Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
AERB/SG/IS-3
GUIDELINES NO. AERB/SG/IS-3
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
January 2004
Price:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) constituted by the Government of India
vide Statutory Order No. 4772 dated November 15, 1983 was entrusted with the
responsibility of enforcing safety and regulatory functions envisaged under the Atomic
Energy Act, 1962. AERB is responsible for enforcing safety in all atomic energy related
activities within India as well as for enforcing the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948
in all units of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). In discharging these
responsibilities, AERB has been drawing up codes, guides, standards and manuals to
facilitate the concerned organisations in implementing the necessary safety regulations.
No. Title
PPE-1 Helmets.
PPE-2 Safety Footwear.
PPE-3 Respiratory Protective Equipment.
PPE-4 Arm and Hand Protection.
PPE-5 Eye and Face Protection.
PPE-6 Protective Clothing and Coverall.
PPE-7 Ear Protection.
PPE-8 Safety Belts and Harnesses.
The relevant standards of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have been extensively
used in preparation of the document. It also takes into account the statutory requirements
as laid down in the Factories Act, 1948 and the Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, 1996.
This document has been prepared initially by Dr. R.K. Kapoor, Former Head, Industrial
Safety Group, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Subsequently it was reviewed
by the staff of Industrial Plants Safety Division of AERB, by Shri K. S. Somayaji, Former
Head, Industrial Hygiene and Safety Section, Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre and by other professionals. AERB thanks all individuals who helped
in its drafting and finalisation.
(Suhas P. Sukhatme)
Chairman AERB
i
DEFINITIONS
Ageing
Competent Authority
Contamination
Inspection
Luminous Transmittance
The ratio of the transmitted luminous flux to that of the incident luminous flux.
Quality
The totality of features and characteristics of an item or service that have the ability to
satisfy stated or implied needs.
ii
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.................................................................................................................... i
DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................. ii
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 1
1.1 General.................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Quality of PPE......................................................................................... 1
1.3 Selection of PPE...................................................................................... 1
1.4 Proper Use of PPE.................................................................................. 2
1.5 Categories of PPE................................................................................... 3
2. HEAD PROTECTION........................................................................................ 4
2.1 General..................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Types of Safety Helmets....................................................................... 4
2.3 Care of Helmets...................................................................................... 5
2.4 Specifications for Helmets.................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Crash Helmets (IS: 4151-1993): ............................................................ 5
2.4.2 Industrial Safety Helmets (IS: 2925-1984): ......................................... 7
2.4.3 Firemen’s Helmets (IS: 2745-1983): ...................................................... 8
6. BODY PROTECTION....................................................................................... 36
6.1 General.................................................................................................... 36
6.2 Protection Against Heat and Hot Metal............................................ 36
6.3 Protection Against Impact and Cuts.................................................. 38
6.4 Protection against Exposure to Toxic Materials............................... 38
6.5 Care of Body Protection Equipment................................................... 39
6.6 Specifications for Different Types of Body
Protection Equipment........................................................................... 39
6.6.1 Flame/Heat Resistant Suits.................................................................. 39
6.6.2 Suits for Radiation Protection............................................................. 43
6.6.3 Chemical Resistant Suits...................................................................... 44
6.6.4 Lead Rubber Aprons for X-rays......................................................... 46
8. EAR PROTECTION.......................................................................................... 52
8.1 General.................................................................................................... 52
8.2 Amount of Attenuation....................................................................... 53
8.3 Care of Ear Protectors........................................................................... 53
8.4 Tests for Ear Protectors........................................................................ 53
8.5 Audiometric Testing............................................................................. 54
8.6 Specifications for Ear Protection Equipment.................................... 54
BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................... 93
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................. 99
1.1 General
The primary approach in any safety effort is that the hazard to the workmen
should be eliminated or controlled by engineering methods rather than
protecting the workmen through use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Engineering methods could include design change, substitution, ventilation,
mechanical handling, automation, etc. In situations where it is not possible to
introduce any effective engineering methods for controlling hazards, the
workman shall use appropriate types of PPE. For example, in construction
work there is the possibility of a hand tool, a bolt, or some loose material to fall
from an elevated level and strike the head of workman below. It is therefore
necessary that the construction worker wears a safety helmet. It is for such
situations, both the Factories Act, 1948 and the Atomic Energy (Factories)
Rules, 1996 have provisions for use of appropriate type of PPE.
PPE must meet the following criteria with regard to its quality:
(i) provide absolute and full protection against possible hazard; and
1
l expected activity of workman and duration of work,
Having selected the proper type of PPE, it is essential that the workman wears
it. Often the workman avoids using PPE. The following factors influence the
solution to this problem:
l the ease and comfort with which PPE can be worn with least interference
in normal work procedures, and
The best solution to this problem is to make ‘wearing of PPE’ mandatory for
every employee. At other places, education and supervision need to be
intensified. When a group of workmen are issued PPE for the first time, clear
and reasonable instructions shall be given to them as to why PPE must be
worn.
2
As an added incentive to wearing PPE, some organisations sponsor
‘recognition awards’ for those protected from injury on account of wearing
PPE. ‘Behaviour Analysis’ of workmen can be carried out to encourage them
to wear PPE. An example of such an analysis is given in Annexure-I.
Depending upon the nature of hazard, the PPE is broadly divided into the
following two categories:
(i) non-respiratory: those used for protection against injury from outside
the body, i.e. for protecting the head, eye, face, hand, arm, foot, leg and
other body parts, and
(ii) respiratory: those used for protection from harm due to inhalation of
contaminated air.
The applicable BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) standards for different types
of PPE are given in bibligraphy.
3
2. HEAD PROTECTION
2.1 General
Brimmed types of helmets provide an added protection to the neck, face and
head. In situations where the worker has to operate in crowded space, the brim
may be considered as a nuisance. In such situations a satisfactory compromise
is achieved by providing a peak to brimless type of hard hats.
The above referred types of helmets have been further broken down into four
classes:
4
The materials used in head protection PPE for protection against different
types of hazards are given in Annexure-II. Materials used in the construction
of Class A and Class B helmet shells should be water resistant and slow
burning, while in Class D helmets they shall be fire resistant and non-conductor
of electricity.
The thinnest section of Class A and B helmet shells should not burn at a rate
greater than 7.5 cm per minute.
After a 24-hour immersion test, water absorption of the shell should not be
more than 5 per cent for class A and D and 0.5 per cent for class B.
Before every use, helmets should be inspected for cracks, dents or any rough
treatment. Once damaged, the helmet should be discarded. Particular attention
should be paid to the condition of the suspension because of the important
part it plays in absorbing the shock of a blow. Look for loose or torn cradle
straps, broken sewing lines, loose rivets, defective lugs and other defects.
The sweatband and cradle inside the hat should be easily detachable to allow
for cleansing and replacement. Cleansing should be done at least once a
month by washing in warm soapy water or any other detergent and then
rinsing it thoroughly.
Specifications and other details for helmets used for scooter and motorcycle
riding (crash helmets) are drawn from IS: 4151-1993. Some of the salient features
are given below:
5
(i) Material:
Shell: non-metallic.
(ii) Size:
Circumferences inside headbands are 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560,
570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640 mm.
(iii) Type:
l Shell.
l Headband.
l Anti-concussion tapes.
(v) Marking:
l size,
l type,
l ISI marking.
(vi) Mass:
800 g (maximum)
6
(vii) Test and Performance requirements:
(i) Material:
Shell: non-metallic.
(ii) Size:
l Anti-concussion tapes.
l Chin strap.
(iv) Marking:
l size,
l year of manufacture.
7
(v) Mass:
400 g (maximum)
(i) Material:
Fibreglass
(ii) Size:
Circumference inside headbands are 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590,
610, 620 mm.
