Personal Protective Equipment

for Sanitation Workers

When to use PPE?

Appropriate Combinations of PPE for various

Sanitation Workers

© C S Sharada Prasad
When to use PPE?
Categories of PPE their details and when to use them?

PPE for Sanitation Workers 2

When to use PPE?

Head Protection Ear Protection

Should be worn in case of physical hazards
Should be worn in case of risk of exposure to
such as impact due to falling object or collision
high decibels noise at the workplace. They are
with fixed objects at workplace. Type of helmet
also recommended where continuous exposure
depends on the physical risk present at the
to mist or droplets of fluid / spray is expected.
workplace.

Face Protection
Should be worn where there is risk of
Eye Protection
continuous droplets or splashes of fluids, heat Should be worn in case of risk of incidental
from hot solid bodies and electric arcs. impact of fragments and dusts, gases and
droplets or splashes of fluids.

Lung protection: Respirators Lung protection: Face Masks

Should be worn when working in confined Should be worn when there is risk of solid and
space where there is risk of oxygen deficiency liquid particles including nanoparticles such as
and / or when concentration of toxic substances dusts, fumes, mists, fibers, vapors, gases and
are at dangerous levels. microorganisms.

PPE for Sanitation Workers 3

When to use PPE?

Hand Protection Body Protection Foot Protection

Hand protection are classified as Body protection are used for as chemical & Foot protection is recommended to protect
mechanical resistant and chemical biological hazards, thermal hazards and the workers from physical and chemical
resistant gloves. high visibility. Further intentional and hazards at the workplace.
Mechanical resistant are recommended incidental exposure to hazard determines Foot protection helps to avoid injuries
where there is higher risk of abrasion, cut, the type of body protection. arising from contact from falling, rolling or
tear or puncture and incidental contact with These hazards in sanitation are mostly due cutting object, penetration from soles and
hazardous liquids. to incidental exposure to hazardous uppers, contact with hazardous substances
Chemical resistant gloves are substance. Intentional exposure is only and slipping and falling on wet surfaces.
recommended where intentional contact observed in case of sewer workers Types include – safety footwear, protective
with the hazardous liquid is expected and engaged in manual cleaning of sewerage footwear and occupational footwear
there is higher risk of penetration or systems and septic tanks.
Material – Leather and similar material,
permeation of chemicals into the glove. rubber or all polymeric material.

PPE for Sanitation Workers 4

Appropriate Combination of PPE
Sanitation Workers in Liquid Waste Management
Desludging Staff, Mechanized Sewer Cleaning Staff and
Treatment Plant Staff involved in O&M activities

© Devon Live
PPE for Sanitation Workers 5
 HEAD PROTECTION EAR PROTECTION FACE PROTECTION EYE PROTECTION

Hard Hat Ear Plugs Face Shield Safety Goggles

Hard Hat with shell made Corded, flanged shaped Face shield made out of Safety goggles must be
out of Polypropylene Co- ear plugs made out of clear Polycarbonate light weight made out of
Polymer with headband, non irritant and non having size 8.0” x 15.5” clear Polycarbonate
harness, sweatband, allergic material. The ear and thickness of 1.0 mm. material offering high
peak and chinstrap. plugs should be The shield should be impact resistance and
Recommended for use washable and reusable. compatible with the 99.9% UV protection.
only when hazard of Recommend for use only safety hard hat.
falling object, working at in case of noise hazard.
height or near open
chambers.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 6
 LUNG PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION

N 95 Face Mask Mechanical Resistant Gloves Chemical Resistant Gloves

N 95 face mask with exhalation Mechanical resistant, nitrile coated Chemical resistant, nitrile gloves
valve and straps made out of gloves having nylon lining, having flock lined inners, diamond
Thermoplastic Elastomer, specialized grip such as dotted or finish grip, straight cuff, minimum
Aluminium nose clip, Polyurethane sandy and knitted cuffs. thickness of 0.38 mm and length
nose foam, Polypropylene filter, Recommended to be worn for jobs of 330 mm.
Polyester shell and cover web. which might include incidental Recommended to be worn on jobs
contact with liquid hazardous which includes continuous and
waste or chemical. intentional contact with liquid
hazardous waste or chemical.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 7
 BODY PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION

Full Sleeves Shirt Full Length Pants Protective Footwear

High visibility full sleeves shirt High visibility full length pants Protective footwear having steel
made out of high wicking polyester made out of polyurethane coated toe with upper body made out of
for comfortable use in hot and breathable polyester for grain leather and polyurethane
humid conditions. comfortable use in hot and humid outsole for protection against
Presence of reflective strips for conditions and easy cleaning. physical hazards.
high visibility in low light conditions Presence of reflective strips for Ankle length shoes when paired
is optional. high visibility in low light conditions with full pants provides complete
is optional. protection from incidental splashes
of hazardous liquids.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 8
Appropriate Combination of PPE
Sanitation Workers in Liquid Waste Management
Sewer workers involved in manual cleaning of sewerage
network or septic tanks.

