When choose PPE, just consider whether it meets the standard is that enough?

In the past 20 years, more and more PPE standard came out, in order to obtain approval, PPE at least needs to meet multiple standards.

The PPE standard is usually developed as a "comprehensive" response to an accident and event, but when it involves a specific risk environment, they may sometimes lack. On this basis, it is important to understand your needs to select the correct PPE.

Although the adoption of safety standards has greatly improved the level of industrial and social security, there is a trend to reduce the level of work standards to the lowest performance level of PPE. Essentially, the standard is increasingly considered "reference", rather than as a minimum requirements. Simply accept personal protective equipment, depend on EU standards, rather than a specific risk assessment around your operating space, may not be able to provide adequate protection. Heat, humidity, test procedures, safety standards, tasks and environmental issues just several factors that need to be considered.

1.Thermal protection and Moisture-Vapor Transmission Rate

When it comes to thermal protection, in addition to considering the temperature, other problems must be considered - especially the distance and exposure time with the heat source. The farther away from the heat source, the easier it is to protect them. No clothes (or one person) can withstand 1200 degrees Celsius outside!

Finally, when considering comfort, the Moisture-Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) is an important indicator. MVTR refers to a moisture permeability capability of a fabric, which is "gas permeability" - allows water to be lost, allowing the wearer to cool and comfortable. But the ideal situation is that MVTR materials work only for a few minutes, then moisture and temperature will accumulate, affect the comfort of the wearer.

2. The test process may not be consistent

When it comes to the test process, some changes that may seem small changes will have an impact on the final result. Standard disposable overalls, usually made of polypropylene and / or polyethylene, with high combustion tendencies. But sometimes due to fabric shrinkage, avoid being ignited, it can be tested, of course, this does not apply to all tests, but it is enough to pass through. But think about the impact of operation. Personal protective equipment has never been worn separately, usually used with different equipment. Although this greatly improves the safety of the workers, it also emphasizes that sometimes the PPE equipment has not been tested with the operating environment, so its protection is not truly representative.

Every environment is different - your PPE needs need to be evaluated on this basis.

Obviously, there are many problems need to be considered. Importantly, as a security manager, you need a comprehensive risk assessment to the PPE to make sure it meets all the needs you are in a particular situation. Relying on criteria will have catastrophic consequences.