PPE Program BC, Canada

In British Columbia, Canada, personal protective equipment (PPE) programs and safety regulations are governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Here's a breakdown of the requirements:

Employers have a responsibility to provide personal protective equipment at no cost to the worker, with the exception of clothing needed for protection against the natural elements, general purpose work gloves, appropriate footwear including safety footwear and safety headgear, which are the responsibility of the worker. If employer-provided PPE causes adverse health effects, the employer must provide alternate equipment or safe measures. [4]

PPE must be selected and used according to recognized standards and provide effective protection without creating hazards for the wearer. It must also be compatible, ensuring that one item does not compromise the effectiveness of another, and be maintained in good working order and in a sanitary condition. [1]

If PPE is required to protect against chemical exposure or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, employers must implement a protective equipment program that includes:

• A statement of purpose and responsibilities
• Written procedures for selection, use, inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment
• Instruction and training in the correct use and maintenance of the equipment
• For respirators, medical assessment of respirator wearers, when required
• Documentation, when required
• Program review

[1] The PPE program must be reviewed annually by the employer in consultation with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable, to:

• Assess exposure control measures to ensure their continued effectiveness
• Determine the need for further control
• Ensure the adequacy of instruction
• For respirators, assess the adequacy of exposure monitoring data, assess the need for further monitoring and ensure the adequacy of the fit test program

[3] Workers must be adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations, and maintenance of PPE. Supervisors must ensure that appropriate PPE is available to workers, properly worn when required, and properly cleaned, inspected, maintained, and stored. [3]

Workers are responsible for using PPE in accordance with training and instruction, inspecting it before use, and reporting any malfunctions. Personal clothing must not expose the worker to unnecessary or avoidable hazards, and clothing must fit closely about the body if there is a danger of contact with moving parts or energized equipment. Dangling jewelry and unrestrained hair are also prohibited in such situations. [3]

Specific types of PPE covered under the regulations include safety headgear, eye and face protection, limb and body protection, footwear, high visibility apparel, buoyancy equipment, flame-resistant clothing, and respirators. [2]