8
(iv) Marking:
l Size
l ISI marking
(v) Mass:
9
3. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
3.1 General
In some operations it is necessary to choose PPE that will cover the entire face
to protect against mechanical injury, chemicals, rays etc. A comprehensive
list of operations, which require eye and face protection, is given in Annexure-
III. Various types of PPE used for eye and face protection are given in Annexure-
IV. Eyes can be injured from dust, flying particles, harmful radiation, accidental
splashes of chemicals, etc. Face-shields are required particularly while handling
chemicals, but are not recommended as basic eye protection against impact.
Face-shields must be used in combination with basic eye protection to guard
against impact.
Welding and cutting, foundry work, glass furnace works expose the eyes to
harmful radiation. Welder’s helmets guard against splashing of molten metals
and from radiation produced by welding operation. These helmets are made of
materials that provide insulation against heat and electricity and do not readily
burn. The shield of these helmets should cover the face sufficiently far on
each side so that the ears are also protected. Generally, the helmet’s window,
for seeing through, is designed to accommodate correct filter. It is advisable
to use a disposable cover glass in front of the filter lens to protect it from
pitting and other damage. This cover glass should be replaced whenever its
surface gets scratch marks as they hinder the view. Hand-held face-shields are
also used for welding operations or for observing welding process.
Wire mesh screen guard consists of woven metal gauge support in front of the
face and incorporates a transparent lens in front of the eyes. These are
designed to provide protection to the face against flying particles and spray
of hazardous liquids. The wire screen provides much better ventilation in hot
and humid operations, thus reducing the possibility of fogging.
Hoods also protect the face and eyes and are used in operations involving
handling of highly caustic chemicals or exposure to excessive heat, such as in
fire fighting operations. Hoods are made of material impervious to chemicals
and a window in front of the hood allows the wearer to see through.
For protection of face and eyes from heavy flying particles, face-shield of
plastic can be used. Plastic should be non-flammable with the surface resistant
to scratches during normal usage. It should not give distorted vision and
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should be heavy enough to resist warping due to impact, daily wear and
temperature and moisture conditions. Face-shields are generally suspended
from a headband and may be hinged so that they can be raised or lowered
when desired.
l safety goggles,
l safety clip-ons.
The following types of PPE provide protection to both eyes and face:
l eye shield,
l face-shield, and
Contact lenses should never be considered a replacement for safe PPE for the
eye. In fact, contact lenses have resulted in blindness/permanent impairment
of workers because of corrosive chemicals or small particles penetrating the
space between their contact lens and eyes. Such incidents prompted the
American Society for the Prevention of Blindness to issue a statement that
contact lenses have no place in the industrial environment.
Hardened glass lenses for eyes are no substitute for safety lens as they are
only 2 mm thick, instead of being 3 mm for safety lenses. If corrective lenses
are required, it is preferable to incorporate the correction in the goggle lenses.
Alternatively, goggles, which cover ordinary spectacles, may be worn, but
the cups of goggles should be wide enough to cover the complete spectacle.
Welding helmets provide head and face protection during welding operation.
Eyes need additional protection against the radiation emitted during welding.
Radiation is emitted in all the three spectral bands [viz. ultraviolet (UV), visible
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(V), infrared (IR)]. Depending upon the flux used and the size and temperature
of the pool of melted metal, the welding process emits visible and infrared
radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is emitted along with V and IR radiation during
heavy gas welding and cutting operations and in arc cutting and welding
exceeding 30 amperes.
For protection against this radiation, one has to use filter lenses of appropriate
shade. These lenses are available in 16 different shades. Transmittance
characteristics of these shades in the three spectral bands are given in
Annexure-V. This Indian Standard helps to select the right type of shade for
different types of welding operations.
To protect against pitting, the protective lens should be worn with a replaceable
plastic or cover plate.
Both spectacles and goggles are available for protection against nearly all the
known lasers. Because the eye wear has maximum attenuation at specific laser
wavelength, with protection decreasing rapidly at other wavelengths, one has
to use the right type of eye wear for specific laser wavelength. That is why the
laser protective spectacles should specify the wavelength to which it provides
protection. Optical density should be shown on filter and the frames of
spectacles should be distinctively coloured for identification of wavelength
to which it provides protection.
A worker using lasers need to be extra careful as no single type of glass offers
protection from all laser wavelengths. Laser goggles, hence, might give a false
sense of security, tempting the wearer to expose himself to unnecessary
hazards. In fact, most firms do not depend upon safety glasses to protect their
employee’s eyes from laser burns. There should be the assurance that laser
goggles designed for protection from specific laser wavelength are not
mistakenly used with different wavelengths of laser radiation.
12
The laser safety glasses should be evaluated periodically to make sure that
adequate optical density is maintained at desired wavelength. This is
particularly important as laser safety glasses exposed to very intense energy
or power levels may lose effectiveness; these should be discarded promptly.
The following criteria could be adopted to select the brand for eye and face
protection equipment:
l ease of maintenance.
13
l Goggles should not be borrowed or lent unless they have been cleaned
and sterilised.
l Goggles should be kept in a clean case, and not carried loose in the
pocket.
Before sterilising goggles, disassemble them and scrub them thoroughly with
soap water to remove accumulation of dirt or other foreign material. After
being thoroughly cleaned, sterilise them by one of the following methods:
a) immerse for 10 minutes in 2 per cent cresol solution or 3 per cent carbolic
acid solution or 70 per cent denatured alcohol solution,
The headband of these devices shall be of good quality, durable and not less
than 10 mm in width. Other parts or components incorporated in eye protectors
shall be easily adjustable and replaceable.
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3.7.1 Oculars
(a) Dimensions:
B1'
PEAK OF
BEVEL
D
D A
A M
M A1' D
A D
DD - Datum Line
AA1 - Datum Length of Lens
M - Datum Center (Mid-Point of AA’)
BB1 - Mid-Datum Depth of Lens (Measured through M)
15
(b) Optical Requirements:
(f) Transmittance:
16
harmful radiation, i.e. welding filters, ultraviolet filters, infrared filters
or daylight filters
l Be resistant to corrosion.
l All parts are treated to prevent the adherence of molten metal and shall
be resistant to penetration of hot solids.
3.7.3 Tests
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TABLE 3.1: OPTICAL TESTS REQUIRED FOR OCULARS
b ± 0.12 0.12
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TABLE 3.2: TESTS FOR EYE PROTECTORS
Use of Eye Optical Robustness Heat Corrosion Disinfection Transmittance Flame High Molten Chemical Dust Gas and
Protector Stability Resistance Velocity Metal Splashes Vapour
(a) (b) Impact and Solid
General X X X X X X _ X _ _ _ _ _
purpose
High X _ X X X X _ X X _ _ _ _
velocity
impact
Molten
metal X 0 X X X X X X _ X _ _ _
and hot
solids
19
Splashes X 0 X X X X _ X _ _ X _ _
Dust X X X X X X _ X _ _ _ X _
Gases and X 0 X X X X _ X _ _ _ _ _
vapours
Filtering X 0 X X X _ X X 0 0 _ _ _
action
Combination X 0 X X X X 0 X 0 0 0 0 0
as above
X - Mandatory
O - Optional
4. HAND AND ARM PROTECTION
4.1 General
About one-third of the injuries that occur involve hand and arms. Such injuries
occur when the workman has to handle materials with sharp ends, hot metals,
chemicals, corrosive substances, electrical works, etc. Because of apparent
vulnerability of the fingers, hands and arms, the use of PPE for protection of
hand and arm becomes necessary for workers. The portion of hand and arm
exposed to the hazard is to be fully covered with suitable material that provides
adequate protection against the hazard. The hand and arm type of PPE (see
Annexure-VI) could be gloves, wrist gloves, mittens, hand pads, thumb and
finger and sleeve guards, etc. Materials used for hand and arm protection
against different types of hazards are given in Annexure-VII.
