Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting employees from various workplace hazards [1]. Employers are required to provide, ensure the use of, and maintain PPE in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever hazards exist that could cause injury or impairment through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact [1]. This includes equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, as well as protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers [1].

Key aspects of PPE include:

1. Hazard Assessment: Employers must assess the workplace to identify hazards that necessitate PPE use 1, 7. A written certification of this assessment is required, including the workplace evaluated, the evaluator, and the assessment date 1, 7.
2. Equipment Selection: Select PPE that protects employees from identified hazards and fits each employee properly 1, 7. Communicate these selections to employees [1].
3. Proper Use and Maintenance: PPE must be of safe design and construction 1, 7, used correctly 7, 12, and maintained in good condition 1, 7, 12. Defective or damaged PPE should not be used 1, 7, 12.
4. Training: Employers must train employees on when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly use and maintain it, its limitations, and proper disposal 1, 7, 12. Employees should demonstrate understanding and ability to use PPE properly before performing work requiring it [2]. Retraining is necessary when workplace changes or inadequacies in employee knowledge occur [2].
5. Employer Responsibility: Generally, employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees [2], except for non-specialty safety-toe footwear and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear if employees are allowed to wear them off-site [2]. Employers must also ensure that employee-owned PPE is adequate and properly maintained 1, 7, 12.
6. Specific PPE Requirements:
   • Eye and Face Protection: Use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards like flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, or injurious light radiation [3]. Eye protection should provide side protection [3].
   • Foot Protection: Ensure workers use appropriate footwear for the hazards present, including options for toe protection, puncture resistance, metatarsal protection, or electrical protection, meeting relevant safety standards [4].
   • Head Protection: When there is a foreseeable danger of head injury, ensure workers wear appropriate protective headwear that meets safety standards [4].
   • Respiratory Protection: Select respiratory protective equipment according to CSA standards, ensure proper storage and maintenance, and verify the quality of breathing air [5]. Ensure effective facial seals and fit testing [5].

It's important to avoid both under-protection and over-protection when selecting PPE, considering factors like heat stress, mobility, and communication [6]. A comprehensive PPE program should include hazard identification, medical monitoring, environmental surveillance, and detailed procedures for selection, use, maintenance, and decontamination [6].