Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Work at Heights on Asphalt Silos

This document outlines the mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure worker safety while performing tasks at heights on top of asphalt silos. It addresses both fall protection and respiratory hazards, emphasizing compliance with governmental regulations, employer, and job site rules.

Fall Protection

Personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) is required when operating this machine. [1]

The following PPE is mandatory for fall protection:

• Safety Belt or Harness: Occupants must wear a safety belt or harness in accordance with governmental regulations. The harness should be appropriately sized and in good working condition.
• Lanyard: A lanyard must be used to attach to the anchor provided in the platform. The lanyard must be of appropriate length to prevent falls to lower levels.
• Anchor Point: Utilize the designated anchor point within the platform. Ensure the anchor point is certified and capable of withstanding the required fall arrest forces.

All PFPE must comply with applicable governmental regulations and must be inspected and used in accordance with the PFPE manufacturer's instructions. [1]

Respiratory Protection

Asphalt silos may present respiratory hazards due to the presence of fumes, dust, and other airborne particles. The specific respiratory protection required will depend on the results of air monitoring and hazard assessments conducted at the job site. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for asphalt and related materials to determine potential respiratory hazards and appropriate controls.

The following PPE is mandatory for respiratory protection (contingent on hazard assessment):

• Air-Purifying Respirator (APR): If air monitoring indicates the presence of hazardous particulates or fumes below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), an APR equipped with appropriate filters (e.g., P100 filters for particulates, organic vapor cartridges for fumes) may be required. The selection of filter cartridges must be based on the specific contaminants present.
• Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR): In situations where air contaminants exceed the capabilities of an APR, or where oxygen deficiency is a concern, a SAR may be necessary. SARs provide a continuous supply of clean, breathable air from an external source.
• Full Facepiece Respirator: A full facepiece respirator provides eye protection in addition to respiratory protection. It should be used when eye irritation is a concern.
• Respirator Fit Testing: All employees required to wear respirators must undergo fit testing to ensure a proper seal between the respirator and their face. Fit testing should be conducted annually or whenever there is a change in facial features that could affect the fit.

Additional Considerations

• Head Protection: A hard hat meeting ANSI standards should be worn to protect against head injuries from falling objects or bumping into overhead structures.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are required to protect against dust, debris, and chemical splashes. The specific type of eye protection should be selected based on the hazards present.
• Hand Protection: Gloves appropriate for the task should be worn to protect against skin irritation, burns, or cuts. Consider the materials being handled and select gloves that provide adequate protection.
• Foot Protection: Safety shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles are required to protect against foot injuries from falling objects, punctures, or slips. Steel-toed boots may be necessary depending on the specific hazards.
• High-Visibility Clothing: Workers should wear high-visibility clothing (e.g., vests, jackets) to ensure they are easily seen by equipment operators and other personnel, especially in low-light conditions.
• Hearing Protection: If noise levels exceed 85 decibels (dB), hearing protection (e.g., earplugs, earmuffs) should be worn to prevent hearing damage.

Compliance and Inspection

Operators must comply with employer, job site and governmental rules regarding the use of personal protective equipment. [1]

All PFPE must comply with applicable governmental regulations, and must be inspected and used in accordance with the PFPE manufacturer's instructions. [1]

Regular inspections of all PPE should be conducted to ensure it is in good working condition. Damaged or defective PPE should be removed from service immediately. Employees should be trained on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

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