Page 12 - Visual Guidance Handbook

Let’s all
PPE USE DURING THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC get home safely,
every day

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a huge effect on PPE stock levels globally. It is vital we reserve our stock to ensure that we are supplying sites with
what is actually necessary, whilst not allowing waste of critical PPE items. This document is to be displayed on site notice boards and carried out as
a TBT to all site operatives. There are a number of key items that are currently in demand globally to allow for our nations response to the virus.
These are listed below:

P2/P3 masks: Sites are to review safe systems of works and where possible use extraction and suppression systems to remove the need
for RPE. RPE is to be issued and signed for by the individual, ensure that the maximum usage from the mask is utilised. Rubber (non
disposable masks) are to be returned to the stores when no longer required and not discarded. Filters are to be replaced and the mask
cleaned as per the manufactures guidance with warn soapy water. Ideally the mask will be held for 72hours in the store prior to re
issue.

With a large volume of clear glasses now being diverted to front line services, we must ensure that we prolong the life of these on site.
All safety glasses are to be signed for at initial issue. To exchange these, the used pair will be brought to the stores and inspected prior
to exchange being agreed. The main shortage is with clear glasses. For outdoor operations consider tinted glasses. Impact protection
goggles used for short duration works such as breaking and use of petrol saws, are to be issued with the tool and returned to the stores
when the task is complete. These are to be cleaned as per the manufactures guidance with warn soapy water. Ideally they will be
held for 72 hours in the store prior to re-issue.

Sites are to review the need for disposable gloves throughout site. Where possible (for operations such as
cleaning etc.) impervious gloves such as marigolds should be employed. These are to be washed after the
task in warm soapy water as per the government hand cleaning guidance for 20 seconds in order to allow
them to be re-used.

Disposable overalls use is to be restricted to safety critical tasks only. Operatives are to be instructed to
regularly wash there orange outer trousers and vests. Alternatives such as waterproof trousers should be
considered for tasks such as concrete placement allowing them to be washed and reused.

Page 12