Every year, accidents happen to people using tools and equipment. Everyone has heard the old saying that prevention is better than cure, and this is so true when it comes to safety. Taking some basic precautions, and wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job at hand, might just make the difference and limit the harm caused.

That is not to say that PPE is the complete answer but it can play a vital part. For example, in 2015, there were over 800 safety incidents in ESB Networks involving tools and equipment. Many were near misses, but only some resulted in either minor or more serious injuries.

PPE is considered an important last line of defence and undoubtedly the wearing of PPE and the proper use of safety equipment has contributed to less injuries and lessened the severity where there has been injury. A very good example in ESB Networks has been the introduction of the pole climb-safe device about 15 years ago. It has eliminated the risk of falling from poles.

What is PPE?

PPE is equipment that protects the user and includes items such as safety helmets, gloves, hi-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. For example, no ESB Networks Network Technician would consider leaving the ground (when climbing a pole or using a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP)) without first clipping in their climb safe device or safety harness. This is just one example of the power of practising good safety habits.

Staff in ESB Networks wear safety footwear, a hard hat and a yellow hi-viz jacket when at work. When carrying out more specialist work, staff also wear a full-face visor. Overalls are worn so that there is no loose clothing, given that rotating tools and machinery are a feature of our work, much the same as for farmers.

Importantly, PPE is only of benefit when it is actually worn; accidents and the potential for injury never take a holiday so a safe attitude must be uppermost every day.

Equally, the obvious limitations of PPE must be recognised. For example, it only helps the wearer; others in the vicinity are not protected. PPE is never the complete solution, neither should it be seen as the quick-fix because it can never guarantee 100% protection if other things go wrong.

But it can make a real difference. For example, using the proper gloves when handling sharp objects and tools. When I wear PPE, it is my personal statement that I am already thinking about safe working even before I have started the job.

When we think of PPE, we should consider the different parts of our body which may be at risk and which, therefore, need to be protected and safeguarded if something harmful was to happen. When working on a farm, there are many hazards which necessitate the wearing of appropriate PPE.

Protecting yourself by wearing PPE – some examples:

  • Your hands and arms from cuts and tears : wear the correct gloves.
  • Your eyes from chemical or metal splashes: wear properly fitting safety glasses, goggles, a full-face visor.
  • Your head or neck from impacts, falling objects or projectiles: wear a properly secured safety helmet, or where that is not necessary, wear a bump cap.
  • Your ears: wear earmuffs, or sometimes for lower nose levels and or short durations, ear plugs may be appropriate.
  • Your feet: wear safety boots with both toe and mid-sole protection. Using the boot with the most appropriate sole pattern will also help to avoid slip and falls.

    • Practice these safety tips and reap the benefits of keeping yourself and others safe and well.

  • Don’t use a makeshift tool just because there seems to be no alternative.
  • Maintain tools so that they work well; eg, not using a chainsaw when the blade needs to sharpened, etc.
  • Carry out a short visual check and be sure that the tool is in good condition before you use it.
  • Only use electrical fittings that are suitable for the environment at the time; eg, outdoor, wet or dusty. Look out for the IP rating and CE mark.
  • Replace defective equipment.
  • Use a registered electrical contractor for electrical repairs and maintenance.
  • Always switch off and unplug equipment before cleaning or adjusting.
  • Avoid using extra-long extension leads, and always fully unwind them when in use to avoid overheating and fire.
  • On welding sets, only use properly insulated leads and undamaged electrode holders.
  • Check that electricity cables are not damaged before using the equipment.
  • Check for evidence of burn marks or staining that indicates the equipment is overheating.
  • Position any trailing leads so that they are not a trip hazard, either for the user or any others.
  • Have tools and equipment inspected by a competent person on a regular basis.
  • Electrical tools used outdoors should be connected through an RCD which will cut off the power if there is a fault.
  • Test the RCD regularly to make sure it will work when needed.

    • What is an RCD?

    A residual current device (RCD) can help to reduce the chances of an electrical injury.

    The best place for the RCD is at the main switchboard, and most installations will have one already fitted. It is important to check this is the case and then, it is critical to test it regularly by pushing the red test button and then re-setting it.

    If one is not fitted, the advice is to ask your registered electrical contractor to install it.

    There are also portable RCD’s which can be used when using portable electrical equipment such as power washers, welders, etc.