Introduction to NOM-017 and Its Impact
The new NOM-017, which entered into force last month, replaces the 2008 regulation on workplace personal protective equipment (PPE). This means that businesses must now adhere to updated safety measures for workers exposed to various risks. The Mexican regulation aims to ensure that workplaces provide appropriate PPE to protect employees from hazards and prevent work-related accidents and illnesses.
Key Points of NOM-017
1. Investment in Certified PPE
One of the critical aspects of NOM-017 is the certification of personal protective equipment (PPE) for each worker based on their activities, risk types, and degrees. The regulation mandates that PPE must fit the worker’s size and match the equipment they use, such as glasses, hearing aids, or prosthetics. However, single-use items like gloves, footwear, masks, and earplugs must be individualized for each employee. This requirement necessitates a higher acquisition cost, as businesses must provide separate PPE for each worker and ensure that the equipment is certified, guaranteeing quality and effectiveness in protection.
In case of contamination with hazardous chemicals or biological agents, employers must have decontamination procedures in place. If PPE becomes obsolete or gets damaged, it must undergo a destruction or specialized handling process to prevent reuse, requiring the acquisition of new products.
2. Extended Responsibility to Contractors and Visitors
Workplaces that hire specialized services must ensure that both workers and visitors, such as suppliers, inspectors, advisors, auditors, verifiers, or buyers entering areas requiring mandatory PPE use, receive appropriate equipment during their stay.
To maximize protection, employers must provide sufficient PPE and signage along with proper guidance on using the equipment for visitors, increasing the investment scope in protection.
3. Continuous Training
NOM-017 requires employers to provide periodic training and instruction for workers to identify appropriate PPE based on their exposure risks and how to use, inspect, clean, maintain, and store it. Employers must inform workers about workplace hazards for better equipment usage, extending PPE lifespan and reducing incident rates through clear rules and procedures.
Training should include theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, refreshed at least every two years or when equipment changes or conditions affecting PPE usage alter.
4. Enhanced Record Keeping and Supervision
Under NOM-017, businesses must document risk analysis, including specific situations per position and area, considering physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological hazards. This will improve control over required PPE and enable more precise allocation.
Maintenance records for PPE, including delivery, cleaning, replacement, and care details, must be maintained. A document trail should also track risk prevention rules and workplace safety measures to avoid penalties during inspections.
The documentation must include PPE and work clothing assigned based on risks, employee training, and PPE maintenance.
5. Hiring Inspectors
Employers can opt to hire an accredited inspection unit approved by the relevant authority to evaluate compliance with NOM-017 regulations. If a workplace meets the requirements, an inspector will issue a two-year validity report serving as proof of compliance for the Mexican Labor and Social Security Secretariat (STPS).
Although this service may be viewed as an additional consulting expense, it can be justified as a strategic investment that reduces uncertainty and the risk of penalties during labor inspections.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is NOM-017? NOM-017 is a Mexican safety regulation that updates workplace personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for businesses.
- Why is NOM-017 important? The regulation ensures that businesses provide appropriate PPE to protect employees from hazards and prevent work-related accidents and illnesses.
- What does NOM-017 require regarding PPE investment? Businesses must invest in certified, individually sized PPE for each worker, which may increase acquisition costs.
- Who is responsible for providing PPE to contractors and visitors? Workplaces hiring specialized services must ensure that both workers and visitors receive appropriate PPE during their stay.
- What kind of training is required under NOM-017? Employers must provide continuous, theoretical, and practical training for workers to identify and use appropriate PPE based on their exposure risks.
- How does NOM-017 affect record keeping and supervision? Businesses must maintain detailed records of risk analysis, PPE allocation, maintenance, and employee training to ensure compliance.
- Is hiring inspectors mandatory under NOM-017? While not obligatory, employers can hire accredited inspection units to evaluate compliance with NOM-017 regulations, providing proof of compliance during labor inspections.
