What is PPE and Why Do Restoration Professionals Need it?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

What is PPE and Why Do Restoration Professionals Need it?

If you've ever been exposed to mold and wondered why it makes you feel sick, the answer is simple. Mold spores are microscopic organisms that float all around us. That's why it's so important for restoration professionals who work with moldy homes and buildings to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on projects where there's potential for exposure.

Why is PPE important?

When you’re working with mold, you need to protect yourself from the dangers of exposure. The more sensitive you are to mold, the more important it is to wear PPE. 

PPE is equipment that can help reduce or eliminate risks to acceptable levels. PPE cannot and should not be used as a substitute for safe work practices, but it can help restorers and conservators protect themselves during their work.

What are the safety requirements for personal protective equipment?

Personal Protective Equipment is a must, but it must be used correctly. PPE should not be worn for more than 8 hours per day because it can cause skin irritation in some people. The best way to prevent this is by replacing your PPE when it becomes damaged, which means that you need to check your PPE regularly for rips or tears and replace them immediately if you find any. You should also clean and disinfect any PPE that encounters blood or other bodily fluids after each use and store your equipment properly so that it doesn't become contaminated with dirt or dust during storage.

Respiratory protection

When you work with mold, respiratory protection is required. Respiratory protection means that you wear a face mask and/or respirator when inside the containment area. If you're just cleaning up mold, respiratory protection is not required. However, if you are removing mold from your home or workplace (e.g., because the building has been damaged), respiratory protection may be required by OSHA in some cases.

Eye and face protection

There are three main types of eye and face protection:

• Goggles. This type of protective eyewear covers the entire eye area, including your eyelids. Goggles reduce exposure to small particles and liquids, but they can make you feel claustrophobic if you wear them for long periods of time.
• Face shields/barriers. These are used in conjunction with goggles to help protect against large splashes or sprays from chemicals, water or other substances that may irritate your eyes or skin near the mouth and nose area (for example, when using a pressure washer).
• Facial masks. Facial masks go over your mouth and nose area only; they provide limited protection from small particles because they don't cover any part of the forehead or chin area.

Protective clothing

The right PPE can be a lifesaver for restoration professionals, but it's also important to choose the right clothing for your job. You need clothes that are comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and durable enough to last through heavy-duty use.

The best protective clothing is flame-resistant and resistant to chemicals. It should also be made from an easily washable material, so you don't have to worry about stains or odors after long days of cleaning up after fires and floods.

Protecting your hands

You might not be able to see it, but there's a great deal of work going on behind the scenes. The restoration professionals who are called in to help after an emergency or disaster need to wear protective equipment that will keep them safe from harm and make sure they can do their job effectively.

Protec® gloves are designed with your safety in mind, so that you can focus on making your workplace safer for everyone. Here's what you should know about PPE:

• There are three types of gloves commonly used in the restoration industry: vinyl, nitrile, and latex (or natural rubber). Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; here's how they compare:
• Vinyl gloves are inexpensive but don't last long before wearing through or tearing (and they're not biodegradable). If you're looking for cheap disposable protection while working with hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos fibers—or if you want disposable touch screens while cleaning up after an emergency event—vinyl is your best bet!
• Nitrile is more durable than vinyl, but it's also more expensive per pair because it lasts longer than other types of glove material out there today—and nitrile isn't biodegradable either! So if money isn't an issue for your business needs then go ahead buy some good quality nitrile gloves instead :)

Foot and leg protection

Foot and leg protection, including such items as steel-toed boots, is key to preventing injuries from falling objects. Not only can a heavy object cause serious injury, but it can also knock you out of commission for long periods of time while your employer has to find a replacement.

If you work in areas where there is likely to be debris or rubbish that has been left behind by others in the area, foot protection is essential during your shifts. There are many different types of footwear available that offer high levels of security and comfort while on duty. Leg protection may help prevent injuries from working in an environment with dangerous objects on the ground like nails or broken glass fragments.

PPE can help keep you safe when removing mold.

PPE is vital when performing mold removal. It can help keep you safe from the harmful effects of mold. When it comes to removing mold in residential properties, it's important that you wear the right PPE and use the proper equipment.

We hope you’ve learned a lot from this article, and we wish you the best of luck on your mold removal journey! Remember that if you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from mold, it shouldn’t be too difficult to complete the job.