Mandatory PPE for safe handling and testing of post-tensioning cables includes equipment to protect against potential physical, chemical, and electrical hazards. Employers must identify these hazards through a comprehensive hazard assessment to determine the appropriate PPE for each task. [3]

General PPE requirements include:

• Head protection: Hard hats are required where there is a potential for falling objects, bumps to the head, or contact with electrical hazards.
• Eye and face protection: Safety glasses or face shields are necessary when work operations may cause foreign objects to get in the eye, such as during cutting, grinding, or when working with concrete, harmful chemicals, or flying particles. Select eye and face protectors based on anticipated hazards.
• Hand protection: Workers should wear appropriate gloves for the job, such as heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work, welding gloves for welding, or insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards. Gloves should fit snugly.
• Foot protection: Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles. Safety-toed footwear is required to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy equipment or falling objects.
• Hearing protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in high noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equipment are used.
• Minimum clothing requirements: Employees must wear at least a short-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes that meet foot protection requirements.
• Torso Protection: Depending on the specific hazards, torso protection such as chemical resistant coveralls, flame-resistant jackets, or high visibility garments may be required.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [1] Regulatory compliance requires employers to:

• Perform a hazard assessment to identify areas requiring PPE.
• Identify and provide appropriate PPE for employees.
• Train employees in the use and care of PPE.
• Maintain PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE.
• Periodically review, update, and evaluate the effectiveness of the PPE program.

[3] [3] [3] [3] [3]