© Devon Live
PPE for Sanitation Workers 9
 HEAD PROTECTION EAR PROTECTION LUNG PROTECTION LUNG PROTECTION

Hard Hat Ear Plugs Full Face Respirator PAPR

Hard Hat with shell made Corded, flanged shaped Full face respirators with Powered Air Purifying
out of Polypropylene Co- ear plugs made out of replaceable filter cartridge. Respirator are full face
Polymer with headband, non irritant and non The mask is made out of respirator with battery
harness, sweatband, allergic material. The ear clear Polycarbonate powered blower.
peak and chinstrap. plugs should be material and have high It is recommended for use
washable and reusable. impact resistant. The in confined spaces which
Use of hard hat is silicone seal around the
mandatory when working Recommend for use only are well ventilated having
mask and thermoplastic concentration of the toxic
in confined spaces such in case of noise hazard. elastomer, makes it air substances at dangerous
as sewerage system or tight. levels.
tanks.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 10
 LUNG PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION

SCBA Chemical Resistant Gloves Full Sleeves Shirt

Self Contained Breathing Chemical resistant, nitrile gloves High visibility full sleeves shirt
Apparatus is a full face respirator having flock lined inners, diamond made out of high wicking polyester
which comes with a cylinder which finish grip, straight cuff, minimum for comfortable use in hot and
provides necessary oxygen for thickness of 0.38 mm and length humid conditions.
breathing. of 330 mm. Presence of reflective strips for
It is recommended for use in Recommended to be worn on jobs high visibility in low light conditions
confined spaces having deficiency which includes continuous and is optional.
of oxygen such as sewers or intentional contact with liquid
underwater. hazardous waste or chemical
PPE for Sanitation Workers 11
 BODY PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION

Body Protection Foot Protection Body Protection

Disposable Coveralls made out of Chest Wader Suits made out of The sewage proof diving suit are
non woven polypropylene with polyester coated with PVC, steel completely water tight from head
polyethylene barrier film. toe rubber shoes molded into the to toe with integrated gloves and
The coveralls are breathable and suit to provide complete water shoes. It comes with a diving
protect the worker from incidental tightness. helmet and inline air blower kept
splashes of hazardous liquid These are recommended for use above the ground. This ensures
waste. where the lower body of the continuous supply of fresh air for
worker will be continuous contact prolonged work under wastewater.
with hazardous liquid waste.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 12
Appropriate Combination of PPE
Sanitation Workers in House Keeping
Housekeeping staff involved in cleaning of washrooms

© Swinton Building Services

PPE for Sanitation Workers 13
 LUNG PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION

Face Mask Chemical Resistant Gloves Work Shirt

Foldable respiratory half mask Chemical resistant, nitrile gloves Short sleeve work shirt made out
made of non-woven polypropylene having flock lined inners, diamond of polyester and cotton. This
Wide adjustable elastic straps, finish grip, straight cuff, minimum material is comfortable to
Aluminium nose clip, thickness of 0.38 mm and length prolonged wearing and helps to
Reinforcement nose foam of 330 mm. wick out moisture.
Recommended to be worn on job Recommended to be worn on jobs The work shirt is to be worn on the
while cleaning water closets and which includes continuous and job as a uniform and is combined
using aerosols containing intentional contact with liquids or with apron or a bib to protect the
chemicals. cleaning chemical. from liquid splashes.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 14
 BODY PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION

Cargo Pants Bib Apron Protective Footwear

Full length cargo pants made out Unisex multipurpose bib apron Protective footwear having steel
of polyester and cotton. The pants made of polycotton fabric, Neck toe with upper body made out of
should have gusseted crotch, wide strap adjusted with snap buttons grain leather and polyurethane
belt loops and reinforced front and for length, Back width adjustable outsole for protection against
cargo pockets. with strap & buttons. physical hazards.
The cargo pants shields the legs Recommended to be worn as Ankle length shoes when paired
of the worker from incidental worker might be exposed to with full pants provides complete
splash of water or chemicals used incidental contact / splashes of protection from incidental splashes
for cleaning. liquids. of hazardous liquids.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 15
Appropriate Combination of PPE
Sanitation Workers in Solid Waste Management
Workers involved in door to door collection, working at transfer
station, segregation line and O&M activities at SWM plant

© IMDB
PPE for Sanitation Workers 16
 HEAD PROTECTION EAR PROTECTION FACE PROTECTION LUNG PROTECTION

