STOP follows a hierarchy of control. For carcinogens, a step down in the hierarchy is only allowed when technical limitations prevent you from eliminating exposure entirely. Here we will focus on P for personal protection. Please consider S, T and O before P. Also note that a combination of measures can be used.

Sometimes substitution is not possible and technical and organisational measures are not sufficient to reduce exposure levels. Then you need to use personal protection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps to keep carcinogens away from lungs, skin and eyes. PPE can only be used as supplemental to measures higher up in the hierarchy and considered to be a last resort.

PPE is any equipment designed and manufactured to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety.

What should be considered when selecting PPE:

• The hazard properties of the carcinogens present at the workplace
• The information on PPE available on safety data sheets
• The results of the workplace risk assessment
• Worker’s individual features, e.g. body height, shoe size

Using the appropriate PPE for the carcinogens present at the workplace is essential. Keep in mind that often more than one PPE is required.

Selecting the appropriate PPE

Basic guidelines

Employers must guarantee that PPE are suitable to reduce the occupational risks involved, considering the nature, frequency, and duration of exposure. In doing that they need to consider the adequate protection factor and the potential increase in other occupational risks.

PPE should properly fit the intended user in order to be effective (be aware that facial hair may compromise a proper fit and function). Ergonomics and worker’s allergies (e.g. latex) should also be taken into account. Furthermore, you need to consider under which conditions they will be used, so to decide in accordance.

Make sure to involve your workers when choosing the most adequate PPE. Comfortable and well fitted PPE will make it easier for workers to use them.

PPE need to bear a CE marking to indicate that they are in accordance with EU legislation.

Employers need to make sure that workers are made aware of which personal protection they need to use in each of their tasks, and how to use them properly.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

In working areas where the use of PPE is required you need to ensure that:

• Separate storage places are provided for working or protective clothing and for street clothes
• Protective equipment should be checked and cleaned after each use and properly stored in a well-defined place
• Defective equipment is repaired or replaced before further use
• If PPE are to be reused they should be easy to clean and/or disinfect

Internal policies should establish the procedures that workers have to comply regarding the protective equipment they need, namely on how to correctly use, clean, maintain and store it.

Specify the PPE

The results of the workplace risk assessment and worker’s instructions need to clearly state which PPE are to be used by workers for each task, which means clearly indicating the level of protection of each PPE and their technical specifications. It is not enough to vaguely mention that e.g. gloves are to be used in a given task, it needs to mention the type of glove that are to be used.

 Practical advice

• Make sure single use PPE is not reused
• Keep the different types of PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) to a minimum to increase compliance – a colour-coded system can be used
• Make sure PPE properly fit each worker’s size – loose PPE might increase the risk of exposure and accidents, e.g. if there are rotating parts in the machinery
• Working with PPE (e.g. respiratory protection) might be demanding and stressful for workers – consider different solutions when selecting the appropriate PPE (e.g. use of powered air-purifying respirator  instead of filter masks)
• The material composition and weight of PPE should also be taken into account during the selection process (e.g. prefer natural fibres, avoid heavy working boots)
• When removing the PPE follow the proper procedures to prevent contamination – i.e. how to correctly remove it, in which order and how to store it (e.g. remove protective clothing before removing the respiratory protective equipment (RPE), store the RPE above the clothing and with the opening facing downwards).
• In general, PPE should not be taken home – be aware that contaminated PPE (e.g. clothes, boots) could potentially harm your family members
• The final cost of PPE includes not only the purchase price, but also the number of times it will need to be replaced
• Consider wearing cotton gloves under protective gloves to reduce transpiration, if necessary
• And remember, one size does not fit all workers!