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1 - FEB 20

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Personal Protective equiPment (PPe)Standard

Purchase, allocation & usage requirements

Safety HaNDBOOK

PErSonal ProtEctIvE EqUIPmEnt (PPE) Standard PerSonal Protective equiPment & clothing index

1.1. Purpose 2

1.2. responsibilities 3

1.3. general PPe rules 4

1.4. general principal 4

2.1. PPe requirements for work outdoors 5

2.2. PPe requirements for mobile plant with an enclosed cab and for truck operators 6

2.3. PPe requirements for engineering & mechanical workshops 7

2.4. PPe requirements for working with bitumen 8

2.5. PPe requirements when handling asphalt 9

2.6. gas PPe requirements 10

2.7. visitors to site - minimum requirements 11

3.1. hard hats 12

3.2. Sun protection 12

3.3. hearing protection 13

3.4. eye protection 14

3.5. Protective clothing - ‘ankle to wrist’ PPe coverage 15

3.6. Wet weather gear 15

3.7. Safety footwear 16

3.8. gloves 16

3.9. respiratory protection 17

3.10. Fall arrest, fall prevention, and rescue recovery equipment 17

3.11. records 18

3.12. monitoring requirements 18

3.14. SummarY taBle - mandatory PPe requirements 19

1Act with care

1.1 PUrPoSE

to provide information of the higgins group standards required for the purchase, allocation, maintenance and use of personal protective equipment and clothing (PPe).

tHE cEo’S StanDarD all higgins staff are skilled and professional in what they do. our professionalism is also reflected in the correct use of PPe at all times and the pride we take in way we present ourselves.Personal protective equipment and clothing is your last line of defence if something goes wrong. Remember PPE is not a substitute for eliminating or managing risks and hazards.

All staff will be issued with the following PPE items for their protection. You must wear it; look after it; replace it when needed and bring it to work every day.• Hard hat• Safety shoes• Eye protection• Gloves• Hearing protection• Ankle to wrist coverage • Wet weather gear

DaviD geor - CEO

Safety HaNDBOOK

1.2 rESPonSIBIlItIESBusiness unit managers are responsible for ensuring that:• all PPE purchased meets the requirements of this

standard and or the appropriate New Zealand or international standards.

• the required PPE is issued free of charge to employees.• sufficient amount of clothing is provided according to

need and risk to enable a clean and professional image to be portrayed.

• the issued PPE is appropriate to the tasks the employee is required to undertake and complies with the relevant regulations, codes of practice, industry best practice, company procedures and task risk assessment.

• employees are trained in the correct use and maintenance of the issued PPE.

• all personnel including employees, subcontractors, contractors and visitors wear the specified PPE on all Higgins controlled sites.

• task risk assessments are carried out to determine additional PPE requirements.

• the use of PPE is not used as a substitute for eliminating or adequately managing risks or hazards.

higgins staff, contractors and site visitors are required to wear, use, and maintain the PPe in the correct manner and have it replaced when it is worn or damaged.

BE SaFE oUt tHErE!

3Act with care

1.4. GEnEral PrIncIPal• The primary aim of this document is to ensure

we provide all employees with the same level of protection while setting minimum standards that will provide this and portray a professional look.

• No business unit can move away from the minimum standard and intent of the document. They may however provide a higher level of cover/look for their business as long as it conforms to this document.

• No work shall be undertaken if the correct PPE is not available.

• The minimum Higgins Group standard is:

ankle to wrist coverage anD safety boots• To be worn on all outdoor worksites, workshops,

mobile vehicle operations and by site visitors.

harD hats required on:• NZTA construction & repair sites.• General construction sites.• Where specified by the client.• Anywhere else that your risk assessment

deems a hard hat is necessary.• Wherever a hard hat is not worn a sun hat

must be worn.

• Compulsory to wear hard hats at all times at aggregates sites.

gloves• To be worn for all manual handling activities unless

your JSA (Job Safety Plan) states gloves cannot be used due to safety or operational requirements.

eye Protection• Wearing eye protection is compulsory at all times.

