When working with drywall, it's important to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from potential hazards such as dust, flying particles, and exposure to lead [1]. Here's a breakdown of recommended PPE:

• Eye and Face Protection: Wear appropriate eye or face protection, such as safety glasses with side shields or goggles, to protect against flying particles and dust [2]. Eye protection should meet standards like ANSI Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003, or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998) [2].
• Respiratory Protection: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator to protect against dust inhalation 8, 9. A properly fitted particulate filter respirator, also known as a dust-filter respirator, can be used for short, intermittent exposures during cleanup or unloading shipments 8, 9. For abrasive blasting operations, use abrasive-blasting respirators, especially when using silica sand or when concentrations of toxic dust may exceed permissible limits 8, 9. If you detect increased breathing resistance, change the filter elements [3].
• Hand Protection: Wear gloves to prevent cuts, abrasions, and skin contact with chemicals [4]. Select the most appropriate glove for the specific task and determine its limitations, wear time, and reusability [4].
• Foot Protection: Wear safety shoes or boots with impact and compression protection, especially when handling heavy materials that could be dropped or rolled over the feet [4]. Safety shoes should meet ANSI Z41-1991 standards and may also need puncture protection depending on the work environment [4].
• Protective Clothing: If there is potential exposure to lead, wear coveralls or similar full-body work clothing, hats, and disposable shoe coverlets 7, 15. Protective clothing should be provided in a clean and dry condition, and the employer is responsible for cleaning, laundering, or disposing of the clothing and equipment 7, 15.

Employers are responsible for providing and maintaining PPE, as well as ensuring employees are trained on how to use it properly 1, 3. This training should include when PPE is necessary, how to don, doff, adjust, and wear it, the limitations of the PPE, and proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal [5]. It is also important to regularly reassess workplace hazards and the suitability of selected PPE [6].