Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and ensure proper wear and use. The OSHA PPE regulations are in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which address protection for the eyes, face, respiratory system, ears, foot and hand, as well as risks from electrical hazards.

Eyes and Face

• The employer must provide appropriate eye and face protection for flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, corrosive liquids, gases, vapors or dangerous light radiation.

Respiratory

• Appropriate respiratory protection against harmful airborne contaminants, such as masks, is also required.

Head

• Protective helmets must be provided if injury to the head can occur from falling objects or exposure to electrical conductors.

Hands and Feet

• Employees must wear gloves to protect against cuts, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns and extreme temperatures. OSHA requires protective footwear whenever there is a risk of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, objects that can pierce the sole or electrical exposure of the feet.

Hearing

• OSHA mandates the use of hearing protection when engineering controls do not keep noise levels below 90dBA (decibels A-weighted scale).

Electrical Protection

• Appropriate electrical protection must be used for live systems. Gloves, sleeves, blankets, line covers and matting must be adequate for the voltages present.