4.2 Gloves
In situations where gloves are used to protect workers’ hands from chemical
solutions, the gloves should be long enough to extend well above the wrist,
but so designed that there is no flaring cuff which might trap any splashes and
introduce the liquid into the glove. It should fit tightly around the forearm. It
is advisable for the sleeves to be worn outside the glove cuff.
Electric line repairers working around energised high voltage should use
specially made and tested rubber gloves. This glove may be worn under a
heavy leather outer glove to safeguard from cuts, abrasions and wire
punctures. Regular testing and inspection of the gloves is absolutely essential
and gloves failing to meet the original specifications should be discarded
promptly. Gloves, hand pads and mittens which are reinforced with metal
staples should not be used in and around operations involving electrical
apparatus. Rubber gloves should not be used for handling derivatives of
petroleum as they have a deteriorating effect on natural rubber. For such
works, gloves made of synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, can be used.
Where a complete glove is not necessary, finger stalls may be used. These are
available in combination of one or more fingers. The construction of the stall
depends upon the degree or type of hazard to be confronted. The finger stalls
are useful in operations involving edge tools. Finger stalls can be made of
asbestos, rubber, leather, metal mesh, etc.
20
Where finger dexterity is not required, some workers prefer to use mittens
instead of gloves. Modifications of mittens are also available, for example,
one finger mittens permit use of thumb and index finger with a combined
covering for other three fingers. It offers finger dexterity similar to gloves
while possessing the characteristics of the mittens. Mittens are manufactured
of the same materials as gloves and are generally used in the same type of
operations too.
Hand and arm protectors are required to be used when engaged in operations
involving exposure to heat. These should be made of asbestos cloth or wool.
The following criteria could be adopted to select the brand of arm and hand
protection equipment:
4.5.1 Specifications for Rubber Gloves for Electrical Purposes (IS: 4770-1991):
Rubber gloves for electrical purposes offer protection against electric shock
while working on energized conductors and equipment. However, it does not
21
imply that rubber gloves shall be the only means of protection for working on
live circuits or components. The specifications deal with four types of gloves
suitable for maximum working potential of 650, 1100, 3300 and 4000 Vrms.
There are four types of gloves called type 1, 2, 3, 4 based on wall thickness,
maximum working potential, leakage current, and breakdown voltage as given
in Table 4.1.
The gloves shall have a smooth surface and be free on both the inner
and outer surfaces from visual defects like patches, blisters, porosity,
embedded foreign material, or other physical defects, which can be
detected at the time of inspection or testing.
(ii) Shape:
Gloves shall be of wrist or gauntlet type, with the cuff edges being
finished with a roll or rubber reinforcing strip.
22
TABLE 4.1: THICKNESS OF GLOVES
* Crotch area is a circular area with 12.5 mm radius, whose centre is at intersection
of the plane of the axis of the fingers (or thumb) and a line, at the crotch, midway
between the base of the adjacent fingers (or thumb) and extending from palm to
the back of the gloves.
+ Area A and area B are defined in Fig. in IS:4770-1991.
23
(iv) Physical Properties:
Elongation at break : + 5%
- 15%
(v) Marking:
The marking shall be at the back, legible, permanent and shall not
impair the quality of the gloves.
24
universally suitable against all possible hazards. The choice depends on the
particular acid, solvent, caustic, oil, chemical, etc. involved. No Indian standard
is available for chemical safety gloves. In the absence of BIS standards,
general guidelines for selecting proper gloves are given below:
25
(iii) Lining:
26
4.5.3 Specifications of Leather and Cotton Gloves [IS: 6994 (Part 1)-1973]:
It covers eleven types of industrial gloves made of leather and cotton.
(iii) Markings:
The gloves shall be legibly stamped on the inside of the cuffs with the
following information:
27
4.5.4 Specifications for Leather Gauntlets and Mittens (IS: 2573-1986):
Leather gauntlets are generally worn by welders for protection against heat
and abrasion during welding and by workers while handling moderately hot
materials or materials with sharp and rough edges. Leather mittens are also
worn while handling moderately hot materials and materials with sharp and
rough edges. Material specifications are same as those for leather gloves,
given in 4.5.3.
Medium 350 ± 5
Large 450 ± 5
(ii) Thread:
(iv) Markings:
The utility of asbestos gloves for protection from heat and fire hazards depends
upon the quality of asbestos cloth used in their manufacture. The cloth for
asbestos gloves of brand Firefly K.21 has the following properties:
28
(i) Thickness (approximatly) : 2 mm
(ii) Width (approximatly) : 1000 to 1060 mm.
(iii) Weight (approximatly) : 1.35 kg/m2 (50 to 55 kg/roll)
(iv) Construction weave : Non metallic, plain, single ply. Warp
plyends per 2.5 cm - 9. Weft ply pick per
2.5 cm - 17-1
(v) Moisture content : 2.5% maximum by weight.
(1 hour at 1050 C.)
(vi) Loss on ignition : 25% maximum by weight.
(30 minutes at 8000 C).
(vii) Thermal conductivity : 0.75 x 10-3 cal/s-cm-°C
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5. FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION
5.1 General
Protection to foot and leg is required while handling material or corrosive and
chemical liquids. Commonly used foot and leg PPE are safety shoes, foot
guards, kneepads, leggings and leg guards.
l safety-toe shoes,
l conductive shoes,
The materials used for manufacture of foot and leg PPE and types of safety
shoes for protection from different types of hazards are given in Annexure
VIII and IX respectively.
Metal toe-boxes may also be used for shoes which provide additional
protection against different hazards, for example, conductive-spark resistant
shoes, molder shoes, non-conductive shoes. Depending on the type of safety
30
shoe, protection against additional hazards like building of static electricity
on person (conductive shoes), resistant against sparks (non-sparking shoes
made without metallic parts), electric insulation from ground (non-conducting
shoes) is provided to workers. For work under wet conditions, rubber boots/
shoes fitted with steel toe-box provide protection against impact.
Foundry shoes are safety-toe-shoes, which are designed to fit snugly around
the ankle and to completely enclose the foot. They slide over the foot and are
held closely to it by means of an elastic expansion insert. The wearer should
cover the tops of the foundry shoes by his trousers to keep out the molten
metal.
These shoes do not have conductive soles and have non-ferrous eyelets and
nails. The metal-box toes are coated with non-ferrous material.
31
l when cleaning tanks that contain gasoline or other volatile
hydrocarbons.
This safety-toe shoe is to be used in areas where potential for electrical shocks
exists. No metal is used in preparation of this shoe, except for the base toe,
which is insulated from the rest of the shoe. If these become damp (wet) or
badly worn out, they cannot be depended for protection.
Besides the types of safety shoes described earlier, there are a few special
shoes, which provide protection against hazards posed in certain types of
risky operations. These are described below:
(i) In construction sites where protruding nails exist and where possibility
of coming in contact with energised electric equipment does not exist,
shoes equipped with reinforced soles or soles of flexible metal should
be used.
(ii) For working on hot surfaces like asphalting, wood soles provide good
protection. Hot surfaces should not be very hot, as it will char the
wood. This type of wood soles footwear is sometimes called ‘pavers
sandals’ or ‘paver shoes’.
l Leather shoes should be kept as dry as possible. If they get wet, they
should be dried slowly.
l User of leather shoes should wash the feet and change socks daily as
perspiration harms the leather and causes the lining of shoes to wear
out and become rough.
32
l Conductive sole shoes, designed to prevent the accumulation of body
static charges, as well as anti-spark and shock resistant, require special
attention. Only repairmen thoroughly familiar with their construction
and trained in approved methods of repairs should attempt this work.
