Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required where hazards could cause injury or impairment through physical contact, absorption, or inhalation. These hazards include chemical, environmental, radiological, and mechanical irritants. PPE includes protective equipment for the eyes, face, head, hearing, and extremities, as well as protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers. [1] [1]

Minimum clothing requirements include at least a short-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes that meet foot protection requirements. [1]

Examples of PPE include:

• Eye and face protection (safety glasses, goggles, welding shields, face shields)
• Dust masks
• Respirators
• Head protection (hard hats)
• Foot protection (steel-toed shoes, chemical resistant boots)
• Hand protection (work gloves, chemical resistant gloves)
• Hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs)
• Protective coats & pants

General PPE requirements include:

• A hazard assessment to identify and control physical and health hazards
• Applying engineering and/or administrative controls prior to PPE use
• Ensuring appropriate PPE matches the hazard
• Reviewing, updating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program periodically
• Training employees on the use and care of PPE
• Training employees on the limitations of PPE
• Documenting and keeping PPE training on file
• Supervisors enforcing the use of required PPE
• Regular inspection and proper maintenance of PPE
• Removing worn and damaged PPE from service and replacing it

OSHA standards require employers to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present that necessitate the use of PPE. Employers must provide workers with appropriate PPE and require them to use and maintain it in a sanitary and reliable condition. [2]