1.1 Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the clothing and gear worn by the fabric decorator to protect the body from the hazards of tie and dye and printing work. Dyes, bleach, caustic soda, photo emulsion and printing pastes can irritate or burn the skin, eyes and lungs, and hot dye baths and wet floors cause burns and falls. At the planning stage, the decorator identifies the hazards of the planned work and lists, checks and issues the correct PPE before any work starts. Example: a women's craft group in Khwisero that produces tie and dye kitenge fabrics keeps a PPE checklist on the wall and confirms that every member has an apron, gloves and a mask before a dyeing day.

Planning PPE for fabric decoration

• Identify hazards: list the chemicals (dyes, fixers, bleach, soda ash, caustic soda, emulsion), heat sources and equipment to be used.
• Read safety data: check the label or safety data sheet of each chemical for the protection it needs.
• Match PPE to the task: mixing powder dyes needs a mask; hot dye baths need heat-resistant gloves and closed shoes.
• Check condition: inspect every item for holes, tears and worn straps before issue.
• Check fit and sizes: gloves and shoes that do not fit are often removed during work.

Apron

An apron protects the front of the body and clothing from dye splashes and spills. For dyeing and printing, a waterproof apron of PVC, rubber or coated cotton is preferred because ordinary cloth soaks up dye and holds it against the skin. It should cover from the chest to below the knees and tie securely at the neck and waist. It is wiped clean after each session and stored hanging.

Dust coat

A dust coat (overall or lab coat) is a long-sleeved coat that covers the arms and clothing. It protects against powder dyes, splashes on the arms and stains on personal clothes. A cotton dust coat with buttoned front and fitted cuffs is suitable; it is worn under the apron during wet work. It is washed separately from personal clothing.

Face mask

A face mask protects the nose and mouth from dye powders, bleach fumes and dust from dried emulsions. Fibre-reactive and other powder dyes can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems if inhaled. A disposable dust mask (FFP2 or N95 type) is used when weighing and mixing powders; a respirator with chemical cartridges is used when strong fumes are present. Safety goggles are worn with the mask when mixing chemicals that may splash into the eyes.

Safety shoes

Safety shoes protect the feet from spills of hot liquid and chemicals, from dropped equipment such as dye pots and screen frames, and from slipping on wet floors. Closed, waterproof shoes or gumboots with non-slip soles are suitable. Open sandals are never worn in the dye area.

Gloves

Gloves protect the hands from dyes, bleach and caustic chemicals, which stain and irritate the skin.

• Rubber or nitrile gloves: for mixing dyes, handling wet dyed fabric and rinsing.
• Long gauntlet gloves: for reaching into dye baths, to protect the forearms.
• Heat-resistant gloves: for lifting hot pots and handling fabric in hot dye.
• Disposable gloves: for quick tasks and printing where a spare pair is needed.
• Fit and checks: gloves must fit snugly and be checked for holes before use.