Article describing some breathing hazards and the types of protection to use. WorkSafe Magazine, May/June 2001
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Breathe Safer: How to use respirators safely and start a respirator program (PDF 3.4 MB) updated
This manual helps explain the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and is a tool to help you work safely in workplaces where there are breathing hazards.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Updated: October 2011

Practice Education Guidelines for BC, Respiratory Mask Fit-Testing (PDF 64 KB)
"Students or on site faculty are not permitted to observe or in any way provide care or service to clients with suspected, known or probable cases of TB, SARS, or other similar acute respiratory infections unless they have been properly fitted for a respiratory mask and educated on its use."
Source: PHSA (Provincial Health Services Authority)

Respirator Selection (HTML)
This document describes how respiratory hazards are controlled, what you should know before selecting a respirator, the different types of respirators, and how to select the right respirator.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Respirator Care (HTML)
This document provides checklists for caring for respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Pandemic Planning - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (HTML)
Information on the effectiveness of masks as a means of protection from viruses and the different types of masks you can use.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Medical Assessment of Fitness to Wear a Respirator (PDF 138 KB)
A medical guideline is designed to help physicians and other occupational health and safety professionals determine if a worker is medically fit to use a respirator.
Source: WORK SAFE, Alberta

Respiratory Protection and Biological Materials (PDF 49 KB)
This bulletin describes how to control the hazard of exposure to infectious disease.
Source: SAFE Work, Manitoba

Respiratory Protection Information Sheets

Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of New Brunswick

Respirators - Maintenance (PDF 48 KB)
Bulletin describing how to maintain your respirator.
Source: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador

NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic 2004 (PDF 502 KB)
This guide helps respirator program administrators on respirator selection that incorporates the changes necessitated by the revisions to the respirator use and certification regulations.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Respirator Training (video)

video thumbnail Proper training and use of respirators are particularly important when dealing with patient infected with TB or during a pandemic. For more info, visit OSHA Healthcare Advisor. (1 min 43s)
Source: ESHCPro's Channel, YouTube

The Difference Between Respirators and Surgical Masks (video)

video thumbnail A and that's an important distinction for you and your employer to understand. Video reviewing the significant differences between a surgical mask and a respirator. (5 min 36s)
Source: US Department of Labor's Channel, YouTube

How To Put On Surgical Mask "Correctly" (video)

video thumbnail Video demonstrating the "correct" way to put on a surgical mask to protect against the swine flu. (1 min 43s)
Source: Politics News Politic's Channel, YouTube

Toolbox Talk - Respiratory Protection (PDF 68 KB)
Bulletin describing the different types of respirators.
Source: SAFETY.CAT.COM



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