Exceptions include offices, between depot offices and in amenities or where the JSA states eye protection should not be used due to safety/operational factors

• Compulsory to wear safety glasses at all times at aggregates sites.

• Specific eye protection is required to meet high risk tasks as per site/task specification as detailed in this standard.

hearing Protection• Minimum class 2 hearing protection to be

carried and used where deemed necessary by the task/job JSA or:

- working on or around mobile plant or machinery. - wherever specified in the activity risk register.

no personal clothing is to be worn on the outside of work clothes.

1.3. GEnEral PPE rUlESany exemptions to these requirements are to be documented on the Job Safety analysis (JSa) or Safe operating Procedure (SoP) and authorised by the group hSe manager.• Work may not begin if the correct PPE is not available

or the PPE is not suitable for the task.• All company issued protective clothing and equipment

remains the property of the company and must be returned when a person finishes employment.

• The type and quantity of protective clothing and equipment that a person receives is based on job functional requirements and a task risk assessment.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to inspect their gear before use.

• Contractors working under the direction or supervision of Higgins must adhere to this PPE standard.

• Each branch is responsible for identifying safety equipment that requires on-going inspection and maintenance. Such items include fire extinguishers, fall protection equipment, atmospheres testers etc.

• Specialist training is required before staff are permitted to carry out work requiring the use of fall arrest, fall prevention, and rescue recovery equipment and respiratory equipment

HIGGInS SaFEtY

StanDarDSlook professional

act professional

Set the standard

Be a safety ambassador in the industry

Safety HaNDBOOK

2.1. PPE rEqUIrEmEntS For work oUtDoorSoutdoor work protection is all encompassing including ‘ankle to Wrist’ PPe coverage – and inclusive of hi-viz requirements.Exceptions to this requirement are not permitted. Many of our contracts with our clients are clear in that we must at all times comply with these PPE requirements. They expect us to lead the way with exemplary safety protocols of which PPE is our front window to our systems and procedures.Staff must wear PPE garments compliant with NZTA COPTTM - section B3 high visibility garments.All Hi-Viz clothing shall be regularly cleaned to ensure that it remains highly visible on site. Hi-Viz vests should be tight fitting to minimise the chances of snagging.

HarD HatSas required.

anklE to wrISt PPE covEraGE.

EYE ProtEctIonWorn at all times unless excluded in the task JSa.

GlovESmust be carried at all times and worn when undertaking manual handling tasks, unless excluded in the task JSa.

Hi-vIZ clotHInGShould form part of the ankle to wrist PPe coverage.

HEarInG ProtEctIonclass 2 minimum. higher class protection may be required depending on task risk assessment.

SaFEtY FootwEarSteel cap ankle length boots (gusseted ankle boots are specifically prohibited).

5Act with care

2.2. PPE rEqUIrEmEntS For moBIlE Plant wItH an EncloSED caB anD For trUck oPEratorS.When exiting equipment on a work site operators must ensure they wear the required PPe for work outdoors.Hearing protection must be worn unless noise monitoring results indicate a safe noise environment inside the vehicle. Equipment requiring hearing protection should be labelled with a hearing protection warning sign.Staff who are operating mobile plant without an enclosed cab must wear outdoor work PPE.

HarD HatSno cab: as required, worn when exiting cab.

GlovESmust be carried and used for all manual handling tasks other than machine operations.

SaFEtY FootwEarSteel cap ankle length boots (gusseted ankle boots are specifically prohibited).

HEarInG ProtEctIonminimum class 2 unless noise monitoring results show safe exposure levels.

HI-vIZ clotHInGmay form part of the ankle to wrist PPe coverage or as a separate garment.

EYE ProtEctIonto be worn when exiting cab, except where JSa states they are not required.

anklE to wrISt covEraGE.

