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OSHA Regulations for Personal Protective Equipment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has dozens of regulations requiring personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers are required to supply PPE when engineering, work practice and administrative controls cannot completely protect workers. A risk assessment of the work site is used to determine what protective equipment is required, and training must be conducted to ensure all workers properly use them. OSHA consolidated PPE requirements into Publication 3151, Personal Protective Equipment, to simplify compliance.

  1. Requirements

    • Employers are responsible for providing measures to protect employees from injuries and illnesses in the workplace. One of the ways this is accomplished is by providing personal protective equipment. Some PPE is required to be supplied at no cost to the employee, while others are provided at the worker's expense.

    Hazard Assessment

    • Employers conduct hazard assessments of the workplace to help determine what PPE is required. Hazards can include extreme temperatures, excessive noise, falling material, flying debris, bright light and exposure to harmful chemicals or dust. The assessment should be a comprehensive effort to ensure all potential hazards are included.

    Types of PPE

    • There are several types of PPE, depending upon the potential hazards. Goggles or safety glasses to protect eyes, ear plugs to protect hearing, gloves, safety boots, respirators, face shields, aprons, coveralls, helmets, and safety harnesses to prevent falls. Each of these types have different styles or designs to meet the specific hazards they are designed to protect against.

    Training

    • Personal protective equipment is ineffective if the workers don't know how to use it. Employers are required to train workers in the proper use of PPE. The equipment has to fit and be worn properly to be effective. Workers are also instructed on what PPE they need to use, what the equipment's capabilities are, and how to recognize equipment that is defective or in need of repair or replacement.

    OSHA Assistance

    • OSHA has a variety of programs available to employers to assist them in determining workplace hazards and the appropriate safety equipment. These programs include regulatory guidance, technical assistance, on-site workplace consultations and training materials. There are also state-level OSHA-approved safety plans in 26 states to provide assistance.

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