11.18 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Last updated on April 25, 2023

POLICY: It is the policy of Spoon River College to ensure that all employees, students, visitors, and contractors use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in required areas.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all Spoon River College employees, students, visitors, and contractors.

DEFINITIONS:

Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE refers to the equipment worn by workers, students, and visitors to reduce their risk of exposure to hazards. PPE includes such items as:

• Eye protection (goggles, glasses)
• Hearing protection (ear plugs, ear muffs)
• Respiratory protection (respirators, face masks, cartridge filters)
• Foot protection (safety boots)
• Head protection (hard hats)
• Clothing and body protection (aprons, safety harnesses)

DETAILS:

1. Supervisor responsibility: The supervisor will ensure that:
   1. PPE provided complies with current relevant standards.
   2. situations where PPE is required are identified and appropriate PPE is provided for that person.
   3. appropriate instruction and training in the use of the PPE is provided.
   4. the person using PPE is informed about the equipment and its usage, including any limitations of the equipment.
   5. PPE provided is clean and hygienic.
   6. the PPE is properly maintained, repaired or replaced as necessary.
   7. PPE is stored in a place provided for that purpose.
   8. areas where PPE must be used are clearly identified.
2. Employee responsibility: Employees are required to:
   1. Employees must use PPE where their duties require the use of PPE to reduce the risk of exposure to hazards.
   2. Not intentionally interfere with or misuse any PPE provided.
   3. Immediately inform their supervisor of any defects or deficiencies in PPE of which they become aware.
3. Failure to use PPE where appropriate may result in disciplinary action.
4. Personal protective equipment supplied by the Spoon River College will remain the property of the College.
5. Contractors are required to supply and use their own PPE in compliance with their own PPE policy, which must be in compliance with OSHA regulations (where applicable).
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in a variety of office and/or departments throughout all Spoon River College sites. Areas requiring PPE include:
   1. Labs: Please refer to the individual lab policy for required PPE in the individual lab.  This includes, but is not limited to agriculture, allied health, art, biology, chemistry, diesel technology, nursing, and welding.
   2. Maintenance:
      1. Safety glasses are required when mowing or cutting.
      2. Hearing protection is required while operating loud machinery such as mowers.
      3. Steel toe safety shoes/boots are encouraged.
      4. When grinding, operators must wear grinding shields, goggles, and safety glasses with side shields.
      5. All maintenance personnel shall wear and use a safety harness when working in a lift or on the roof of the building.