Safety HaNDBOOK

2.3. PPE rEqUIrEmEntS For EnGInEErInG & mEcHanIcal workSHoPS.additional PPe requirements must be assessed as part of the task risk assessment or JSa.Workshop staff working outside must use full outdoors PPE.Separate Hi-Viz vests should not be used by engineering or mechanical workshop staff. Use cotton Hi-Viz overalls to avoid entanglement risks and fire risks associated with synthetic garments.

HarD HatS & HEarInG ProtEctIonas per task risk assessment.

Hi-vIZ clotHInGShould form part of the ankle to wrist PPe coverage.

EYE ProtEctIontinted or clear depending on light conditions. Both types should be available to staff.

GlovESWorn at all times for manual handling unless specifically excluded in the task JSa.

anklE to wrISt PPE covEraGEhi-viz cotton overalls.

SaFEtY FootwEarSteel cap ankle length boots (gusseted ankle boots are specifically prohibited).

7Act with care

2.4. PPE rEqUIrEmEntS For workInG wItH BItUmEn.

ProtEctIvE HEaDGEarheat resistant material covering head and neck.

GlovESWorn at all times. Full heat resistant gauntlet type gloves. Wrist length gloves are not permitted.

SaFEtY FootwEarBitumen sprayer operator & hand sprayer operators. non lace up ankle length boots with no exposed steel fittings (note: these special bitumen boots are not permitted on general construction sites).

HEarInG ProtEctIonas per task risk assessment.

anklE to wrISt PPE covEraGEhi-viz 300gsm fire retardant 100% cotton overalls.

EYE ProtEctIon Full visor type eye & face protection.

HI-vIZ clotHInGPart of the ankle to wrist PPe coverage.

Safety HaNDBOOK

2.5. PPE rEqUIrEmEntS wHEn HanDlInG aSPHalt.

HarD HatSWhite and fitted with class 2 hearing protection.

GlovESgauntlet type gloves to be worn at all times.

HEarInG ProtEctIonclass 2 minimum, higher class protection may be required depending on task risk assessment.

anklE to wrISt PPE covEraGEhi-viz 300gsm fire retardant 100% cotton overalls.

EYE ProtEctIon Worn at all times unless excluded in the task JSa.

HI-vIZ clotHInGShould form part of the ankle to wrist PPe coverage.

SaFEtY FootwEar - aSPHalt PavInG-BItUmEnFlat soled asphalt paving boots with steel cap toe. (note: these special bitumen boots are not permitted on general construction sites).

9Act with care

2.6. GaS PPE rEqUIrEmEntS.this includes construction site visits, inspections or safety conversations. Projects working under the requirements of the NZTA “Code of Practice or Temporary Traffic Management” (COPTTM) need to account for the codes requirements for visibility and garment design.Staff involved with bitumen or gas lines must wear a minimum of 300gsm fire retardant 100% cotton overalls year round.Any visitors to the site will also be required to wear approved PPE unless they remain in the office or in a vehicle during their visit.

HarD HatSWorn at all times.

GlovEScarried at all times - used for any manual handling activity.

SaFEtY FootwEarSafety boots or shoes with steel cap toe.

HEarInG ProtEctIonclass 2 minimum, higher class protection may be required depending site risk assessment.

anklE to wrIStclothing cover.

EYE ProtEctIonWorn at all times - tinted or clear depending on light conditions.

HI-vIZ clotHInG or vESthi-viz to conform to nZta coPttm requirements.

Safety HaNDBOOK

2.7. vISItorS to SItE - mInImUm rEqUIrEmEntS. this includes construction site visits, inspections, or safety conversations.

HarD HatSWorn at all times.

GlovEScarried at all times. used for any manual handling activity.

HEarInG ProtEctIonclass 2 minimum. higher class protection may be required depending site risk assessment.

HI-vIZ clotHInG or vEStto conform to nZta coPttm requirements.

EYE ProtEctIonWorn at all times. tinted or clear depending on light conditions.

anklE to wrIStclothing cover.

SaFEtY FootwEarSafety boots or shoes with steel cap toe.

