A-4 Personal Safety Practices Introduction
This section describes the clothing and protective equipment workers must wear on the job site and the safety precautions they must take to protect themselves and others from injury.
Special personal protective equipment (PPE) is required on the job site. The equipment used will depend on the hazards anticipated.
When working at elevations, significant hazards are present, and fall protection is normally required. Knowing the hazards allows workers to select methods to reduce the hazard and prevent injury.
Workers often lift and move heavy and awkward objects. Failure to follow proper lifting procedures can cause serious and permanent back damage.
Learning Objectives
When you have completed this section, you should be able to:
- Describe safety precautions and procedures relating to personal apparel and personal protection equipment (PPE).
- Describe fall protection systems and the equipment.
- Describe the proper methods of lifting and moving objects.
You will be required to reference publications and videos available online at WorkSafeBC.
Terminology
The following terms will be used throughout this section. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- anchorage / anchor point: A secure point where fall protection equipment is attached. (Section A-4.2)
- air-purifying respirator: A respirator that filters harmful particles or gases from the air. (Section A-4.1)
- carabiner: An oblong-shaped metal connecting device with a locking gate used to attach different components of a personal fall protection system. (Section A-4.2)
- control zone: A marked area within a minimum of 2 metres of the edge of a structure or building that has a flat or low-sloped roof where special safety rules apply. (Section A-4.2)
- CSA approved: Certified by the Canadian Standards Association to meet safety standards. (Section A-4.1)
- deceleration device: A safety device used in fall protection that slows down a person during a fall to reduce the force of impact and help prevent serious injury. (Section A-4.2)
- dermatitis: A skin problem that causes redness, dryness, or irritation. (Section A-4.1)
- ergonomics: How your body fits and works with your tools and workspace. (Section A-4.3)
- high-visibility apparel: Clothing that is bright and easy to see, especially around vehicles or machinery. (Section A-4.1)
- hoist: A device used to lift heavy objects using a rope or chain. (Section A-4.3)
- mechanical assistance: Machines or equipment used to help lift or move heavy objects. (Section A-4.3)
- noise reduction ratings (NRR): A number that shows how much noise hearing protection can block. (Section A-4.1)
- personal protective equipment (PPE): Safety gear such as gloves, goggles, or boots worn to protect the body. (Section A-4.1)
- pivot: To turn your whole body using your feet instead of twisting your back. (Section A-4.3)
- positive pressure respirator: A respirator that pushes clean air into the mask to keep harmful air out. (Section A-4.1)
- rope-and-pulley system: A lifting system that uses a rope and wheel to raise heavy items. (Section A-4.3)
- rope grab: A device used to connect the lanyard to a vertical lifeline; it moves along the lifeline and locks in place if a fall occurs. (Section A-4.2)
- scaffold: A temporary platform used to work at heights. (Section A-4.3)
- self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA): A breathing device with its own air tank worn on the back. (Section A-4.1)
- snap hook: A self-locking metal hook used to connect lanyards to rope grabs, harnesses, and horizontal lifelines on fall protection equipment. (Section A-4.2)
- suspension system: The adjustable strap system inside a hard hat that helps absorb impact. (Section A-4.1)
