Whether protective suits, gloves or face protection - the vast majority of colleagues in industry today consistently use the right equipment. This is exemplary and one of the many positive developments in recent years. But what actually happens at the end of the job if you are called away at short notice or something unforeseen comes up? Take, for example, a simple but all too human need: the bladder is pinching. It can take a while before elaborate protective equipment is taken off and safely stowed away. If you are in a hurry, you are inclined to keep at least some of the equipment on. But perhaps it has also happened to you after you have finished your work that you have touched the handrail or the door handle with your protective gloves because after a while you no longer consciously noticed them? 

Let me be clear from the outset: In most cases, this poses little or no danger to colleagues. Because even if you have worked near hazardous substances, this does not mean that your clothes have to be contaminated. On the other hand, you do not always have to notice when you have come into contact with hazardous substances. And if such substances then end up in the foreman's office, on the driver's seat of the departmental car or in your own car, which your three-year-old climbs into afterwards, then these are risks that could be avoided quite easily. After all, the people there do not expect to come into contact with hazardous substances. Therefore, the idea of not using the employer's washing facilities but going home with your work clothes to take a shower is also a very bad idea. In many companies it is also not allowed to wash work clothes at home. Therefore, separate work and leisure clothes consistently. The same care should be taken with your tools. It is best to clean them in the production rooms so that they are clean and ready for use again immediately afterwards. 

But what can you do if you have come into contact with hazardous substances? In most cases, the following applies: water helps, a lot of water helps a lot. Therefore, if in doubt, first use the emergency shower in the production rooms and only then take off your equipment. Depending on the equipment, this can be a bit tricky, which is why it happens time and again that people contaminate themselves and perhaps even injure themselves in the process. Some good videos on the internet show how to do it and which sequence makes sense. Two interesting links can be found at the end of this blog. Also remember to dispose of your equipment safely and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. 

And if you do need to do it particularly quickly: In some cases, it is sufficient to put a disposable suit over the protective clothing, which you can dispose of immediately afterwards. And there are special covers for car seats to keep them clean. If that is not enough, you will have to take the necessary time. After all, you also want your colleagues to treat your health with the same respect.

By the way: in its ruling of 23.11.2015 (Ref.: 16 Sa 494/15), the Labour Court of Hesse decided that both the time for changing clothes and the travel time between the changing room and the workplace count as working time.

Here you can find out how to take off protective clothing correctly. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwYY3_BLDYg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-wLvzcCUC4