Personal Protective Equipment
When engineering controls and work practices are not sufficient to reduce employee exposures to or below established exposure limits or are not feasible for site operation, employers must provide employees with and require the use of PPE.
PPE Program
The HAZWOPER standard further requires the employer to develop a written PPE program for all employees involved in hazardous waste operations.
The PPE program is:
- required under the overall safety and health program and
- included in the HASP for each of the site.
The PPE program must include:
- an explanation of equipment selection and use,
- maintenance and storage,
- decontamination and disposal,
- training and proper fit,
- donning and doffing procedures,
- inspection,
- in-use monitoring,
- program evaluation, and
- equipment limitations.
If employees will use personal protective equipment (which includes respirators) during hazardous-waste operations, your written program must ensure the following:
- Equipment is selected to protect employees against site-specific hazards.
- Employees maintain and store the equipment properly.
- Employees understand the equipment's limitations.
- Equipment is decontaminated and disposed of properly.
- Employees are trained to use, wear, and inspect equipment.
- Equipment fits employees who use it.
PPE typically includes respiratory protection, dermal protection (e.g., gloves and protective clothing), eye protection (e.g., safety glasses, goggles, and face shields), and foot protection (e.g., steel- toed boots and chemical-resistant booties). Employers must select and ensure employees use PPE per 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I.
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3-2. When must employers provide employees with and require the use of PPE?
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