How to Ensure Compliance and Safety with PPE in Composites Work

When working with composites, personal protection equipment (PPE) is essential to guarding workers from injury. Not only can composite materials be caustic to the skin, eyes and respiratory system, but manufacturing and repair facilities can be dangerous without proper eye and head protection. Composites deliver great benefits to infrastructure, aerospace and other industries, but it’s important to handle them in safe environment with clearly defined protocols and processes.

What does OSHA say about PPE when working with composites?

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) offers extensive guidance on the use of PPE in such sectors as manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure and corrosion. This PPE includes safety glasses, respirators, gloves and head protection. Skin and clothing protection like Tyvek suits can also help protect those handling composites from burns and other injuries.

First and foremost, OSHA requires PPE to be safely designed and constructed. An industry partner that supplies reliable and effective equipment will be a valuable asset for companies looking to curb worker injuries and associated costs.

One example cited by OSHA is the Saddle Creek Corporation, which lowered the incidence of eye injuries and workers’ compensation costs by investing in safety glasses for its workers. Eye injuries alone can cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation, illustrating how essential it is to commit to a PPE program that works.

OSHA also asks companies using PPE to fully educate their workforces on any hazards, develop standards for selecting equipment, and create a maintenance process and requirements. Workers should always be trained on how to properly use personal protective equipment, including when to use it; what kind to use; how to properly fit, use, care for and dispose of the equipment; and any limitations of the equipment.

Composites One partners with top suppliers to provide safe personal protection equipment

Composites One is committed to a healthy and safe work environment and partners with several top suppliers of personal protection equipment, like 3M, DuPont and Lakeland Industries. Our technical specialists are fully trained in OSHA requirements for the handling of and protection against composite materials. Composites One can help you meet standards and protect your workers with protective gear appropriate for the specific composites they work with. Contact our team today to learn more about the personal protection equipment we supply and how we can help you maintain a safe workplace.