Personal Protective Equipment
Overview
Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards in the workplace. Hazards in the workplace include: chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. PPE may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, ear protection (plugs or muffs), hard hats, respirators, or body suits. PPE must be considered the last line of defense and other hazard controls such as elimination, engineering or administrative controls must be considered prior to using PPE (see Hierarchy of Controls below). The PPE program is designed to ensure employees receive the correct PPE and understand how to care for and use it.
Written Program
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program (482 kb, pdf)
Training Requirements
All employees who are required to use PPE shall receive adequate and documented training. The training may be conducted during the annual Hazard Communications Training, Bloodborne Pathogens Training or on an individual or group basis.
Resources
Regulatory Requirements
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment 29CFR 1910.132