The advice of the manufacturer should be sought.
l For certain operations, when the workers on different shifts or jobs are
required to wear same pair of rubber boots, it is necessary to disinfect
boots after each shift or job.
l Inside and outside of rubber boot should be washed with a hose under
water pressure.
l The boots should be rinsed with hose under water pressure and dried.
5.9.1 Leather Safety Boots and Shoes [IS: 1989 (Part-1 & 2)-1986]:
l Should have six eyelets (four eyelets or less in each of safety shoes.)
l Steel - toe cap should be as per IS: 5852- 1996 and should
withstand blows of 14.2 kgf.m.
33
5.9.2 Fireman’s Leather Boots (IS: 4128-1980):
Wellington type of shoes as required by IS: 4128-1980 for fire fighting are not
manufactured in India. As per the current practice, PVC or rubber gum boots
are used by firemen during firefighting/rescue operations. Jodhpuri shoes in
black are used by fire staff as a part of uniform and for fire officers shoes in
brown colour are used.
The BIS standards for electrical safety shoes are under preparation. However,
IS: 4770-1968 lays down the standard for testing of rubber gloves/boots for
electrical purposes.
As per this standard there are four types of gumboots for electrical purposes
based on the maximum voltage recommended to work on. These are classified
as type I,II,III, and IV for which the corresponding maximum working voltages
are 650, 1100, 3300 and 4000 volts respectively.
No BIS standard is available for chemical safety shoes. Shoes whose sole is
made out of PVC or nitrile rubber are generally acceptable for use in chemical
plant areas. A number of suppliers are manufacturing shoes with sole resistant
to acid, alkali and oil. IS:5557-1969 gives specifications for rubber knee boots
for use on floors, which are covered with oil, grease, etc.
PVC full gums boots with stockinet lining inside and conforming to IS:12254-
1988 can be used both for chemical and electrical purposes, and shall have the
following specifications:
34
5.9.6 Shoes Suitable for Mining Operations:
35
6. BODY PROTECTION
6.1 General
Certain jobs require protection for the whole body, like in the case of exposure
to fire, extreme heat, molten metal, corrosive chemicals, cold temperature, body
impact, cuts from materials which are handled. Other specialised hazards are
often part of what is known as ‘job exposure’ (e.g. nuclear radiation exposure).
Protection to body against such exposures can be provided by wearing aprons,
overalls, jackets, complete head-to-toe protective suits, etc. Selection of type
of body PPE depends on the nature of hazard, severity of hazard and nature of
activities of concerned user. Wherever complete body protection is not needed,
it is advisable to avoid unnecessary safety clothing, as it may hamper the
efficiency of user. If a user needs complete coverage, he should be provided
the same. For example, in pressurised heavy water nuclear reactors, complete
coverage to the body of worker is provided through plastic suit to prevent
entry of Tritium into the body through the skin.
Body protection may be required against the following main types of hazards:
The following types of materials can be used for body protection PPE against
hazards arising out of operations involving heat and hot metals:
36
(ii) Asbestos and Wool Clothing:
For protection against flame or small sparks, one can use ordinary
clothing made flame-proof by application of suitable flame-proofing
compounds. Durable, flame-retardant work clothes are available. Such
clothing should be distinctively marked so that untreated garments are
not used by mistake by those need fire-retardant clothing.
It is necessary to protect the body from cuts, bruises and abrasions on most
jobs where heavy, sharp or rough material is handled. Different types of
protectors are available for almost all parts of body:
37
(i) Protection of shoulders and back:
Natural rubber clothing should not be used in work areas where oils, grease
and organic solvents and chemicals are used. Similarly, in operations where
daily contact with acids and caustic solutions occur, the worker should not
use cotton clothing coated with impervious synthetic materials as these
chemicals will deteriorate regular cotton and impervious quality of clothing
would be lost.
38
l The chemical-resistant garments should be protected from excessive
heat and mechanical damage. These garments should be cleaned with
warm soapy water before storing; unnecessary folding or creasing
should be avoided.
l the pressure of compressed air used for dusting of clothing should not
exceed 30 psig, and
Flame resistant suits of fire fighters can withstand radiant heat upto 5 minutes
and flame lick upto one minute against complete flame immersion. Heat-
resistant suits are primarily intended for industrial workers, who may be exposed
to high temperature during the course of their work and are expected to be able
to withstand radiant heat upto five minutes and occasional flame licks.
(i) Materials :
The materials used for making these suits shall be non-flammable, light
weight and flexible with sufficient heat reflecting properties. The
materials shall be durable and should not disintegrate when subjected
to intense heat and/or flames. These suits are made up of three layers:
(i) outer layer, (ii) middle layer and (iii) inner layer.
39
(ii) Outer Layer :
The inner layer (body) of the suit is made from natural, polished, white
chrome leather. It is quite flexible light and has good strength. The
material can be used repeatedly and easy to clean and maintain.
40
(vi) Functional Requirements:
The suits shall generally be made in four sizes and the weight shall be
kept as low as possible. The size and the maximum permissible weight
are given below:
This suit should be worn with properly designed boots, gauntlets and
headgear complete with visor and curtain for face and neck protection
against the flame and radiant heat. It is also advisable to use SCBA
along with the suit. The design of the suit shall be such that the SCBA
can be worn under the suit.
41
(ix) Performance Tests:
(d) the wearer shall run out a length of hose 30 m without difficulty.
The wearer shall also be able to carry a person weighing 90 kg
on his shoulder at least for 30 seconds without any undue
exertion or fatigue, and
(x) Instructions:
(xi) Markings:
Each suit shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following
information:
42
l manufacturer’s name or trade mark,
l size,
l year of manufacture,
Two piece suits consist of a coverall, made of suitable plastic material for
covering the body and the feet and a hood with a transparent visor for covering
the head, whereas in single-piece suit, hood is the integral part of the suit.
(i) Specifications:
l the film used for the suit shall have a smooth, dull, non-embossed
finish for proper decontamination,
43
l the permeance of the film to water vapour should be a maximum
of 20 x 10-6 cc/cm2/s/mil thickness at 1 cm Hg pressure as
determined by ASTM-E96-63T Method D. This value should
not change after 168 hours storage at 70°C,
l the seam strength of the sealed films should be more than 3.64
kg/cm,
l these suits are made of laminated soft yellow coloured PVC film
of 0.20 mm thickness. For visors of the PVC hoods, laminated
crystal-clear transparent PVC films of thickness 0.30 mm to 0.50
mm are used. All the seams of the suit are electronically welded
on a high frequency welding machine to provide better seal,
and
l the suits should be well finished, free from dirt, scratches, cracks
and pin holes, etc.
(i) Materials:
44
elastomers, like neoprene, styrene, butadiene rubber, acrynitrile rubber,
butyl rubber or chlorosulphonated polyethylene. The woven cotton
or rayon staple cloth coated with vinyl chloride or unsupported
laminated PVC films are also used for making these suits. Suits made of
mixed PVC-polyester fabrics can be used for both acids and alkalis.
Materials selected for making these suits should possess the following
properties:
l the weight of the finished material shall not exceed 680 g/m2 as
recommended in IS: 12257-1984,
45
Two types of aprons are employed depending upon the protection factor
required.
l Type A:
l Type B:
(i) Material:
46
l The tension set of the rubber sheet body material at 150 per
cent elongation shall not exceed 30per cent. The period for
which the test piece is kept in stretched condition and recovery
shall be 10 minutes each.
47
7. SAFETY BELTS AND HARNESS
7.1 General
Safety belts and harness are required to be used by workers who have to work
at heights, where a fall may result in serious injury or death. These can be of
following types:
48
work areas using chemicals or oils, it is preferable if webbing is coated
or impregnated with plastic or neoprene rubber materials. The weave
of webbing should be of herringbone type instead of square (basket)
weave. The former gives approximately twice the strength than basket
weave.
