Standards for Personal Protective Equipment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used in certain instances to protect the worker from harm. Employers must determine if their employees need PPE to be protected and safe while working. In most cases, the employer is required provide the necessary PPE at no charge to the employees.

What is PPE?

• Personal protective equipment includes items that protect the face, head, foot, hand, and respiratory system. PPE for construction workers includes hard hats and steel-toe boots. Face and eye protection is needed in a variety of workplaces, from health care to welding. Gloves are another piece of personal protective equipment necessary in many careers. Some gear, like harnesses, must be custom fitted to each employee.

Up-to-Date Technology

• In September 2009, OSHA issued a rule that requires employers to obtain personal protective equipment for their employees that are indicative of the latest technology and materials. This is important because older, less effective equipment, while less expensive, does not protect an employee as well.

PPE Programs

• In work situations in which PPE is required, employers should have a program in place to educate workers about the need for this gear. The employer must explain the hazards, the guidelines for use of PPE, and monitor employees to ensure that they comply with the guidelines. Employers typically include PPE usage in a job description.

Employee Training

• All employees who are required to use PPE must be trained in exactly what equipment is necessary in a particular situation. Training must include how to put on, adjust, and take off the equipment, as well as the proper care, maintenance, and disposal of the equipment. The employees must completely understand the limitations of PPE.

Respiratory Protection

• Respiratory protection is often overlooked. Chemical and environmental irritants can cause permanent damage to a person's respiratory system. According to OSHA, more than one million workplaces require their employees to wear respirators to ensure sufficient oxygen during the workday.

Not Acceptable

• It is unacceptable for employers to issue damaged equipment to employees. Nor is it allowable for equipment to be reissued to another worker until it has been effectively disinfected. Some PPE is disposable, such as the masks and gowns used in health care, and should never be used twice.

Exempt Items

• OSHA requires employers to supply workers with PPE, or to reimburse them for the cost. Prescription safety goggles and special protective-toe footwear are the only things exempt.