Which PPE is essential when working with lye in papermaking?

• A. Wear Rubber Gloves and a Protective Eye Shield
• B. Hair Covering Only
• C. No PPE Required
• D. Gloves Optional

Answer: (A)

Working with lye involves handling a caustic substance that can burn skin and eyes. The essential protection is to block contact with the skin and eyes, and that is achieved by wearing rubber gloves to prevent skin burns and a protective eye shield to prevent splashes from reaching the eyes. Hair covering alone doesn’t guard against skin or eye exposure, and saying no PPE is required or that gloves are optional would leave you unprotected. These two pieces of PPE address the primary risks from lye exposure in papermaking.