Hard Hat Ear Plugs Face Shield Face Mask

Hard Hat with shell made Corded, flanged shaped Face shield made out of Foldable respiratory half
out of Polypropylene Co- ear plugs made out of clear Polycarbonate mask made of non-woven
Polymer with headband, non irritant and non having size 8.0” x 15.5” polypropylene Wide
harness, sweatband, allergic material. The ear and thickness of 1.0 mm. adjustable elastic straps,
peak and chinstrap plugs should be The shield should be Aluminium nose clip,
Recommend for use in washable and reusable. compatible with the Reinforcement nose foam
case of physical hazard Recommend for use only safety hard hat. Recommend in case of
from falling object or in case of noise hazard at Recommended when collection or handling
when working at height. SWM Plant. using sprays / aerosols. organic waste and protect
from hazardous gases.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 17
 LUNG PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION

N 95 Face Mask Mechanical Resistant Gloves Chemical Resistant Gloves

N 95 face mask with exhalation Mechanical resistant, nitrile coated Chemical resistant, nitrile gloves
valve and straps made out of gloves having nylon lining, having flock lined inners, diamond
Thermoplastic Elastomer, specialized grip such as dotted or finish grip, straight cuff, minimum
Aluminium nose clip, Polyurethane sandy and knitted cuffs. thickness of 0.38 mm and length
nose foam, Polypropylene filter, Recommended to be worn for jobs of 330 mm.
Polyester shell and cover web which might include incidental Recommended to be worn on jobs
Recommended to be worn for jobs contact with dry waste or inert which includes continuous and
where there is collection or waste intentional contact with wet waste
processing of dry waste or C&D or hazardous waste
waste
PPE for Sanitation Workers 18
 BODY PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION

Bib Apron Full Sleeves Shirt Full Length Pants

Unisex multipurpose bib apron High visibility full sleeves shirt High visibility full length pants
made of polycotton fabric, Neck made out of high wicking polyester made out of polyurethane coated
strap adjusted with snap buttons for comfortable use in hot and breathable polyester for
for length, Back width adjustable humid conditions. comfortable use in hot and humid
with strap & buttons. Presence of reflective strips for conditions and easy cleaning.
Recommended to be worn when high visibility in low light conditions Presence of reflective strips for
continuous and intentional contact is optional. high visibility in low light conditions
with liquid hazardous waste such is optional.
as organic waste segregation
station. PPE for Sanitation Workers 19
 FOOT PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION

Protective Footwear Protective Footwear

Protective footwear having steel toe with upper Protective footwear made out of poly vinyl
body made out of grain leather and chloride and has energy absorption heel. Anti-
polyurethane outsole for protection against skid, highly flexible and extra strong for
physical hazards. protection against physical hazards.
These shoes are recommended for most of the These shoes are recommended for jobs in
jobs in SWM. Ankle length shoes when paired SWM where the worker is going to come in
with full pants provides complete protection continuous contact with liquid. Ankle length
from incidental splashes of hazardous waste shoes should be paired with full pants provides
like wet waste slurry or leachate or processed complete protection.
liquid fuel.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 20
Appropriate Combination of PPE
Sanitation Workers in Solid Waste Management
Sweepers involved in sweeping and cleaning of streets

© Devon Live
PPE for Sanitation Workers 21
 LUNG PROTECTION HAND PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION

Face Mask Mechanical Resistant Gloves Full Sleeves Shirt

Foldable respiratory half mask Mechanical resistant, nitrile coated High visibility full sleeves shirt
made of non-woven polypropylene gloves having nylon lining, made out of high wicking polyester
Wide adjustable elastic straps, specialized grip such as dotted or for comfortable use in hot and
Aluminium nose clip, sandy and knitted cuffs. humid conditions.
Reinforcement nose foam Recommended to be worn for jobs Presence of reflective strips for
Recommend to use in case of which include incidental contact high visibility in low light conditions
sweeping activity to protect from with dry waste in street cleaning. is mandatory.
dust particles.

PPE for Sanitation Workers 22

 BODY PROTECTION BODY PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION

Cargo Pants High Visibility Safety Vests Protective Footwear

Full length cargo pants made out Safety Vests made of plain or Protective footwear having steel
of polyester and cotton. The pants mesh polyester, 1 or 2 inch high toe with upper body made out of
should have gusseted crotch, wide gloss white or yellow horizontal & grain leather and polyurethane
belt loops and reinforced front and vertical reflective tape. outsole for protection against
cargo pockets. Recommended to be worn with physical hazards.
Presence of reflective strips is apparel in street sweeping activity Ankle length shoes when paired
mandatory. The full length pants for high visibility in low light with full pants provides complete
protects the worker from coming in conditions. protection from dusts, particulate
contact with dusts and harmful matters and splashes of liquids.
substances.
PPE for Sanitation Workers 23
© C S Sharada Prasad