Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Basics
When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use.
Safety 101: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.
OSHA and EPA Regulations
Use of PPE is required by OSHA regulations in 29 CFR Part 1910.132-138 and reinforced by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations in 40 CFR Part 300 which include requirements for all private contractors working on Superfund sites to conform to applicable OSHA provisions and any other federal or state safety requirements deemed necessary by the lead agency overseeing the activities.
Below is a summary of OSHA Standards for the use of PPE
- General Use 1910.132 and 1910 Subpart Z
- Noise Exposure 1910.95
- Eye, Face; Respiratory Protection 1910.133 ; 1910.134
- Head, Hand and Foot Protection 1910.135; 1910.136; 1910.138
- Electrical Protective Devices 1910.137
No single combination of protective equipment and clothing protects against all hazards. Thus, PPE should be used in conjunction with other protective methods. The use of PPE can itself create significant worker hazards, such as heat stress, physical and psychological stress, and impaired vision, mobility, and communication.
In general, the greater the level of PPE protection, the greater are the associated risks. However, over-protection as well as under-protection can be hazardous and should be avoided.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. What combination of protective equipment and clothing will protect you against all hazards?
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