PPE analysis: Demystifying disposables

However, for many industrial applications – from food processing through to chemical and pharmaceutical applications – disposable products such as gloves, shoe covers and masks represent a critical element of PPE that must be worn by operators at all times, both for their own personal safety, and to minimise contamination. Here, Sangeeta Aeri, technical manager at Supertouch, delves deeper into some of the most popular industrial disposables.

How do you dispose of disposables?

With high volumes of application-critical single-use plastics used day-in, day-out across industry, there is a danger that many will simply end-up in landfill, with UK businesses estimated to create up to 40 million tonnes of commercial waste a year. Given the high cost associated with disposing of commercial waste – which can represent up to 5% of a company’s annual turnover – finding a more effective way of processing industrial disposable and single-use items should be a high priority for most businesses. 

The simple answer for businesses is to either eliminate, or recycle, single-use plastics as far as possible. Of course, there are some instances where the material is contaminated by hazardous or infectious substances, and these cannot be safely recycled and must be disposed of in an appropriate container. However, a high proportion if single-use disposables are suitable for recycling. In these instances, the most effective way is to increase the volume and visibility of recycling points throughout the site, particularly around key exits, decontamination points, and changing areas.

What is the difference between recyclable & biodegradable?

Disposable gloves represent one of industry’s biggest categories of single use plastics, with estimated global daily usage figures ranging as high as 4.2bn. As such, finding a way of avoiding high volumes of used gloves going to landfill is a major sustainability challenge for businesses. Latex gloves were traditionally difficult to recycle, but now they are becoming more readily accepted by recycling firms. However, the most popular gloves that can be recycled are those made from nitrile and ultra nitrile material. Yet, just because nitrile gloves can be recycled does not mean they always are, and the onus is on those in charge of the site to provide clear and easy-access recycling points for gloves.  

However, if the application in question involves the user coming into contact with either hazardous or infectious substances, then those gloves may not be able to be recycled, and will have to be disposed of in line with the relevant health and safety regulation linked to the hazardous of infectious substance in question. 

Another way businesses can look to reduce their single-use plastic volume is to consider biodegradable alternatives. In recent years, biodegradable nitrile gloves have begun to emerge on the market. Here, the product is not necessarily recycled, in that the material is not reconstituted as a new product, rather the used gloves can be deposited in a biologically-active landfill site, where the gloves are decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

As well as gloves, other popular single-use plastics such as shoe covers are often available in recyclable or biodegradable material. 

When should I replace disposable masks and filters?

Aside from gloves, masks and respirators are some of the most application-critical pieces of PPE, given their role in filtering the air from harmful substances and providing clean air for the wearer to breathe. 

While accurate face-fit testing is mandatory, and generally well-adhered to across industry, in order to promote maximum safety for the wearer, how and when such equipment should be disposed of should be given due care and attention. 

As with any PPE, it is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine correct usage. Most disposable masks, unless stated, are single-use and should only be worn once (and for a maximum of eight hours). For equipment which can be used more than once, such as certain types of respirators, HSE guidance recommends equipment is maintained at least once a month; however, if the device is used intermittently, then it should be thoroughly examined by properly trained personnel before each use. 

As well as single-use masks, replaceable filters also account for a significant volume of day-to-day industrial disposables. Filters are split into two categories: those designated with an ‘R’ are reusable (the extent to which is dictated by the manufacturer), while those marked ‘NR’ are non-reusable and are only intended for single-use (the equivalent of an eight hour shift). Good practice could include marking the fitting date of any reusable filters to avoid confusion. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and replace with a fresh filter or mask. 

Used masks and filters may be classed as hazardous waste depending on the substances encountered in the working environment, such as asbestos for example, and specialist legislation may have to be taken into account. 

Final thoughts

Ultimately, single-use and disposable products form a critical role in many industrial applications. However, this does not mean that they always need to end-up in land-fill. With the cost of disposing industrial waste only set to increase, the onus is now on companies to increase the volume of recycling points throughout their premises. Afterall, it is they themselves who will stand to gain the most. 

To view Supertouch’s range of recyclable disposables and PPE, please visit: www.supertouch.com or call 0345 130 9922