Personal Protective Equipment and Confined Spaces
How an employer chooses and manages PPE, what each kind of protection does, and how permit-required confined spaces are identified, controlled and entered.
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4.1 Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA requires employers to set up and run an effective PPE program, to reduce the effect of exposure to hazards and so the rate of workplace injury. PPE is the last control in the hierarchy. It does not remove the hazard, so use it where other controls cannot do the job, or in addition to them.
The employer's duties
- Assess the workplace to decide what hazards need PPE, and choose PPE for the specific hazard.
- Choose items that protect the worker and also keep the hazards and drawbacks of the PPE itself to a minimum.
- Provide PPE for the exclusive use of one worker wherever possible.
- Review the choice from time to time as conditions or work change.
- Train every worker who must use PPE.
- Keep a record of the hazard assessment and of the training.
What workers must do
- Attend the required training.
- Wear PPE as required.
- Clean, maintain and care for it.
- Report hazards they notice.
- Tell the supervisor when PPE needs repair or replacement.
- Follow all warnings and precautions.
- Follow the directions of the supervisor or safety manager.
Inspect PPE before use for tears, leaks, punctures, breaks, contamination and wear. Store it carefully and keep it clean. Contaminated PPE that cannot be decontaminated must be disposed of properly.
Types of protection
| Kind | What it does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goggles | Protect the eyes from many hazards | Soft, flexible frames that seal around the eyes. |
| Face shields | Protect the whole face from flying particles, metal sparks, and chemical or biological splashes | Wear with other eye protection where needed. |
| Welding shields | Protect eyes and face from infrared and bright light, sparks, spatter and slag | For welding, brazing, soldering and arc and gas cutting. |
| Respirators | Keep airborne contaminants out of the lungs, or give a safe air supply | Air purifying or atmosphere supplying. |
| Hard hats | Protect against falling and flying objects, bumps and in some types electrical contact | Rigid shell and a suspension that absorbs shock. |
| Hearing protection | Reduces noise reaching the ear | Foam or PVC ear plugs and ear muffs. |
| Hand protection | Gloves chosen for the hazard | Good hygiene and hand washing matter too. |
| Foot protection | Footwear chosen for the hazard | Not leather or cloth around acids and caustics. |
Head protection
Head injuries are serious and include neck sprains, concussion and skull fracture. They come from falling or flying objects and from walking or falling into hard objects. A hard hat has a rigid shell that resists and deflects blows, a suspension that acts as a shock absorber, and sometimes electrical insulation. It shields the scalp, face, neck and shoulders from splashes and drips. Some hats take attachments such as face shields, goggles, hoods or hearing protection.
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.