Standard Operating Procedure for Training on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage and Maintenance

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to provide a structured framework for training employees on the correct usage, handling, and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and personnel who are required to use PPE in their job roles within the organization.

3) Responsibilities

• EHS Manager: Oversee the development and implementation of the PPE training program.
• Training Coordinator: Organize and schedule training sessions and track attendance records.
• Supervisors: Ensure their team members attend the training and apply PPE usage practices in the workplace.
• Employees: Participate in PPE training sessions and follow guidelines for PPE usage and maintenance.

4) Procedure

4.1 Identifying PPE Training Needs

1. Assess Job Roles:
   • Identify roles that require PPE usage, such as those handling chemicals, working at heights, or operating heavy machinery.

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2. Determine Training Objectives:
   • Focus on key areas such as proper PPE selection, correct usage, and regular maintenance procedures.
3. Create a Training Schedule:
   • Plan training sessions based on the frequency of PPE usage, new employee onboarding, and periodic refreshers.

4.2 Preparing Training Materials

1. Develop Educational Content:
   • Prepare slides, videos, and guides covering different types of PPE, their purposes, and proper usage.

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2. Include Demonstrations:
   • Plan practical demonstrations of PPE donning, doffing, and fit testing, especially for respiratory equipment.
3. Highlight Maintenance Practices:
   • Include instructions on PPE cleaning, storage, and inspection for wear and tear.

4.3 Conducting Training Sessions

1. Welcome and Introduce:
   • Start with an overview of the importance of PPE in workplace safety and the objectives of the session.

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2. Explain PPE Types:
   • Cover different PPE categories, including headgear, gloves, eye protection, footwear, and respiratory equipment, highlighting their specific applications.
3. Provide Practical Training:
   • Conduct hands-on sessions where participants practice PPE usage and maintenance under supervision.
4. Encourage Interaction:
   • Engage participants through Q&A sessions and group discussions to clarify doubts and share experiences.
5. Conduct Assessments:
   • Evaluate participants’ understanding using written quizzes or practical tests, such as correctly fitting a respirator.

4.4 Post-Training Activities

1. Distribute Training Materials:
   • Provide participants with handouts summarizing key points and maintenance checklists.

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2. Document Attendance:
   • Record participants in the PPE Training Attendance Log (Annexure 1) and maintain records for audits.
3. Gather Feedback:
   • Distribute feedback forms to assess training effectiveness and areas for improvement.

4.5 Continuous Improvement

1. Review Training Outcomes:
   • Analyze assessment results and feedback to refine future training sessions.

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2. Update Training Content:
   • Revise training materials periodically to reflect changes in regulations, PPE technology, or workplace hazards.
3. Monitor Compliance:
   • Ensure all personnel receive PPE training at the required intervals and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• EHS: Environmental, Health, and Safety
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

• PPE Training Attendance Log
• PPE Maintenance Checklist
• Training Feedback Form

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Standards for PPE
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Standards
• Internal PPE Guidelines

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: PPE Training Attendance Log

Date	Employee Name	Department	Trainer Name	Signature
DD/MM/YYYY	John Doe	Manufacturing	Jane Smith

Template 2: PPE Maintenance Checklist

PPE Type	Inspection Date	Condition	Action Required	Inspector
Safety Gloves	DD/MM/YYYY	Good	None	Jane Smith