2.1 Personal protective equipment

During fabric decoration the decorator handles wet dyes, hot dye baths, bleach, fixing chemicals and printing pastes for long periods, so the protective equipment chosen at planning must be worn correctly from the start of the work to the end of cleaning up. PPE is put on before chemicals are opened, kept on throughout dyeing, rinsing and printing, and removed and cleaned in the right order so that dye is not carried to the skin or to other areas. Example: at a textile training workshop in Ndaragwa, trainees are not allowed into the dye room until the instructor has checked their aprons, gloves, masks and closed shoes.

Order of putting on and removing PPE

1. Put on safety shoes and dust coat first: fasten the coat fully and roll nothing up.
2. Tie on the apron: over the dust coat, covering the chest to below the knees.
3. Fit the face mask and goggles: before opening any powder or chemical.
4. Put on gloves last: pull the gloves over the coat cuffs so liquid cannot run inside.
5. Remove gloves first after work: peel them off inside out without touching the outer surface.
6. Remove apron, mask and coat: then wash hands thoroughly with soap.

Apron

During dyeing and printing, the waterproof apron takes the splashes from lifting fabric out of dye baths, rinsing and pulling the squeegee. It is kept tied and is wiped down between colours so that a dark dye does not mark light fabrics. A wet apron is rinsed and hung to dry after work.

Dust coat

The dust coat protects the arms and clothes when the decorator reaches over dye baths and printing tables. Sleeves are kept down and cuffs closed. A coat that becomes soaked with dye or bleach is changed at once, because wet fabric holds the chemical against the skin.

Face mask

The face mask is worn whenever powders are weighed or mixed, when bleach or discharge solutions are used, and when dried emulsion is removed from screens. Masks are changed when damp or dirty. Work is done in a well ventilated area, and goggles are worn when there is a risk of splashes, for example when pouring hot dye.

Safety shoes

Closed, non-slip, waterproof shoes are worn throughout, because floors in the dye area are wet and may be slippery with spilled paste. Spills are mopped at once. Heavy items such as dye pots and screens are carried close to the body and set down carefully.

Gloves

Rubber or nitrile gloves are worn for all work with dyes and wet dyed fabric, including tying, dipping, rinsing and untying. Heat-resistant gloves are used to lift hot pots. Gloves are rinsed between colours, checked for holes and replaced when damaged. Hands are never put into dye or bleach without gloves, even for a moment.

First aid for chemical contact

• Skin: rinse with plenty of clean running water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing.
• Eyes: flush with clean water or eye wash for 15 minutes and seek medical help.
• Inhalation: move to fresh air and seek help if breathing is difficult.
• Burns from hot dye: cool under running water for 20 minutes and cover loosely.
• Reporting: record every accident in the workshop incident book.