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Requirements for a PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may include hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and respirators that are designed to protect employees from workplace injuries. PPE most importantly protects an employee, but it does not remove a hazard from the workplace. The requirements for PPE are outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and addressed specifically for general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, long-shoring and construction jobs.

  1. Application

    • Employers are required to provide appropriate PPE for their employees in most cases. They have the responsibility of assessing the workplace for hazards and determining which type of PPE is necessary. PPE must be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition, and ready for use when hazards are encountered. For employee-owned equipment, such as boots, the employer is responsible for ensuring it is properly maintained and appropriate for job tasks. Employers are not required to pay for every day clothing that affects safety, such as long-sleeved shirts, winter coats, hats, rain coats or pants.

    Design

    • Types of PPE include eye, face, head, foot, hand and body protection, lifesaving equipment and personal fall arrest systems. All PPE must be designed safely and constructed appropriately for the type of work in which it will be used. For example, shipyard employees must wear protective helmets that reduce electrical shock hazards and burns from contact with exposed electrical conductors. The PPE should fit properly on an employee. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used.

    Training

    • Training is a critical element to workplace safety and employers are required to provide training on PPE. The training must address when PPE is necessary, what type of PPE should be used, how to properly wear and adjust PPE, limitations of PPE, and the proper maintenance and lifespan of the equipment. Employees must demonstrate they understand PPE principles before beginning their job. Retraining may be required when changes occur in the workplace, new types of PPE are introduced or an employee demonstrates a lack in PPE understanding.

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