We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

643 Developing a COVID Prevention Program (CPP)
Skip to main content

643 Developing a COVID Prevention Program (CPP)

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE protects workers from hazards when engineering and administrative controls are insufficient on their own. The types of PPE that workers may need for protection from exposures to SARS-CoV-2 in areas with community transmission will vary based on work activities, exposure risks, and the results of the employer's hazard assessment.

A stylist is looking at a womans hair. The woman has a gown and face mask on. The stylist is wearing an apron, face mask, and face shield.
Example of the use of an apron, face shield, and mask.

Employers should evaluate the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and face shields, and provide such personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to COVID-19 hazards.

  • Evaluate the need for respiratory protection when physical distancing requirements are not feasible or are not maintained.
  • Provide and ensure respirator use per OSHA requirements when deemed necessary by local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Provide and ensure the use of eye protection and respiratory protection per local, state, and federal regulations when employees are exposed to procedures that may aerosolize potentially infectious material such as saliva or respiratory tract fluids.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used to Control Employees’ Exposure to COVID-19

We evaluate the need for PPE (such as gloves, goggles, and face shields) as required by [Reference local, state, and federal requirements.], and provide such PPE as needed.

When it comes to respiratory protection, we evaluate the need in accordance with [Reference local, state, and federal requirements.], when the physical distancing requirements are not feasible or maintained. [Reference local, state, and federal requirements for details on required respirator and eye protection use.]

We provide and ensure use of eye protection and respiratory protection in accordance with [Reference local, state, and federal requirements.] when employees are exposed to procedures that may aerosolize potentially infectious material such as saliva or respiratory tract fluids. [Delete if not applicable to your workplace.]

For more information on the use of PPE, see OSHA's COVID-19 Control and Prevention webpage.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-7. What is an example of personal protective equipment (PPE) employees can use to protect themselves from COVID-19 hazards?

Previous Section
Next Section