Presentation for BOHS competition,sponsored by 3M,for a young occupational hygienist to win a place worth $ 5000 (USD) at the forthcoming 10th international Scientific Conference of the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA).which will take place in London from 27th to 3oth April 2015.

1. Details
 Tumisang Totong.
 8405185614081
 B-Tech Degree in Environmental Health.
 Registered with SAIOH as an Occupational Hygiene
Assistant. {Registration No. 1037}
 Working as SHEC and Risk Officer at Tshipi Borwa
Manganese Mine
 Contacts: 27724472605,totongt@vodamail.co.za

2. Getting your PPE Facts right-5 Facts and 5 Myths
 PPE is the short hand writing for Personal
Protective equipment.
 PPE is the last resort/option in the hierarchy of
control for stressors.
 PPE is normally the cheapest option in the
hierarchy of control.
 If it is not reasonably practicable for the employer
to eliminate the stressor,/substitute the stressor/
implement engineering control like exhaust
fans/implement administration control like training,
rotating workers, decreasing exposure time then he
will be obliged to implement PPE.

3. 5 Facts about PPE
 No PPE, no work.
{Always demand PPE from Employer before work
commence}
 Learn to use and use PPE appropriately.
{proper fitting of respirator}
 Make PPE a habit when at work.
{Always even if uncomfortable, its for your own
protection}
 Ensure that you have the right PPE addressing
specific stressors/ hazards.
{Respirators, Ear muffs and googles}
 Ensure that your PPE is in good condition for use.
{Wear and damages}

4. Five Myths about PPE
 I can work without PPE.
{No one can work without PPE is he cares for
his health}
 PPE is uncomfortable to use.
{PPE is designed according to the physiology
of the parts where it is worn}
 PPE is just a waste of time.
{Protecting yourself and caring for your own
health cannot be a waste of time, we have
got only one life}
 Wearing PPE is just for compliance.
{The primary reason for PPE is for protection
of employee’s health}
 I can be exposed to even if I use PPE.
{PPE are proven and tested to be effective}

5. Picture illustrating the iceberg effect.

6. ChALLENGES WITH REGARD TO PPE
Iceberg effect
Surface Problem
 The surface problem that we always focus on
is the employees with regard to the
compliance and proper use of PPE.
Underlying problem
 The underlying problem which we tend to
ignore and which is the main problem is the
compliance of employer by providing PPE to
employees.Some companies still saves money
by not providing their employees with PPE or
they buy cheaper PPE and not the quality.

7. Example of damaged PPE still used in other
workplaces.

8. Conclusion
 When you can measure what you are speaking
about, and express it in numbers, you know
something about it; when you cannot measure it,
when you cannot express it in numbers, your
knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind: it
may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have
scarcely in your thoughts advanced to the stage of
science. By Lord Kevin.
 In conclusion, Occupational Hygiene is a science.
Thank you