600 Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health

Who Should Conduct the Training?

This is a very important question. Whoever the person training PPE is, he or she needs to be an expert who not only understands how to use PPE correctly but has a thorough understanding of the importance of doing so. It's critical that the employee understands the importance of wearing PPE, not only for their safety but their "continuing employment."

Training Documentation

PPE training must be completed using a written certification document containing:

1. the name of each employee trained,
2. the date(s) of training, and
3. the subject of the certification.

When documenting safety training, and specifically PPE training, it's also important to formally certify employees have demonstrated (proved) to the trainer, adequate knowledge and skills with respect to safety training.

PPE training documentation will be strengthened when it contains the elements below:

• a statement by the employee that they have received training by the employer on the six subjects listed previously, and that the trainer has demonstrated proper use of the PPE and answered all employee questions about PPE use satisfactorily; and
• a statement by the trainer that, through an oral or written test, the employee has satisfactorily demonstrated an understanding of the subjects covered during training, and has, through practice, demonstrated the skills needed to properly don, doff, use, care for, and maintain the PPE.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.