Lifelines of safety belts and harness are usually nylon ropes of 12mm
diameter or manila ropes of 19mm diameter. Nylon is more resistant to
wear or abrasion than manila and is more resistant to some chemicals.
The lifeline should be spliced into snaps and D-rings instead of being
knotted. Splicing will retain approximately 90 per cent of the rated
strength of the rope, while knots reduce the strength considerably,
depending upon the type of knot or hitch used and the moisture content
of the rope.
Each wearer of safety belt/harness should inspect this PPE daily before use.
In case of fabric belts, if the considerable portion of outer fibres is noticed to
be cut or worn, the belt should be rejected. Leather belts should especially be
observed for cuts or deep scratches on the strap. Any deep cut of considerable
length, in a direction across the width of the belt, calls for discarding of the
belt. Within 30 to 90 days each belt should be thoroughly examined by a
trained inspector. Belt hardware should be checked and the worn parts replaced.
Each belt rivet should be examined to be certain that it is secure.
Safety belts in service should not be tested, as it may damage the belt, making
it unsafe. Therefore, only sample belts or worn or doubtful belts should be
tested for destruction to determine their safety. Belts subject to the maximum
impact in an accidental fall should not be reused because the fittings might
have been over stressed and weakened. The safety belt should be securely
buckled and worn tight enough to prevent any possibility of the worker
slipping out of it.
49
Cotton or linen webbing belts should be washed in soapy water, rinsed and
dried by moderate heat. They are not damaged by temperature upto 1000C.
More care is to be taken of leather safety belts. Dirt adhering to this type of
belt should be brushed off carefully so as not to scratch the leather. Leather
belts should not be exposed to excessive heat, such as from a radiator, because
a temperature as low as 65°C may permanently damage them. A leather belt
which has been unused and not oiled for a year or two is much weaker than
one which has been regularly used and adequately oiled over the same period,
even when the unused belt will look newer and stronger. Leather belt should
be oiled with neatsfoot, castor, soya bean or compound oil. Mineral oil should
never be used for leather safety belts.
The materials used in the production of safety belts including webbing and
rope shall pass the flammability resistance tests as given in Annexure-A of IS:
3521-1989.
l The waistbelt, shoulder straps, hoisting straps, pole straps of all types
of safety belts and harnesses shall be made of nylon/polyester webbing
which shall not break under a minimum tensile load of 2000 kg. The
width and thickness should be 44 ± 1mm and 3 ± 0.05 mm respectively.
l All rivets and washers used for joining the various sections shall be
made from copper.
l The metal components shall be solid or forged, the joints should not
be visible and the jointed part of the metal should not impair the strength
or quality.
50
l All fittings should be corrosion-resistant and chromium coated with
ample thickness to last for a minimum period of three years of storage.
All the metal parts mating with the webbing shall be smoothly finished,
rounded and designed to prevent damage to the webbing.
l If springs are used, they shall be so arranged and loaded that when the
hooks are closed, the springs rest in position and are free from any
movement until pressure is applied to release or to engage.
51
8. EAR PROTECTION
8.1 General
High noise levels are associated with a number of industrial operations and
machines. Excessive exposure to high levels of noise can cause irreparable
damage to hearing, in addition to some physiological and psychological harm.
Occupational hearing loss is a notifiable disease under the Factories Act. In
order to protect the hearing capacity of persons working in industries, the
exposure to noise should be kept well within the specified permissible limits.
Wherever the noise exceeds the permissible values, control measures should
be adopted to reduce the exposures. Engineering control measures, such as
institution of enclosures, process change and use of personal protective
equipment for ears are employed as noise control measures.
l superaural.
This is placed into the ear canal. It varies considerably both in design
and material. Rubber and plastic types are preferable, as they are easy
to clean, inexpensive and give good performance. It is important that
ear-plugs be fitted individually by trained personnel. Plugs must fit
properly and remain correctly seated. The slightest leakage in the
fitting will lower the attenuation by even upto 16 dB in some frequencies.
Hearing protectors made of silicone rubber, if properly molded and
correctly used, prove more comfortable than prefabricated inserts. Soft
52
plastic plugs are more comfortable than hard plastic types and also
hold their shape better than rubber types. Cotton inserted in the ear is
a poor choice because of its low attenuating properties (2 to 12 dB
depending on frequency). Wax protectors also have certain drawbacks-
they tend to lose their effectiveness during the workday; they are
objectionable from sanitary point of view; they are to be shaped by
hand; and they can be used only once.
This seals the external edges of the ear canal in order to bring about
sound reduction. These are made of soft rubber-like material and are
held in place against the edges of the ear canal by a spring band or
head suspension. Such ear protectors are also known as caps.
This type of ear protector covers the external ear to provide acoustic
barrier. The muffs (cups), which are cushions filled with liquid or grease,
have better noise suppression than plastics or foam-rubber types, but
may present leakage problems. Muffs are held over the ears by means
of headbands.
The ear-plugs, if properly fitted, can attenuate noise by 25-30 dB in the high
frequencies, which are considered to be the most harmful. Earmuffs of better
quality may reduce noise by an additional 10-15 dB. Combination of ear-plugs
and ear-muffs may reduce noise by an additional 3-5 dB. In no case, the total
attenuation will be greater than 50 dB, because at this point bone conduction
becomes significant.
Regular cleaning of ear protectors is important for the sake of proper hygiene.
Protectors that become contaminated or coated with hardened wax may cause
discomfort and may lead to infection of middle ear.
53
l rapid change of temperature test,
The ear protectors subjected to these tests should not crack or rupture or
deteriorate. These tests are meant for ensuring basic climatic and mechanical
durability of components.
The material used, which may come into contact with the body, should not
cause irritation. It should be moisture-proof, heat-resistant and cold-proof.
The ear-plugs should be elastic so that they can be easily inserted. The ear
protectors should be so designed as not to easily fall off from the ear when
being worn.
The material used should not get affected in any way when the temperature
ranges between 25° to 55°C.
54
The sound attenuation requirements (IS: 9167-1979) of the ear protectors should
be as given below:
A 125 } 25 25
250 }
B 500 }
1000 }
2000 } 175 135
3000 }
4000 }
C 6000 } 60
8000 }
Note : The minimum group attenuation is the sum of mean attenuation for each
of the test frequencies contained in that group.
The acceptable minimum sound attenuation for each of the single test
frequencies contained in Group B is as follows:
500 25 20
1000,2000,3000,4000 35 25
55
9. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
9.1 General
Respiratory PPE are required by workers in work areas where there is lack of
sufficient oxygen or where high levels of atmospheric contaminants are likely
to be present. The contaminants may range from the relatively harmless
substances to toxic dusts, fumes, smoke, mists, vapour and gases. This type
of PPE shall be used in the following situations:
A wide variety of respiratory PPE are available from suppliers for persons
working in different types of work situations. The following information is
required for deciding on the type of respiratory PPE required:
After considering the above information, refer to Figures 2 and 3 for selecting
the type or types of respiratory PPE that would protect the worker. Besides the
above selection procedure, the following general principles must be taken
into account:
56
(i) Chemical cartridge respirators are suitable only in atmospheres that
are not immediately dangerous to life and that contain a percentage of
contaminants not exceeding 0.1 per cent by volume. These respirators
should not be used for following types of contaminants:
l durable,
57
FIGURE 2: CLASSIFICATION OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Respiratory Protective
devices
With
blower Self-contained
Hose Airline
breathing
Gas and vapour Dust Combination mask respirator
Without apparatus
filters filters gas, vapour and
58
Particulate blower
Particulate
removing
respirator Open circuit Closed circuit
Environment
Dust
respirator
Normally in a ventilated space, oxygen deficiency would not occur, except, due to an accident situation
9.3 Care of Respiratory PPE
The following considerations should be kept in mind for maintaining the quality
of respiratory PPE:
l Respirators should not be thrown into tool boxes or left on work benches
where they may get exposed to dust or damaged by oil or other harmful
materials.
l Users should wipe off oil, grease and other harmful substances from
head-bands and other parts of the respirator as soon as they get dirty.
