At a glance
- OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.132 requires employers to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which makes the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary.
- Examples of hazard types include chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, and biological.
- PPE typically conforms to an established consensus standard or regulation detailing the level and type of protection provided and should be used as part of an occupational PPE program.
Overview
PPE is the fifth and final level within the hierarchy of controls to reduce or remove hazards. When engineering controls and administrative controls (including work practices) are not feasible, PPE is recommended. When employees use PPE, employers should implement a PPE program. While elements of the PPE program depend on the work process and the identified PPE, the program should include:
- Workplace hazards assessment
- PPE selection and use
- Inspection and replacement of damaged or worn-out PPE
- Employee training
- Program monitoring for continued effectiveness
Employers should not rely on PPE alone to control hazards when other effective control options are available. PPE can be effective, but only when workers use it correctly and consistently.
When other control methods are unable to reduce the hazardous exposure to safe levels, employers
Types
Examples of PPE include:
- Respirators
- Firefighter turnout gear
- Surgical and other types of gowns used by healthcare workers
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Hard hats
PPE standards
PPE typically conforms to an established consensus standard or regulation detailing the level and type of protection provided and should be used as part of an occupational PPE program. OSHA requires that many categories of PPE meet or be equivalent to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)1.
The serves as a compendium of Federal regulations and consensus standards for PPE. Standards information was compiled from the U.S. Government, ANSI, accredited standard development organizations, and International Organization for Standardization, when applicable.
Respirator approvals
When an employer determines that workers need respiratory protection, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of NIOSH Approved respirators. Workplaces covered under OSHA must also establish a complete respiratory protection program. OSHA regulation requires a respiratory protection program to include medical evaluations, fit testing, and training.
- NIOSH Approved is a certification mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) registered in the United States and several international jurisdictions.