ppe

To ensure employee safety, employers must conduct a hazard assessment to identify and control physical and health hazards. Engineering and administrative controls should be applied before using PPE. Appropriate PPE that matches the hazard should be provided to employees. The effectiveness of the PPE program should be periodically reviewed, updated, and evaluated. Employees need to be trained on the use, care, and limitations of the PPE. PPE training should be documented and kept on file, and supervisors should enforce the use of required PPE. PPE should be inspected regularly and properly maintained, and worn or damaged PPE should be removed from service and replaced. [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3]

WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) requires a hazard assessment for PPE to determine if employees need PPE. Document the assessment to select appropriate PPE for hazards present. The assessment should identify activities that may create hazards, and consider engineering, work practice, and administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards before using PPE. [1] [5] [5]

Training is required for any worker who is required to wear PPE. Training includes when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE, the limitations of the PPE, and the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE. After training, employees will demonstrate that they understand how to use PPE properly, or they will be retrained. [2] [2] [2]

PPE should be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. Only protective clothing and equipment that meet NIOSH or ANSI standards should be procured or accepted for use. [4] [4]