Solvents should not be used to clean plastic or rubber parts.
60
l In addition to daily check, trained persons should inspect the
respirators. During weekly inspection, rubber parts should be stretched
slightly for detection of fine cracks. The rubber should be worked
occasionally to prevent setting (one of the causes of cracking), and
the headband should be checked to ensure that the wearer has not
stretched it in an attempt to secure a snug fit.
For the following reasons, it is essential that the wearer of respiratory PPE
undergoes special training before using it:
l Gas mask may not have been fitted properly on the face of the wearer.
Hence, for safe use of any respirator, it is essential that the user is properly
trained for its selection, use and maintenance. Training is to be given to the
worker so that he gets skilled in the following:
l effectiveness of respirator.
In training, the user wears the mask long enough to become accustomed to
the breathing resistance.
The workers who use respirators need to be given training and periodic
retraining, which include explanations and discussions, on the following:
61
l reason for selection of a particular type of respirator,
l how to put the respirator on and check that it is working and adjusts
properly,
A guideline for using the right type of respiratory protection equipment for
different types of hazards is given in Annexure-XI.
l Chemical cartridge respirators should not be used where gas masks are
required.
l From the standpoint of fire hazard, pure oxygen or air containing more
than 21per cent oxygen should not be used in atmosphere-supplied
respirators or in self-contained type of breathing apparatus.
l Canister gas masks should not be used in areas where oxygen content
is less than 19.5 per cent by volume.
l Canister gas masks should not be used for fire fighting purpose. In fire
fighting operations, wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
l Each person, who is required to wear the gas mask, should first undergo
physical examination, especially of his heart and lungs. Anyone in
questionable physical condition should be prevented from entering
into a work environment posing respiratory hazards.
62
l The user of a gas mask should enter the contaminated area cautiously.
If the mask leaks or the canister is exhausted, the user will usually
know by the odour, taste or irritation of eye, nose or throat. The user
should then immediately return to fresh air.
l If the canister of the gas mask is exhausted, it should not be left attached
to the gas mask; but removed. A new canister should be selected and
fastened in place.
l When a respirator is worn in a gas or vapour that has little or no
warning properties like carbon monoxide, it is recommended that a
fresh canister should be used each time a worker enters the toxic
atmosphere.
l Filters of particulate filter respirators should be replaced whenever
breathing becomes difficult due to plugging of filters by retained
particulates inside.
l No one should wear self-contained breathing apparatus unless he is
physically fit and well trained. Refresher training should be provided
at least every six months.
l No one wearing self-contained breathing apparatus should work in an
irrespirable atmosphere unless another person, similarly equipped, is
in attendance, ready to give assistance.
l A canister or gas mask with broken seals should not be kept in service
for more than one year, regardless of how little it has been used.
l In atmospheres with a high concentration of hydrogen cyanide or any
other contaminant, which are absorbed through the skin, the user need
to be protected by appropriate type of respirator and clothing.
The values of protection factors for different types of air respirators are given
in Annexures-XIV and XV.
(i) front mounted or back mounted canister gas mask, with full face-piece,
(ii) chin type gas mask where the canister near the chin has full face mask,
and
(iii) escape gas mask.
63
(i) Protection Limits:
Note 1 : Approval may be for acid gaspes or organic vapours as a class or for
specific acid gases or organic vapours. Approval may also be granted
for combinations of any or all of these materials.
Note 2 : Not for use against acid gases or organic vapours with poor warning
properties or which generate high heats of reaction with sorbent
material in canister.
Note 4 : Suggested maximum use where concentrations are lower than those
for some acid gases and organic vapours.
64
acetate vapour and remain in the chamber for 8 minutes to perform certain
activities:
No person shall detect the odour of isoamyl acetate during the test period.
* For amines, amine derivatives and organic vapours that produce IDLH
conditions at concentrations lower than those given above, the
suggested maximum use of concentrations shall be lower.
65
(ii) Breathing Resistance:
Each of the three persons wearing two different respirators fitted to the
face shall enter a chamber containing 100 ppm of dichloro difluro methane
and remain inside for 15 minutes and to perform light activities. Air
samples taken from inside the face-piece shall not exceed 5 per cent of
the test concentration.
l dust respirators,
l fume respirators,
l mist respirators,
66
l combined respirators (combination of mechanical filter and other
type(s)), and
(i) Materials:
(ii) Face-piece:
67
l The component parts, including breathing tubes shall withstand
a test underwater at an air pressure of 1.7 kPa and shall be
proved free of leakage.
l The half facemask shall cover the nose and mouth, and the full
facemask should cover the eyes, nose, mouth and chin to
provide adequate sealing to the face of the wearer.
68
(v) Valves:
The design of the valve assemblies shall be such that valve discs or
the assemblies can be readily replaced. It shall not be possible to fit an
inhalation valve assembly in the expiratory circuit or an exhalation
valve assembly in the inspiratory circuit.
The carbon dioxide content in the inhaled air shall not exceed 1.5 per cent
by volume when the apparatus is tested with a flow rate of less than 120
lpm of air.
The hose shall be fitted with a strainer at the free end to exclude debris.
The hose should be resistant to collapse and kinking. The hose and
couplings shall be tested for leak tightness by immersion in water with
an internal air pressure of 7kPa. The hose shall be so flexible as to be
wound on a drum 500 mm in diameter.
9.7.5 Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) [Open circuit type. IS: 10245
(Part 2)- 1982]
The supplier shall submit a test certificate for the cylinders and other parts at
the time of supply.
(i) Materials:
69
(ii) Mass:
The mass of SCBA when fully charged shall not exceed 15.5 kg. The
specifications for face-piece, head harness and valves are the same as
specified in 9.7.4.
The apparatus shall have an audible warning device. This shall operate
when the cylinder pressure drops to a predetermined level. The warning
device shall begin when there is a minimum of 10 minutes of effective
duration of air in the apparatus.
Gas cylinders and main valve shall comply with the provisions of the
Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981. The cylinders shall be coloured as per IS:
3933-1966 (colour identification of gas cylinders and related equipment
intended for medical use).
The carbon dioxide content in the inhaled air shall not exceed an average
of 1.5 per cent by volume.
70
l A robust waterproof pressure gauge shall be provided.
Escape breathing apparatus is light in weight and suitable for short duration.
This apparatus is designed for the sole purpose of enabling a person to escape
from a work area contaminated with dangerous dusts, gases, fumes or vapours.
(i) Duration:
l carbon dioxide content in the inhaled air shall not exceed 2.0 per
cent by volume.
(iii) Mass:
71
ANNEXURE - I
‘Applied behaviour analysis’ helps management to assess the factors that are
capable of giving a quantum jump in improving its safety. Here this analysis
is used to identify the causes that induce a worker not to use respiratory
protection equipment and to use these findings to introduce measures to
encourage workmen to wear appropriate types of PPE.
The basic tool of applied behaviour analysis is known as ABC analysis. ‘A’
stands for antecedent, which is an event that triggers the observable behaviour
‘B’. ‘C’ stands for consequence, which is the event that follows from that
behaviour. This analysis involves the following principles:
The following three features determine which consequences are stronger than
others:
(i) Timing
A consequence that follows soon after a behaviour influences
behaviour more effectively than a consequence that occurs later.
(ii) Consistency
A consequence that is certain to follow a behaviour influences
behaviour more powerfully than an unpredictable or uncertain
consequence.
