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PPE Standard Regulations

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a requirement in various work environments to safeguard workers from hazards. Hazards such as chemicals, radiation and electric and mechanical threats can cause serious injuries and illnesses. PPE comes in various forms and functions. Examples are goggles, hard hats, safety shoes, coveralls, gloves and respirators. Most states follow the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard regulations for PPE. Other states have created their own policies which are similar to OSHA.

  1. Proper Equipment

    • Under OSHA PPE regulations, employers must conduct an assessment in their workplace to determine if hazards exist or are likely to be present. They then evaluate what type of PPE can best protect the employees from these hazards and risks. This hazard assessment in the workplace is verified through a written certification. Employers are expected to provide and maintain the PPE needed by affected employees. These PPE should be designed to work properly and securely. They need to be kept in sanitary and reliable condition at all times.

    Training

    • Employers must train workers on the use of PPE. This training covers when and how to use PPE properly, including their limitations and capabilities. Workers will also learn to take care of, maintain and dispose of PPE appropriately. Understanding of the training must be measured through employee demonstrations. Retraining is required when there are updates on PPE usage or if trainers are not satisfied with the employee's level of PPE understanding. A written certification is required as legal confirmation after training.

    Head and Face

    • PPE safety guidelines include protection from head injuries. Workers are required to wear hard hats if the work area has the risk of objects flying or falling. Hard hats also protect workers from electrical injuries if they work with electrical conductors. Workers must secure their long hair so it will not get caught in machine parts. To avoid eye and face injuries, workers should use spectacles, goggles or face shields to protect them from flying fragments, small debris and hot sparks.

    Extremities Protection

    • OSHA safety standards require workers to use hand protection if they are vulnerable to harmful skin absorption, inflicted wounds and burns. Wearing foot guards and safety shoes of good quality helps prevent leg and foot injuries. These injuries are usually caused by falling or rolling objects, hot or wet and slippery surfaces and improper electrical wiring.

    Respiratory Injuries

    • Certain work conditions expose people to contaminated air. This is true with personnel working in engine rooms. They are required to wear respirators to prevent them from breathing in this contaminated air. Frequent exposure to air with mixed with fog, dust, fumes, smoke or polluted vapor can bring about adverse health conditions. Respiratory equipment must be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

    Electrical Devices

    • For workers handling electrical systems, they need to use electrical protection devices such as insulating blankets, matting, covers, line hose, gloves and rubber sleeves. These devices' characteristics are the basis of their effectiveness. This is why OSHA has certain requirements for each. One requirement is passing the proof test, which is to prove that the device can withstand voltage contact. Another required characteristic is the absence of severe surface irregularities that can cause the device to malfunction.

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