How to Protect Yourself with PPE During Hurricane Cleanup

Hurricane relief and cleanup work can expose workers and volunteers to various hazards, such as debris, floodwater, mold, chemicals, and infectious diseases. To protect themselves from these risks, they need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that matches the level and type of exposure.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the PPE required for hurricane relief work depends on the specific tasks, the expected contaminants, and the potential for injury. However, some general PPE that workers and volunteers should have include:

• Gloves for hand protection from cuts, punctures, abrasions, and infections. Gloves should be made of durable material, such as leather or rubber, and fit well. They should also be compatible with the chemicals or substances that workers may encounter. Honeywell Flextril™ Nitrile Chemical Gloves are an excellent choice. 
• Boots for foot protection from injuries and waterborne pathogens. Boots should be waterproof, slip-resistant, and have steel toes and shanks. They should also cover the ankles and be worn with socks. Check out our collection of  Oliver Safety Boots and Dielectric Boots.
  
• Safety goggles for eye protection from flying objects, dust, splashes, and glare. Eye protection should be impact-resistant, such as safety glasses or goggles, and have side shields or wraparound design. They should also fit snugly and not interfere with vision. Avatar Plus Goggles are perfect for high humidity and falling branches.
  
• Helmet for head protection from falling or flying objects, electrical hazards, and sun exposure. Head protection should be hard hats that meet the ANSI Z89.1 standard and have a chin strap. They should also be adjusted to fit properly and not impair the hearing. An exciting new option is Honeywell’s Fibre-Metal Type 2 Climbing Helmet, which has added protection from side impact and is compatible with a wide range of safety accessories. 
  
• Respirator for respiratory protection from dust, mold, smoke, vapors, and biological agents. Respiratory protection should be NIOSH-approved and have the appropriate filter or cartridge for the contaminants. They should also fit well and be worn correctly. The DC300 N95 disposable respirator is humidity and moisture resistant with a rigid outer shell to prevent respirator from collapsing in high humidity.  
  
• Protective clothing to protect skin and clothing from contact with hazardous substances, such as chemicals, blood, or sewage. Protective clothing should be water-resistant. Many municipalities benefit from having Honeywell Multi-Response Gear that holds up to various tough environments.
  

In addition to choosing the right types and quality of PPE, relief workers and volunteers should also follow some best practices for using PPE effectively in hurricane relief work. Here are some tips and recommendations:

• Before putting on any PPE, inspect it for any damage or defects. Do not use PPE that is torn, broken, or contaminated.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for donning (putting on), doffing (taking off), and disposing of PPE. Avoid touching the outside of PPE with bare hands, as it may be contaminated.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling PPE. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not share PPE with others. Label your PPE with your name or initials to avoid confusion.
• Clean and disinfect the PPE after each use and store it in a dry and secure place. Report any problems or concerns with the PPE to the supervisor or the safety officer.

PPE is an essential part of hurricane relief and cleanup work, but it is not a substitute for safe work practices and procedures. Workers and volunteers should follow the instructions and guidance from their supervisors, safety officers, and health authorities. They should also monitor their health and well-being and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or injuries.