(iii) Significance
A positive consequence influences behaviour more powerfully than a
negative consequence.
A consequence which is soon, certain and positive influences
behaviour most powerfully and the consequence which is late,
uncertain and negative is the weakest. Table I.1 shows the range of
consequences that result from eight possible combinations of soon-
certain-positive.
72
TABLE I.1: THE RANGE OF CONSEQUENCES.
The ABC analysis, when carried to the problem of failure to wear respiratory
protection equipment, gives the following antecedents:
l availability.
l peer pressure.
l rushing.
l time of day.
l modelling.
l lack of training.
73
l peer approval strongest (soon - certain - positive)
It can be seen from this analysis that all these consequences are in favour of
the worker adopting a risky behaviour, viz. failure to wear respiratory protection
equipment. Challenge is then to introduce appropriate measures, which
encourage workers to adopt safe behaviour. This can be done by replacing
the earlier antecedents and consequences by those which promote safe
behaviour.
(a) Training
(d) Modelling
(e) Rushing
Modify the work methods so that a worker has not to rush through
jobs. He should have enough time to wear PPE before starting on
hazardous jobs.
74
ANNEXURE - II
Soft caps and hoods made of appropriate materials are used for protection
against heat, spark, and other dangerous materials. Sometimes hoods are made
with rigid frame, which is held away from the head.
75
ANNEXURE - III
Hazards Operations
76
ANNEXURE - IV
TYPES OF EYE AND FACE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
There are several types of eye and face protection equipment available in the market
but it is important that employees use the proper type for the particular job.
The main classes of eye and face protection equipment required for industrial operations
are as follows:
i) Safety Goggles
They fit the contour of the face to enclose the optical area and are held
in position by a headband. Goggles come in different designs for
different situations as eye-cups, flexible or cushioned, plastic eye
shields, foundryman’s goggles etc. These may also be of wide vision
type. Some of the goggles are provided with ventilation arrangement
also.
Safety clip-ons are protective lenses designed to clip-on over the front
of non-safety spectacles. These are covered cut-type goggles designed
to fit over corrective spectacles.
i) Eye Shield
77
ii) Face-shield
These are designed to provide protection to the face from flying particles and
spray of hazardous liquids. Some of these are designed to provide protection
against glare also.
78
ANNEXURE - V
Shade Code No.2 Code No.3 Code No.4 Code No.5 Code No.6
(1) No.(2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
1 1.2 2-1.2 3-1.2 4-1.2 5-1.2 6-1.2
2 1.4 2-1.4 3-1.4 4-1.4 5-1.4 6-1.4
79
ANNEXURE -VI
Arm and hand protection equipment can be classified into the following groups, based
on their shape and part of the arm and hand protected:
Cover the hand and the wrist. In these gloves the thumb and each of the
fingers are in separate divisions which helps in dexterous movement of fingers
and control.
(iii) Mittens:
Cover the entire hand and the wrist with the thumb in a separate division.
Primarily protect the palm and the other working areas of the hand.
(vi) Sleeves:
Protect the wrist and the arm. These may be cuff guards and also elbow and
shoulder sleeves.
Mittens and gloves are provided with different types of cuffs. The common types are:
(i) Hand-cuff:
(ii) Gauntle-cuff:
80
A short, closely-fitting, knitted wristlet which prevents particles from getting
inside the gloves or mitten.
Safety arm and hand protection equipment are also classified into the following
groups based on the nature of work:
81
ANNEXURE -VII
82
ANNEXURE - VIII
83
ANNEXURE - IX
84
ANNEXURE -X
85
ANNEXURE - XI
86
ANNEXURE - XII
Marking:
87
ANNEXURE - XIII
XIII.1 Face-piece
b) size, and
XIII.2 Container
b) colour coding,
88
XIII.4 Chemical Cartridge Respirators ( < 200 ml. Size)
e) a warning as follows:
XIII.5 Hose
89
XIII.7 Marking on SCBA:
90
ANNEXURE - XIV
91
ANNEXURE - XV
1. Includes one-quarter mask, disposable half masks and half masks with elastomeric
face-pieces.
2. Protection factors listed are for high efficiency filters and sorbents (cartridges
and canisters). With dust filters an assigned protection factor of 100 is to be used
due to the limitations of the filters.
Note: Assigned protection factors are not applicable for escape respirators. For
combination respirators, air-line respirators equipped with an air purifying filter,
the mode of operation in use will dictate the assigned factor to be applied.
92
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Indian Standards Relevant to Different Types of Personal Protection
Equipment:
a. Head Protection
i) Non-metal Helmet for Firemen and Civil Defence Personnel (Second
revision); reaffirmed (1996), IS:2745-1983
ii) Industrial Safety Helmets (Second revision); reaffirmed (1995), IS:2925-
1984
iii) Protective Helmets for Motor Cycle Riders (Third revision); reaffirmed
(1998), IS:4151-1993
b. Eye Protection
i) Equipment of Eye and Face Protection during Welding (First revision);
reaffirmed (1991), IS:1179-1967
ii) Safety Glass (Second revision), IS:2553-1971
iii) Eye Protector (First revision); reaffirmed (1991), IS:5983-1980
iv) Methods of Tests for Eye Protectors:
Part 1 - Non-optical Test (First revision); reaffirmed (1991), IS:7524-
1980
Part 2 - Optical Test (First revision); reaffirmed (1991), IS:7524-1980
v) Guide for Selection of Industrial Safety Equipment for Eye, Face and
Ear Protection; reaffirmed (1996), IS:8520-197
vi) Industrial Safety Face-shields:
Part 1 with Plastic Visor; reaffirmed (1991), IS:8521-1977
Part 2 with Wire-mesh Visor, IS:8521-1994
vii) Code of Practice for Maintenance and Care of Industrial Safety
Equipment for Eyes and Face Protection; reaffirmed (1991), IS:8940-
1978
c. Hand and Arm Protection
i) Leather Gauntlet and Mittens (Second revision); reaffirmed (1997),
IS:2573-1986
ii) Rubber Gloves for Electrical Purposes (First revision), IS:4770-1991
93
iii) Industrial Safety Gloves:
Part 1, Leather and Cotton Gloves; reaffirmed (1991), IS:6994-1973
iv) Guide for Selection of Industrial Safety Equipment for Protection of
Arms and Hands; reaffirmed (1991), IS:8807-1978
v) Gloves and Mitts of Insulating Material for Live Working, IS:13774-
1993
d. Foot and Leg Protection
i) Ankle Boots for General Purpose (Third revision); reaffirmed (1998),
IS:583-1994
ii) Leather Safety Shoes and Boots:
Part 1 for Miners, IS:1989-1986
Part 2 for Heavy Metal Industries (Fourth revision); reaffirmed (1992).
