Page 34 - Occupational Health & Safety, March 2018

PROTECTIVE APPAREL
best for them. If you are unable to conduct a wear trial or want to narrow the selection down before reaching out to a manufacturer, a few fairly consistent factors can help you identify products that are likely to be the most comfortable.
One of the primary factors that contribute to comfort is fit. PPE that is too loose or too tight is likely to be uncomfortable and, in some cases, even can endanger the wearer by failing to provide ef- fective protection. To ensure the best fit possible, consider the indi- vidual needs of the various employees who will be using the PPE. When choosing products for female workers, look for styles devel- oped specifically for women. And if employees do not fit into stock sizes, work with a manufacturer that offers customization options.
The materials PPE is made from also have a major influence on comfort. For example, stiff materials that restrict the wearer’s movement will negatively impact comfort, as will materials that feel itchy or rough. Additionally, moisture management can affect comfort. As workers perspire, their workwear can become damp, causing it to grow heavy, change shape, and stick to their skin—all of which cause discomfort. Look for PPE products that wick mois- ture and dry quickly to help combat this problem. Closely related to moisture management is breathability. Breathable materials help to regulate temperature by allowing air and moisture to pass through them more easily. In cold weather conditions, breathable PPE keeps the skin dry, helping to prevent wearers from getting chilled. In warm weather conditions, breathable PPE allows body
heat to escape, helping to prevent overheating.
As you work to identify the most comfortable PPE for your
work environment, be sure to consider the types of work being per- formed, the environment the work is performed in, and, of course, the hazards that may be present.
Convenience Is Key
Even if PPE is relatively comfortable, employees may still choose to forgo protection in favor of convenience. If putting on the ap- propriate PPE is time consuming and cumbersome, the temptation to skip it becomes much stronger.
Let’s go back to the example of employees working in a labora- tory where a separate chemical-barrier apron must be worn over their lab coats. If, in addition to the challenge of remembering to put on the aprons, the employees also had to walk into a different room to get them, the combined discomfort of the stiff aprons and in- convenience of wearing them would be a recipe for noncompliance.
Fortunately, in this particular scenario, as well as many others, resolving the issue is as simple as taking advantage of new prod- uct innovations. New lab coats offering chemical-splash protection (CP) are now available, eliminating the need to put on two separate protective garments. Furthermore, these lightweight, breathable lab coats are significantly more comfortable than chemical-barrier aprons and disposable protective lab coats.
Whether it is accomplished by implementing new products
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Circle 8 on card.