11Act with care

3.1. HarD HatSProtective helmets (hard hats) must be worn whenever the risk assessment dictates or if specified as mandatory in this document.No person is permitted to enter or be in an area designated as a hard hat area unless they are wearing a hard hat.Exemptions from the requirements (for example, open days where overhead hazards have been eliminated) must be documented in a JSA or safety plan approved the Regional Manager or Group HSE Manager.• Colour white – adjustable, fitted with Class 2 Hearing

Protection.• Must comply with AS/NZS 1801:1997 (occupational safety

helmets).• Selection, care and use will be in accordance with AS/NZS

1800.1:1998 (occupational safety helmets – selection, care and use).

• No caps or hats may be worn under hard hats other than thin merino beanies.

• Issue date must be recorded on a label inside the helmet. • Helmets must be replaced following any significant

impact, or on expiry date as indicated by the manufacturer’s specification.

3.2. SUn ProtEctIonSun screens - SPF ≥50 Broad Spectrum as tested to aS/nZS 2604:2012.• Sun screen is to be provided at each outdoor worksite.• Optional neck flap and wide brim can be fitted to the hard

hat.• If no hard hat is worn, a sun hat must be worn in its place.

HIGGInS SaFEtY StanDarDS

Prevent the damaging effects of sun - use sun screen on exposed

skin when working outside.

Safety HaNDBOOK

3.3. HEarInG ProtEctIon noise monitoring results show that on most busy sites, noise level peaks have the potential to cause hearing loss. average exposure levels are very close to the maximum permitted level (over 8 hours). Class 2 hearing protection must be carried and worn where specified in the JSA. This low level protection will remove dangerous noise peaks and lower total noise exposure while still allowing staff to hear what is going on around them. Certain tasks require higher level protection. Where the risk assessment indicates employees are exposed to noisy work environments (for example circular saws, hammer drills, compressed air, hydraulic breakers, piling hammers etc), then hearing protection must be provided in the correct grade.This may include Class 5 ear plugs or ear muffs. Ear plugs can be worn under class 2 helmet fitted hearing protection. The plugs should be removed when the noisy activity is completed to avoid becoming hearing isolated from the worksite.Stocks of hearing protection ear plugs or appropriate ear muffs are required at each worksite.

SPECIFICATIONAS/NZS 1270-2002 - SpecifieS requiremeNtS for the deSigN, mAteriAl ANd performANce of coNveNtioNAl heAriNg protectorS.

Class Leq 8hz Approved

Class 1 < 90dB Plugs/Muffs

Class 2 90 - <95dB Plugs/Muffs

Class 3 95 - <100dB Plugs/Muffs

Class 4 100 - <105 dB Plugs/Muffs

Class 5 105 - <110 dB Plugs/Muffs

HIGGInS SaFEtY StanDarDS

tests show that most of our work sites are noisy and fall just below

safe standards. however peak noise events occur regularly and these will damage your hearing

unless you use the hearing protection provided.

13Act with care

3.4. EYE ProtEctIon.to be worn at all times except where the JSa specifically states it is not needed.A range of safety glasses will be available at each work site with clear, amber and/or tinted lenses provided for use in poor light conditions, night work or sunny conditions. Eye protection complying with AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 must be worn. This includes all workers contractors and visitors.Loan glasses will be available to visitors. Subcontractors must provide safety glasses for their employees.Safety glasses do not need to be worn inside the site office, in smoko areas or in vehicles. Where safety glasses are deemed a hazard (for example, during periods of heavy rain that may compromise clear vision), and a risk assessment indicates a low level risk of eye injury then the decision to remove them will be made by the foreman/supervisor and is to be recorded on the JSA and/or Daily Toolbox sheet. Note: - any high risk activity requiring eye protection cannot be carried out during this period.

