Working with
PPE
Personal Protection Equipment
Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure
companies in Europe. Within the company, we
give safety the highest priority; it forms the
basis of our license to operate. We abide by the
strictest safety, health and environmental
standards, both for our own employees,
external contractors and the surroundings.
Gasunie’s safety policy is thus characterised by
a proactive approach which is designed to
prevent accidents, incidents and hazardous
situations.
Working with personal protection measures (PPMs)
Working at a particular location is not always without risk. In order to limit the possible consequences of
these risks as far as possible, the use of personal protection measures (such as work-related and
industrial clothing, shoes, helmets and goggles) is mandatory.
Personal protection measures satisfy high requirements relating to comfort and protection. Wearing
work-related and professional clothing also ensures greater visibility in the workplace.
If you have any doubts or queries, ask the site
supervisor about the personal protection measures
that apply in particular locations,
or the foreman (for projects).
General
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The employee is responsible for correctly using and maintaining the personal protection measures,
replacing them in good time and storing them after use in the appropriate place
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The supervisory personnel must ensure that the correct personal protection measures are being
applied
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The employer is responsible for issuing the personal protection measures free of charge
At Gasunie we use the following standard PPMs
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Flame-retardant and antistatic work-related and industrial clothing
(does not apply to “green field” activities)
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Safety shoes
Safety helmet
Safety goggles
Personal monitoring (where required)
Ear defenders (for noise levels in excess of 80 dB(A))
Where to wear PPMs
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Installations (MS, CS, LNG, natural gas and nitrogen buffers)
Stations (gas receiving stations, M&R, ES)
Building and construction sites
Storage and work sites
Where to wear which PPMs
Headgear
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Mandatory wearing of safety helmets on all building sites, installations and stations inside and outside
the fencing
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If the red dot (UV indicator) on the helmet turns white, the helmet must be replaced
During all hoisting and lifting work
Eye protectors
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Mandatory wearing of safety goggles on all building sites, installations and stations inside and outside
the fencing
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No mandatory requirement in offices, canteens, etc. unless it is required for specific activities
During all activities where there is a reasonable chance of sustaining an eye injury due to flyaway
particles, (cyrogenic) liquids, protruding construction elements and harmful rays (e.g. from welding
activities)
Breathing apparatus or masks
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Breathing apparatus must be worn on exposure to gases/vapours, dust particles, mist and/or smoke
in case the source cannot be tackled
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When the oxygen level is below 19%, independent breathing apparatus must be used
Foot protection
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Mandatory wearing of foot protection at all construction sites, installations and stations inside and
outside the fencing
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Steel-capped safety shoes: where there is a risk of injury by falling, toppling or rolling objects or due
to trapping
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Steel-capped safety shoe with steel inner sole: where there is a risk of injury to the foot due to sharp
objects on the ground
Fall protection
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During work where there is a potential fall distance of 2.5 m or more, perimeter safety measures
(such as fencing, rails, etc.) must be installed
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In an aerial lift, fall protection measures are mandatory
A safety belt must be used on flat roofs within 2 m from the roof edge if no permanent safety
measures have been installed
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A fall prevention measure must be used in places where greater freedom of movement is required
than the safety line of the belt permits and on crane platforms where there is no escape route (apply
brake chute)
Ear protection
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Ear defenders must be worn at noise levels of 80 dB(A) or more
During the blow-off of gas, both ear-moulded hearing protectors
(otoplastics) and ear defenders must be worn together
Safety protection during work on or near roads and railways
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During work on public highways, a fluorescent orange safety vest with reflective stripes must be worn
During work on railway tracks, a fluorescent yellow safety vest with reflective stripes or the Gasunie
yellow work jacket must be worn (NB: NS authorisation permit must also be obtained). Red or orange
clothing must not under any circumstances be visible
Work-related clothing
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At Gasunie, flame-retardant and anti-static work clothing must be worn in all fenced off gas supply
locations and during all maintenance, repair and new construction work on gas containing
components in unfenced gas supply locations
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In all other situations where the supervisor or foreman decides it is necessary
Only in exceptional situations can this obligation be departed from, and only following permission
from the site or project manager
Personal gasdetection
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The wearing of LEL metres is mandatory in gas supply locations; these must be tested and
calibrated in accordance with the specifications
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In locations where nitrogen is present, an oxygen metre must be worn
Personal gas detection must be worn at the outside of the clothing
How to wear the clothing
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Only approved clothing is permitted
No short sleeves or trousers
Clothing should be zipped or buttoned up
Duty of care for work-related and professional clothing
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Contaminated clothing: must be cleaned by professional cleaners
Damaged clothing: must be repaired
Seriously damaged/contaminated clothing: must be removed!
The project/site supervisor or foreman
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Provides information/explanations as necessary
Oversees the correct use of clothing and PPMs
Can take measures in response to incorrect use
If you have any questions or need more information, you can
always contact the person responsible for the site or the
issuer of the work permit.
Remain alert at all times when you are working. If in any doubt, always
ask or suspend activities where necessary.