Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Xmo Strata provides all engineers with PPE that complies with the European standards and gives appropriate protection for all work undertaken. A PPE register should be used detailing all company PPE equipment, it also ensures that equipment is regularly serviced and complies with current legislation.
The following is a guide to the PPE supplied to all Xmo Strata engineers:
- Safety helmets - European standard EN397 describes the minimum protection for safety helmets. This standard requires a helmet to pass obligatory tests to protect against such instances of a top dead centre impact. There are also additional options to EN397 including products that offer side impact protection.
- Boots - It is vital that items of footwear are purchased from a reputable source, carrying the fixed European standard mark EN345 S1. Boots complying with EN345 S1 have a safety toecap providing protection to 200 joules impact, have passed a compression test and provide abrasion resistance. The sole compound is also tested for heat resistance, abrasion, shock absorption and resistance to oil and certain chemicals.
- High visibility vests - European standard EN471 describes the minimum protection for high visibility clothing. This clothing is designed to signal the presence of the wearer in daylight as well as under illumination by vehicle headlights. There are three classes of high visibility clothing; classes 1, 2 and 3. All Xmo Strata clothing is at least class 2.
- Eye protection - European standard EN166 describes the minimum standards for eye protection, and there are various options included within this. A risk assessment is used to identify any specific hazards on site and protective goggles are purchased to suit. In the sign industry, the most likely hazards are impacts and splashes, therefore Xmo Strata employees are provided with option 3 (protection against liquid droplets/splashes) and B (medium energy impact).
- Gloves - European standard EN388 describes the European standard for mechanical protection. Gloves to this standard are tested against mechanical hazards such as abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture.
- Safety harnesses – European standard EN361 describes the minimum standard for safety harnesses. Fall arrest equipment is essential for all engineers when working at height on a fixed platform.