full face visorsDuring any grinding or cutting process by mechanical means, a full face shield shall be worn in addition to safety glasses.Any work with bitumen shall also require FULL face protection.PrescriPtion safety glasses PolicyPrescription safety glasses are available for those permanent staff who require them. Permanent staff who wear prescription eyewear may be issued prescription safety glasses upon completion of a “Purchase of Prescription Safety Glasses” application to the Branch Manager.The company will pay up to $500 incl GST for an eye examination and a pair of safety glasses in line with AS/NZS 1337 standards. For costs above this limit the employee will pay the balance.An employee is entitled to a new pair of glasses paid for by the company up to a value of $500 (incl GST) every two years. An authorisation is required from the Branch Manager should an employee require additional glasses within two years of receiving the first pair. If authorisation is not given the additional glasses will be at the employees cost.Should an employee resign within six months of receiving prescription safety glasses, the employee will refund the cost to the company pro-rated to zero percent over 6 months after issue.Each business unit will establish a preferred supplier for provision of safety prescription glasses. Accounts will be established to enable staff to use a manager supplied order number with the supplier.

HIGGInS SaFEtY StanDarDS

a significant number of eye injuries occur every year. these can be prevented by using your

eye protection. Serious eye injuries can result in loss of vision

which can’t be repaired.

Safety HaNDBOOK

3.5. ProtEctIvE clotHInG - ‘anklE to wrISt’ PPE covEraGE.higgins require that ‘ankle to wrist’ cover be worn by all employees and contractors when working. This requirement is aimed to help mitigate:• the risk of developing skin cancer from prolonged

exposure to high UV levels• reduce cuts and scrapes from construction materials• reduce the risk caused by contact with chemicals, fuel and

concrete splashes.

Staff are required to wear the provided protective clothing. Private clothing must not be worn on the outside or as a substitute for the company provided clothing.Additional layers of personal clothing may be worn under the provided protective clothing for warmth or added comfort if need be.Any visitors to the site will also be required to wear approved PPE, including long sleeve and trousers unless they remain in the office or in a vehicle during their visit.The use of hoodies on or in any work area is prohibited as they can block vision. Hoodies also do not portray a professional appearance.Staff working outdoors in cold conditions will be provided with a thin merino beanie to wear under their hard hat.

recommenDeD summer clothing uniform

oPTion 1: LiGHT WeiGHT HiGH ViSiBiLiTY• COPTTM compliant 100% cotton shirt (150/160gm) and • 100% cotton trousers.

oPTion 2: LiGHT WeiGHT HiGH ViSiBiLiTY• COPTTM compliant polyester shirt and• 100% cotton trousers.

oPTion 3: LiGHT WeiGHT HiGH ViSiBiLiTY• COPTTM compliant 100% long sleeve overalls

(155-200gsm max).

These options provide the most comfortable options when working in heat.

recommenDeD winter clothing uniform • Warm heavy weight material (300gsm min)

compliant with the summer clothing options.• Thin merino beanie.

3.6. wEt wEatHEr GEar.rain coats need to be water proof and fitted with a water proof hood. the coats need to provide adequate ventilation and or lining to prevent a build-up of moisture on the inside of the garment during physical activity.Rain coats must be Hi-Viz garments conforming to NZTA COPTTM section B3.Wet weather leggings will be water proof and provide adequate ventilation and or lining to prevent a build-up of moisture on the inside of the garment during physical activity.If work is to be undertaken in extreme wet weather, a detailed risk assessment needs to be done to determine suitable wet weather gear. Adequate stocks need to be on hand to allow for drying times between shifts.

winter gear• Suitable warm clothing needs to be supplied dependent

on the climate of the branch.• Clothing needs to conform to High-Viz specifications, fire

ratings and convey a professional appearance if worn as an outer garment.

• Adequate quantities need to be supplied to staff to ensure a professional image is always maintained.

