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The Purpose of Protective Clothing

In some occupations, protective clothing is mandatory. It protects the worker from harm. For example, someone who is involved in the disposal of chemicals must wear protective clothing that protects him from exposure to the chemicals. Medical personnel wear protective clothing to protect them from blood that can be contaminated by AIDS, hepatitis or other infectious diseases. Protective clothing and equipment is designed to isolate or shield people from physical-, chemical- and biological hazards.

  1. Masks Provide Protection

    • A surgical mask is considered protective clothing. It covers both the mouth and nose and should be worn by dentists and dental health care personnel. Masks protect the individual against sprays of body fluids and blood. The mask shields the worker from blood borne pathogens or other infectious microorganisms that the patient may have.

    Eye Protection

    • Protective eye wear shields the face during dental proceeds. The mucous membranes of the eyes are protected from coming into contact with microorganisms.

    Gloves

    • Gloves are often part of protective clothing.Gloves protect individuals in various occupations from exposure to chemicals that can be hazardous and, in the medical arena, from coming into contact with blood and other body fluids. Specific types of gloves must be worn for specific purposes because some gloves won’t be effective. For example, vinyl, latex, nitrile and other synthetic materials used in gloves can be weakened by exposure to alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and glutaraldehyde. Non-medical gloves are worn by employees who handle contaminated chemicals or are involved in housekeeping and must disinfect and clean.

    Full Body and Other Protective Articles

    • Some occupations require the employee to wear full body protection. However, there are risks associated with wearing protective clothing because the clothing itself can cause physical and psychological stress, heat stress, impaired mobility, vision and communication. The more protective clothing that must be worn the greater the attendant risks, notes OSHA. One of the dangers of full body chemical protective wear is that it can put the wearer at risk for developing heat stress, which can result in death. Heat stress is caused by the work that is required, the type of protective clothing that is being worn, environmental conditions and the individual characteristics of the wearer. If is possible to wear a lighter protective outfit and not sacrifice protection, that is the route to go.

      Other forms of protective clothing include work boots, hard hats, reflective vests, scrubs, work gloves, knee pads, back belts and shoes covers. Reflective suits or jackets let those who work in high traffic areas or other potentially dangerous areas to be seen from a distance. Rain gear and flame retardant suits are also available for those working in outdoor occupations or for those exposed to fire.

      OSHA notes that those employees who are exposed to lead in their work must be provided with protective clothing, including gloves, face shields or vented goggles, full-body work clothing and blasting or welding helmets when necessary. The full body work clothing or coveralls can be disposable. If non-disposable, a clean outfit needs to be worn every day. Clothing that has been exposed to lead should be cleaned using a HEPA or high efficiency particle air filter vacuum to remove loose particle contamination.

    Training

    • Wearing protective clothing can be inconvenient and uncomfortable so the employee needs to be trained in the wearing of the protective clothing and understand that there is a genuine need for this type of protection and that he must use and wear it properly as well as maintain it.

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