top of page

Toolbox Talks

Toolbox talks do not protect employers, but they do help to protect employees.

SGTT05 - eye protection
​

You must wear eye protection where there is a risk of injury to the eyes.
Examples of work activities requiring eye protection are as follows:-


•    Cutting bricks or block with anything i.e. when using bolster hammer and cold chisel or cutting off wheel.
•    The use of a cartridge-fixing tool.
•    The use of an abrasive wheel (Cut-off saw).
•    Striking of masonry nails. 
•    Spraying or working with chemicals.
•    Using a chainsaw.
•    Using a Strimmer.
•    The use of compressed air to blow swarf, dust or dirt from an area
•    Drilling, cutting or breaking metal or concrete.
•    Welding or cutting steelwork.
•    Handling, spraying or brushing any substance that, if splashed into the eyes will cause injuries.
•    Pouring concrete by skip, pump or even machine bucket in your own interest, make sure you wear protective goggles or glasses when instructed to do so.
•    Working next to or near someone else doing any of the above!
•    If there is a danger of something flying off, up or into your eyes wear your eye protection!

​

The eye protection that has been provided must be suitable for you and must be replaced immediately if lost or damaged. You must take care of the eye protection you have been provided with.

​

SGTT06 - personal protective equipment ​​

​

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is all equipment (including clothing providing protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by people at work and which protects them against one or more risks to their health and/or safety.

​

Examples include- safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, water and weather proof clothing, safety harnesses and insulated clothing.

​

Items not classed as PPE under the current legislation include-

​

• ordinary uniforms and work clothes which do not provide any protection

• equipment used while taking part in sport

• personal protection used for travelling on a road, as defined by the Road Traffic Act. 

​

The main purpose of PPE is to protect employees from risk of injury. According to the hierarchy of controls, PPE should only be used as a last resort or in combination with other risk control measures. It is vital that PPE is issued in conjunction with adequate training.

​

Key Points

 

  • You have a legal duty to wear any PPE provided by your employer and they have a duty to see that you do.

  • You must wear and use the PPE in the way it was intended – therefore it must fit you. If it doesn’t - report it.

  • PPE must be suitable for the risk and the job in hand – if it’s not – report it.

  • PPE must not itself create a new risk – if it does – report it.

  • You have a duty to take care of the PPE and not abuse it.

  • Do not take PPE home. Return it to the appropriate storage place after use.

  • If you are unsure about how to use PPE (e.g. respirators or fall-arrest harnesses and lanyards) ask for training first. Your employer must ensure you are adequately trained.

  • If there is anything wrong with the PPE provided e.g., worn out, broken, missing, in need of maintenance or cleaning etc, you must report it.

bottom of page