Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Overview

A systematic process to identify any potential dangers in the workplace.

Any equipment worn by the employee to protect them from hazards.

Objects that might cause injury by crushing or trapping.

Substances that can hurt by coming into contact with skin or eyes.

The process of identifying and assessing all potential sources of electricity in the workplace.

The process of identifying and assessing all potential sources of harmful dusts in the workplace.

The process of identifying and assessing the potential for falling objects in the workplace.

The maximum permissible noise exposure levels for different durations of exposure, measured in decibels (dB).

The amount by which a hearing protector reduces the noise reaching the ear. It is a measure of how effective the hearing protection is.

A rating system used to estimate the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. It is displayed on the product packaging.

A comprehensive program employers must implement when employee noise exposure exceeds 85 dB averaged over an 8-hour period.

A type of hearing protection that is individually fitted by a professional and can be disposable or reusable.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must meet ANSI standards in effect at the time of manufacture OR provide equivalent protection.

Employers must inform employees about their PPE selection decisions and ensure employee-owned PPE meets workplace criteria.

Eye and face protection requires adherence to specific ANSI standards, including Z87.1 from 2010, 2003, or 1989.

Head protection requires compliance with ANSI Z89.1 standards from 2009, 2003, or 1997.

Foot protection adheres to standards like ASTM F-2412/2413, ANSI Z41 from 1999 or 1991.

Electrical rubber insulating equipment must meet specific ASTM standards; consider ASTM D120, D178, D1048, D1049, D1050, or D1051.

While no specific ANSI standard exists for gloves, OSHA recommends glove selection based on the task and glove characteristics.

Glove selection for chemical protection must factor in the specific chemicals encountered, their resistance to the glove material, and the glove's physical properties.

Employers must train employees on when PPE is necessary, what PPE is needed, how to use it properly, its limitations, and its care and disposal.

A hard hat must be properly sized and adjusted. It should have enough space between the shell and suspension system for air flow and impact force distribution.

Hard hats should be inspected daily for any defects, including cracks, tears, or holes, that could compromise their effectiveness.

Avoid using paints, thinners, or certain cleaning agents on hard hats as these can weaken the shell and compromise its protective properties.

Hard hats should not be exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat as they can permanently damage the material.

Hard hats should be replaced if they show signs of damage, including deformation, perforations, cracks, or signs of exposure to heat, chemicals, or UV radiation.

A label inside the hard hat shell must include information on the manufacturer, ANSI designation, and the class of the hat.

Hard hats can have optional accessories like earmuffs, face shields, and mounted lights, but these must not compromise the safety of the hard hat.

Hard hats should be periodically cleaned to maintain their effectiveness and extend their lifespan.

Hard hats should be removed from service and replaced when they show signs of damage like perforations, cracking, or deformation.

Signs of exposure to heat, chemicals or UV radiation, include a loss of surface gloss, chalking or flaking of the hard hat material.

A type of glove made from synthetic rubber that offers good protection against a wide range of chemicals, including hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids, and alkalis. They are also resistant to wear and tear.

Made from a copolymer, these gloves excel in protecting against chlorinated solvents like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. They are flexible and suitable for tasks requiring dexterity and sensitivity.

A table ranking the effectiveness of different glove materials against various chemicals. It helps select the most appropriate glove for a specific chemical hazard.

A rating in the Chemical Resistance Selection Chart indicating a very high level of resistance to a particular chemical.

A rating in the Chemical Resistance Selection Chart indicating a good level of resistance to a particular chemical.

A rating in the Chemical Resistance Selection Chart indicating a fair level of resistance to a particular chemical. The glove offers some protection, but may not be ideal.

A rating in the Chemical Resistance Selection Chart indicating poor or no resistance to a particular chemical. The glove is not recommended for use with that chemical.

A chemical listed in the Chemical Resistance Selection Chart that should only be handled for short durations with the specified gloves.

A type of alcohol commonly used as a solvent and fuel. It is generally well-handled by most glove materials, including neoprene and nitrile.

A strong oxidizing agent, it is a chemical that can react readily with other substances and may cause fires. It can damage most gloves, and nitrile gloves are not recommended for use with it.