iii) Glossary of Footwear Terms (First revision); reaffirmed (1997), IS:2050-
1991
iv) Protective Gaiters; reaffirmed (1983), IS:2472-1969
v) Safety Rubber Canvass Boots for Miners (Fourth revision), IS:3976-
1995
vi) Fireman’s Leather Boots, IS:4128-1980
vii) Testing of Rubber Gloves/Boots for Electrical Purposes, IS:4770-1968
viii) Cotton Laces for Footwear, IS:4778-1982
ix) Industrial and Safety Rubber Knee Boots, IS:5557-1969
x) Moulded Solid Rubber Soles and Heels, IS:5676-1970
xi) Protective Steel Toe-caps for Footwear (Third revision), IS:5852-1996
xii) Code of Practice for Selection, Care and Repair of Safety Footwear;
reaffirmed (1997), IS:6519-1971
xiii) Footwear, Method of Test
Part 1. Dimensions, Fittings Adhesion, Test, Peel Test, Heat Resist-
ance Test and Aging Test; reaffirmed (1991), IS:8085-1986
xiv) Protective Boots for Oilfield Workmen:
Part 1 - Leather Upper Boots; reaffirmed (1992), IS:9885-1981
94
Part 2 - Rubber Upper (First revision), IS:9885-1995
xv) Safety Footwear for Steel Plants; reaffirmed (1997), IS:10348-1982
xvi) Guide for Selection of Industrial Safety Equipment for Protection of
Foot and Leg; reaffirmed (1998), IS:10667-1983
xvii) Leather Safety Shoes for Women Workers in Mines and Steel Plants;
reaffirmed (1992), IS:11225-1985
xviii) Leather Safety Footwear having Direct Moulding Sole, IS:11226-1985
xix) PVC Boots, IS:12254-1988
e. Body Protection
i) Cotton Sewing Threads (Second revision) reaffirmed, (1991), IS:1720-
1978
ii) Water Resistant Clothing:
Part 1 - PVC Coated Fabrics (First revision); reaffirmed (1994), IS:3322-
1987
Part 2 - Polyurethane and Silicon Coated Fabrics, IS: 3322-1965
iii) Aprons, Rubberised, Acid and Alkalis Resistant (First revision);
reaffirmed (1991), IS:4501-1981
iv) Double Texture Rubberised Waterproof Fabric (Fourth revision);
reaffirmed (1994), IS:6110-1983
v) Protective Leather Clothing; reaffirmed (1990), IS:6153-1990
vi) X-ray Lead Rubber Protective Aprons; reaffirmed (1990), IS:7352-1974
vii) Guide for Selection of Industrial Safety Equipment for Body Protection;
reaffirmed (1991), IS:8519-1977
viii) Code of Practice for Maintenance and Care of Industrial Safety Clothing;
reaffirmed (1991), IS:8990-1978
ix) Conductive Clothing for Live Working at a Nominal Voltage upto 800
kV AC, IS:13771-1993
f. Safety Belts and Harness
i) Industrial Safety Belts and Harness (Second revision), IS: 3521-1989
ii) Material (Nylon Webbing) for Aircraft Safety Belts; reaffirmed (1987),
IS:8947-1978
95
g. Ear Protection
i) Methods for Measurement of Real Ear Protection of Hearing Protectors
and Physical Attenuation of Ear Muffs (First revision); reaffirmed (1991),
IS: 6229-1980
ii) Guide for Selection of Industrial Equipment for Eye, Face and Ear
Protection; reaffirmed (1991), IS:8520-1977
iii) Ear Protectors; reaffirmed (1989), IS:9167-1979
h. Respiratory Protection
i) Colour Identification of Gas Cylinders and Related Equipment Intended
for Medical Use; reaffirmed (1990), IS:3933-1966
ii) Intermittent Positive Pressure Respirator Bag Type Manually Operated;
reaffirmed (1988), IS: 6194-1971
iii) Colour Identification Markings for Air Purifying Canisters and
Cartridges; reaffirmed (1991), IS: 8318-1977
iv) Glossary of Terms Relating to Respiratory Protective Devices;
reaffirmed (1991), IS: 8347-1977
v) Respirators, Chemical Cartridge; reaffirmed (1991), IS: 8522-1977
vi) Respirators, Canister Type (Gas Masks), (First revision 1998);
reaffirmed (1991), IS: 8523-1977
vii) Filter Type Particulate Matter Respirators; reaffirmed (1996), IS: 9473-
1980
viii) Carbon Monoxide Filter Self-rescuers, IS: 9563-1980
ix) Recommendations for the Selection, Use and Maintenance of
Respiratory Protective Devices; reaffirmed (1991), IS: 9623-1980
x) Breathing Apparatus.
Part 1 - Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus (Compressed Oxygen
Cylinder), IS: 10245-1996
Part 2 -Open Circuit Breathing Apparatus (First revision), IS: 10245-
1994
Part 3 - Fresh Air Hoses and Compressed Air line Breathing Apparatus;
reaffirmed (1992), IS: 10245-1982
96
Part 4 - Escape Breathing Apparatus (Short Duration Self-contained
Type); reaffirmed (1991), IS: 10245-1982
xi) Respiratory Protective Devices: Threads for Face Pieces.
Part 1. Standard Thread Connection, IS: 14138-1994
Part 2. Centre Thread Connection, IS: 14138-1994
xii) Respiratory Protective Devices - Full Face Masks, IS: 14166-1994
xiii) Respiratory Protective Devices Mouth-piece Assemblies, IS: 14170-
1994
(2) Publications of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai, India Information
Booklets on Personal Protective Equipment:
i) Helmets : AERB:PPE-1: 1992
ii) Safety Footwear : AERB:PPE-2: 1992
iii) Respiratory Protective Equipment : AERB:PPE-3: 1992
iv) Arm and Hand Protection : AERB:PPE-4: 1992
v) Eye and Face Protection : AERB: PPE-5: 1992
vi) Protective Clothing and Coverall : AERB: PPE-6: 1992
vii) Ear Protection : AERB: PPE-7: 1992
viii) Safety Belts and Harnesses : AERB: PPE-8: 1992
(3) Atomic Energy (Factories) Rules, (1996).
(4) Guide on Personal Protective Equipment, Loss Prevention Association of
India(1993).
(5) Personal Protective Equipment in Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial
Operations, Engineering and Technology, Chapter 19, 9th Edition, National
Safety Council ,Chicago (1988).
(6) Personal Protection in Safety Management, Chapter 14, 5th Edition, John V.
Grimaldi and Rollin H. Simonds, Richard D. Irwin, Inc.(1996).
(7) Personal Protective Equipment, Testing of Non-respiratory and Respiratory
Personal Protective Equipment, Lecture Notes of Central Labour Institute,
Sion, Mumbai for its Post-graduate Diploma Course on Industrial Safety.
97
(8) Antecedent - Behaviour - Consequence (ABC) Analysis in the Behaviour-
Based Safety Process - Managing Involvement for an Injury - Free Culture,
Thomas R. Krause, Chapter 3, Second Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold(1977).
(9) Mines Safety Manual, Classified Circulars Issued by Director General of Mines
Safety, Dhanbad (upto 31st December 1985).
98
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS
Astigmatic Power
The maximum refractive power difference between two ‘meridians’ along the same
sighting axis; expressed in ‘dioptres’. (‘Meridian’ is a line passing through the centre of
a lens surface, from edge to edge.)
Brim
The rim surrounding the shell of the helmet.
Chromaticity of a Filter
This is defined by the chromaticity co-ordinates of the light reflected from a truly white
screen (that is, magnesium oxide screen), illuminated only by light, which passes through
the filter in the manner intended in service.
Cradle
The adjustable assembly comprising of anti-concussion tape and draw lace for affording
adequate clearance for ventilation and to ensure proper fitment. This also absorbs
impact energy.
Harness (helmet)
The complete assembly by means of which the helmet is maintained in position on the
head, which includes the headband, cradle, etc.
Hood
A device covering the head and neck and which includes eye protection.
Ocular
Prismatic Power
The apparent angular displacement of an object by an optical system. It is expressed in
‘prism dioptres’.
Refractive Power
The reciprocal of the back focal length of an optical system; expressed in ‘dioptres’.
(‘Back focal length’ is the distance from the last lens surface of the optical system to its
image plane).
99
Shell (helmet)
The hard, smoothly finished material that constitutes the general outer form of the
helmet.
Thermal Resistance
An inverse measure of the capability to transmit heat and may be defined as the ratio of
temperature difference across a material to the heat flowing through it.
Warp
Weft
100
RELEVANT AERB DOCUMENTS PUBLISHED TILL DATE
101
NOTES
102
NOTES
103
NOTES
104
AERB SAFETY GUIDELINES NO. AERB/SG/IS-3