So, we just had an ISO audit. He walked around, asked questions as normal and then left.
Apparently, he finished his audit, and, in this audit, he gave negative points due to the fact that “certain” **ME** employees were not aware of proper PPE.
So, the QA manager comes up and tells me I will be doing a refresher course on proper PPE.
I informed the QAm that I was aware of PPE and answered the ISO auditors' questions correctly.
He said, “No you did not.”, “When he asked for examples of PPE, you failed to mentation your ESD equipment.”
I told him, “ESD is not PPE equipment, you should know that.”
He shakes his head, “I'm sure the ISO auditor and myself know more about PPE than you do.”
I told him, “Apparently you do not.”, “I'm not taking a PPE refresher course or signing any documents until you bring me proper documentation that ESD equipment is considered PPE.”
I wanted to take a picture of the PPE refresher course documents he wanted me to sign, basically stating that I was informed and retrained on the proper knowledge and use of PPE. He wouldn't let me have them, he just wanted me to take the course and sign the papers on the spot.
Ya, not gonna happen.
Let's see if he has the nerve to come back and face me when he finds out how wrong he is.
Personal Protective Equipment, ESD does not protect a person, its function is to protect equipment and or production processes. Not the person, wearing it.
In case any of you agree with him, here is the official stance on ESD and if it is PPE.
**Like antistatic equipment, ESD also aims to dissipate charges as quickly as possible to prevent static discharges. However, ESD protection refers to securing a product or a production process, rather than a person. Therefore, ESD products are not considered PPE. **