What PPE is required when testing post tension cables?

For safe testing and inspection of post-tensioning cables, mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) includes:

• Head protection: Hard hats are crucial where there is a potential for falling objects, head bumps, or accidental contact with electrical hazards.
• Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses or face shields are essential during operations that may cause foreign objects to enter the eye, such as cutting, grinding, or working with harmful chemicals. Select eye and face protectors based on anticipated hazards.
• Hand Protection: Gloves that fit snugly and are appropriate for the job, such as heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work or insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards.
• Foot Protection: Work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles are necessary. Safety-toed footwear is required when working around heavy equipment or falling objects.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be used in high-noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equipment are in use.
• High-visibility Garments: During daylight or hours of darkness, when duties are performed in close proximity to moving vehicles, wear a high-visibility safety vest, shirt, or jacket that is fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red in color.
• Other PPE may be required based on a hazard assessment.

Employers must conduct a hazard assessment to determine the necessary PPE and ensure employees are trained in the use and care of PPE. Supervisors are responsible for enforcing the use of required PPE, and PPE should be regularly inspected and properly maintained.