EHS-100 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy for a GMP Manufacturing Site

5.1 Safety Shoes

5.1.1 All permanent and contractual employees are required to wear safety shoes if they are working in:

– The manufacturing areas of production and packaging

– Engineering Workshop

– Warehouse and loading dock

– Manufacturing walkways beyond the glass doors from the front foyer

5.1.2 These shoes must be in a style suitable to GMP Manufacturing areas and made of a material such as smooth leather or synthetic material.

5.1.3 For all other employees who are required to do some of their work or visit the above areas, they must wear safety shoes

5.1.4 All permanent and contractual employees working in the Laboratory building must wear flat, covered, chemical resistant hard shoes in working areas designated by signage.

5.1.5 Visitors must wear covered, flat shoes.

5.1.6 The cost of safety shoes will be limited to set by the EHS committee and all employees will be allowed one pair of shoes every two years; except for employees working in both outside packaging and the wet area packaging areas who will be allowed two pairs every two years; one for inside and one for outside.

5.1.7 Casual and contract employees will be required to have their safety shoes provided by their agency.

5.1.8 If an employee wants to purchase shoes which cost more than the set amount they can do so, but must pay the difference. The supplier will give the employee a receipt for the difference which they may be claimed on their income tax.

5.1.9 Safety shoes are purchased through the purchasing officer. Request for shoes for new employees should go through the relevant manager.  The manager will then arrange for shoes to be ordered. It is important that new employees do not begin working unless they are supplied with safety shoes and this should be arranged at the time of recruitment. For casual and agency employees this must be discussed with their agency prior to commencement of employment.  The importance of safety shoes in the workplace should be discussed with the employee at the time of induction.

5.2 Hearing Protection

5.2.1 All employees working permanently in areas designated as high noise levels and with a requirement to wear hearing protection will be able to choose from earplugs or earmuffs. Those employees working from time to time in high noise level areas will be supplied with earplugs.

5.2.2 All employees are to attend a hearing conservation program which instructs them on correct use of hearing protection equipment and the rationale behind the need. If a hearing conservation program is not planned when the employee first begins working then the supervisor and/or EHS personnel shall instruct them with regards to the correct way to use the hearing protection that has been provided.

5.3 Safety Glasses (Regular, Over Glasses, Prescription)

5.3.1 All permanent employees working in areas which require the use of safety glasses at all times will be supplied with safety glasses. If an employee requires prescription glasses, then prescription safety glasses will be provided under an agreed cost.

5.3.3 For casual and contract staff, it is up to their agency to provide them with prescription safety glasses if necessary. The Company will provide over glasses for those who require prescription glasses underneath. For some long-term casuals and contract staff, supply of prescription glasses will be at the discretion of the manager.

5.3.4 All permanent employees working in areas where safety glasses are required shall be provided with safety glasses prior to commencement of work. If they require prescription glasses, then they shall be provided with over glasses for the first 3 months probationary period, and following successful completion of this time, they shall be provided with prescription safety glasses.