So what is the classification of PPE for dog grooming?
According to the governments website www.hse.gov.uk PPE is defined in the PPER 1992 as all equipment to include clothing which is intended to be worn by a person at work and which protects the person against a risk to that person's health or safety.
On the 6th April 2022 the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Act Regulations 2022 come into force and amends the 1992 Regulations. The amendment applies to limb workers and the equipment to be protected with suitable PPE.
So if you are a dog groomer what does PPE mean to you?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects the user against health or safety risks at work. It includes controlling hazards and injuries to
- the lungs
- head and legs
- the eyes
- the skin
- the body
PPE is required to protect and reduce the risk so if you take the above areas that are hazards and injuries, controls and safe systems of dog grooming need to apply.
The injuries include
- the lungs, breathing in hair and dead skin
- the body, standing and lifting heavy dogs
- the eyes, from flying hair, nail cuttings
- the skin, contact with hair, scratches and bites
- the feet, long days standing
What do you have to do?
PPE should be part of your health and safety controls everyday. Firstly, it starts with protective clothing. Practicality over fashion should always be at the forefront when choosing workwear. Many dog grooming garments have short sleeves, many have low v-necks, many don't even have hair resistant properties.
Types of Dog Grooming PPE
Eyes
Hazards - Hair, dead skin, nail cuttings, shampoo splash
Options - Clipit Safety Goggles and Visor
Skin
Hazards - Hair, bites and scratches
Ears
Hazards - Noise, a combination of sound level and duration of exposure to dryers, blasters and clippers.
Options - Ear Defenders
Hands and Arms
Hazards - Scratches, bites and punctures
Options - Protective sleeves
Feet and Legs
Hazards - Standing all day
Options - Show Gel Insoles
Lungs
Hazards - Absorbing hair dust and vapours
Options - Clipit Goggle and Visor
For further preventative measures to improve your grooming health, click here
This 3 minute read gives you some extra measures to put in
to place to protect your health.