Serious injuries can be avoided altogether when workers are taught how to choose and use the correct equipment. According to Section 125 of the Canada Labour Code, businesses must ensure that all employees who are granted access to an establishment where they may require safety materials, equipment, devices, and clothing are provided with the latter. However, it is not enough to simply endow the workplace with a wide range of equipment. Workers must also receive proper training in using and maintaining their designated gear.
PPE DEFINITION
What is PPE?
PPE stands for “Personal Protective Equipment.” It refers to specialized clothing, gear, and equipment that individuals wear or use to protect themselves from various workplace hazards, environmental risks, and potential sources of injury or illness. PPE is designed to provide a barrier between the wearer and potential hazards to minimize the risk of exposure and promote safety.
Which are the main types of PPE?
There are several types of PPE available in Canada, and the choice of PPE depends on the nature of the hazard and the type of work being performed. The main types of PPE are as follows:
1. Head Protection
Head protection includes helmets, hard hats, and bump caps, which are designed to protect workers against head injuries caused by falling objects, electrical hazards, and impacts.
2. Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection include safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding helmets, which are designed to protect workers against different types of eye and face injuries caused by flying particles, chemical splashes, and radiation.
3. Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection includes respirators, which are designed to protect workers against respiratory hazards such as dust, fumes, and gases. The type of respirator required depends on the nature of the hazard and the level of exposure.
4. Hearing Protection
Hearing protection includes earplugs and earmuffs, which are designed to protect workers against noise-induced hearing loss caused by exposure to high levels of noise.
5. Hand and Arm Protection
Hand and arm protection includes gloves, sleeves, and gauntlets, which are designed to protect workers against different types of hand and arm injuries caused by cuts, punctures, and abrasions.
6. Foot and Leg Protection
Foot and leg protection includes safety shoes, boots, and leggings, which are designed to protect workers against foot and leg injuries caused by falling objects, slips, and cuts.
PPE LEGISLATION
What is the federal legislation?
The Canadian federal government has put in place legislation to regulate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure that workers are protected against workplace hazards. This article provides an overview of the federal PPE legislation in Canada.
Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) are federal regulations that govern the occupational health and safety of workers in federally regulated industries, including transportation, telecommunications, and banking. Part 8 of COHSR focuses on the use of PPE and sets out specific requirements for the use, selection, and maintenance of PPE.
Under Part 8 of COHSR, employers are required to provide their workers with the necessary PPE to protect them against workplace hazards. Employers are also required to ensure that workers receive adequate training on the correct use, care, and maintenance of the equipment.
Canada Labour Code
The Canada Labour Code (CLC) is federal legislation that regulates employment and labour relations in federally regulated industries. Part II of the CLC sets out the occupational health and safety standards that employers must follow to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers.(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html).
Under Part II of the CLC, employers are required to identify workplace hazards and take measures to eliminate or control them. Employers are also required to provide their workers with the necessary PPE to protect them against workplace hazards. Employers must ensure that workers receive adequate training on the correct use, care, and maintenance of the equipment.
Hazardous Products Act
The Hazardous Products Act (HPA) is federal legislation that regulates the sale and importation of hazardous products, including PPE. The HPA requires suppliers of PPE to provide their customers with information on the hazards associated with the product and the proper use, care, and maintenance of the equipment. (Source: Government of Canada, Hazardous Products Act, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-3/)
Under the HPA, suppliers are required to ensure that their PPE meets certain safety standards and that the equipment is properly labeled with information on the product’s hazards and the proper use, care, and maintenance of the equipment.
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards for a wide range of industries and products, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In Canada, compliance with CSA standards is voluntary, but many employers and suppliers of PPE choose to follow these standards to ensure that their products meet the necessary safety requirements.
PPE must be kept in good working order and replaced if it is damaged or has expired. It must also meet the various Canadian standards, such as the following:
- CSA Standard Z94.4-02 – Selection, Care and Use of Respirators (Source: CSA Group, Selection, Care and Use of Respirators, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CAN-CSA-Z94.4-02/)
- CSA Standard Z94.3-07 – Eye and Face Protectors (Source: CSA Group, Eye and Face Protectors, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20Z94.3:20/).
- CSA Standard Z94.1 – Protective Headwear (Source: CSA Group, Protective Headwear, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/2700058/)
- CSA Standard Z195-09 – Protective Footwear (Source: CSA Group, Protective Footwear, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/Z195-09/)
- CSA Standard Z94.2.02 – Hearing Protection Devices (Performance Selection, Care and Use) (Source: CSA Group, Hearing Protection Devices , URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/2701515/)
What is the provincial and territorial legislation?
In Canada, workplace health and safety regulations, including those related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are primarily governed by provincial and territorial legislation. Each province and territory has its own occupational health and safety regulations that outline the requirements for providing and using PPE to protect workers from workplace hazards. These regulations are enforced by the respective provincial or territorial occupational health and safety authorities.
| Province/Territory | Legislation Governing PPE |
| Alberta | Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code |
| British Columbia | Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation |
| Manitoba | Workplace Safety and Health Act |
| New Brunswick | Occupational Health and Safety Act |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations |
| Northwest Territories and Nunavut | Safety Act and Regulations |
| Nova Scotia | Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations |
| Ontario | Occupational Health and Safety Act |
| Prince Edward Island | Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations |
| Quebec | Act respecting occupational health and safety (Loi sur la santé et la sécurité du travail) |
| Saskatchewan | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations |
| Yukon | Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations |
PPE TRAINING
What is PPE Training?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training is the process of educating workers on how to properly select, use, maintain, and dispose of PPE in order to protect themselves from workplace hazards. PPE can include items such as safety glasses, hard hats, respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.
Who is responsible for PPE Training?
Employers are responsible for providing PPE training to their workers, as well as ensuring that the appropriate PPE is available and properly maintained. Workers, in turn, are responsible for attending PPE training, properly using the PPE provided, and reporting any issues or concerns related to PPE to their employer.(Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986)
Who needs PPE training?
PPE training is necessary for any worker who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace that require the use of personal protective equipment. Examples of industries where PPE training may be required include:
These are just a few examples of industries where PPE training may be necessary. Ultimately, any workplace that has the potential for hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment should provide PPE training to their workers.
Can you do PPE Safety training online?
This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it’s essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
Where can you purchase PPE Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers of PPE training. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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PPE TRAINING CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
PPE training should cover topics such as the types of hazards present in the workplace, the types of PPE available, how to properly fit and adjust PPE, how to inspect and maintain PPE, and when to replace PPE.
How long is the certificate valid?
Employees who frequently work with personal protective equipment should re-take this course every 3 years. Some workplaces may require PPE retraining on an as-needed basis, determined by factors such as changes in the workplace environment, changes in the types of hazards present, or changes in the types of PPE being used. For example, if a worker switches to a different type of PPE or if there are significant changes in the workplace that could affect the effectiveness of the PPE, additional training may be necessary.
It is important for both employers and workers to regularly review and assess the effectiveness of their PPE training and equipment to ensure that they are providing adequate protection against workplace hazards. Workers should also be encouraged to report any concerns or issues related to PPE to their employer so that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential tool for protecting workers from workplace hazards. PPE training is necessary to ensure that workers are properly equipped to use PPE effectively and safely.PPE training is important for workers in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and transportation. Overall, it is important for both employers and workers to prioritize PPE training and equipment to create a safe and healthy workplace for all.