15Act with care

3.7. SaFEtY FootwEarSafety footwear requirements are specified in the task specific PPe requirements.All safety footwear will comply with AS/NZ2210.3:2009. Safety footwear for general construction, concrete, aggregates, workshop truck driving and mobile plant operations:• Steel cap ankle length lace up boots providing a high

degree of ankle support and complying with AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 occupational protective footwear part 3 (gusseted ankle boots are specifically prohibited).

asPhalt Paving• Flat soled asphalt paving boots with steel cap toe. (only

use on asphalt paving sites).

bitumen sPrayer oPerator anD hanD sPrayer oPerators• Non lace up ankle length boots with no exposed steel

fittings - (these boots are not permitted on general construction sites).

wet work (drAinS, CuLVerTS, ConCreTe WorK)• Steel cap gumboots - complying with AS/NZS 2210.3:2009

occupational protective footwear.

other footwear• Safety shoes complying with AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 may

be used by visitors to sites.• Covered flat soled shoes may be used by staff crossing

from buildings to buildings in Higgins yards.

Spending much of your day on your feet requires good boots with

a high degree of ankle support and comfort. ensure your boots are worn correctly and report

discomfort promptly.

3.8. GlovESit is mandatory for all employees, subcontractors and visitors to carry on their person at least one pair of suitable gloves for the task they are undertaking on all outdoor work sites. this includes all employees when working on work sites controlled by others.It is mandatory to wear gloves while carrying out any manual handling activity on an outdoors worksite.For other work areas, glove use is determined by a task risk assessment.Wearing of gloves is not a substitute for eliminating or isolating hazards that may cause hand injuries.A range of gloves will be made available for the various tasks, and each foreman/supervisor will ensure that individual workers are issued with appropriate gloves as determined by the JSA.

Safety HaNDBOOK

rEmEmBEr hand injuries are our most

common injury type. gloves must be worn for all manual handling

activities.no excuses.

3.9. rESPIratorY ProtEctIon. Breathing air which contains toxic substances or in an atmosphere which has insufficient oxygen to support human life is a very real and common hazard in our industry.1. Dust masks are to be worn where iDentifieD by the Jsa. no less than a P1 graDe.Dust can be a significant hazard on some work sites. Foremans vans must carry a box of disposable dust masks.

2. resPirators - sPecific training is requireD before staff are PermitteD to carry out work requiring the use of this category of equiPment.• Respirator cartridges have a limited life depending on

frequency of use and exposure to the atmosphere. All respirators should be stored in an air tight container when not in use.

• Cartridges are to be marked with the date they were fitted and should be replaced regularly depending on use. It is critical to correctly select the right cartridge for the type of material being handled.

• Consult the MSD sheet and Risk Register to ensure that the correct cartridge is used.

3.10. Fall arrESt, Fall PrEvEntIon, anD rEScUE rEcovErY EqUIPmEntSpecialist training is required before staff are permitted to carry out work requiring the use of this category of equipment.• All fall arrest rescue recovery and fall prevention

equipment must comply with the relevant AS/NZ Standard.

• Equipment selection will be in accordance with WorkSafe New Zealand codes of practice and guidelines.

17Act with care

3.11. rEcorDS.• Induction record

• CMP - Safety Plan Contract Management

• Risk Registers

• Work Component Plans or JSAs

• Daily Hazard ID & Toolbox meetings

• Training Records.

3.12. monItorInG rEqUIrEmEntS.EnSUrE:

• PPE use is appropriate to the activity safety plans and risk registers.

• Equipment is functional and well maintained.

• Staff have access to all the required PPE.

• Staff feel they can have worn or damaged equipment replaced with ease.

• Work Component Plans & JSA’s have identified PPe requirements.

• Induction records, both company and site specific have communicated PPe requirements.

• PPE purchases conform to the nominated national standards and codes of practice.

• Training records demonstrate that specialist training has been provided where required.

Safety HaNDBOOK

3.14. SUmmarY taBlE mandatorY PPe requirementS.

PPE rEqUIrEmEnt outDoor tasks

bitumen hanDling asPhalt gas workshoPs/

engineering concrete aggregatesencloseD

truck/ mobile

Plant (cab)

site visitors

ankle wrist coverage

hi-viz

Safety boots

Fire retardant cotton overalls

Sealing boots (chip or asphalt)

Safety shoes

hard hats as required

hearing protection

eye protection

Work gloves

chemical/heat gauntlet gloves

Protective headgear

Face shield

19Act with care

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