Depending on the hazards in your workplace, workers may need to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Personal protective equipment is worn to protect the eyes, face, head, body, arms, hands, legs, and feet from hazards.

Before PPE is used, employers must:

• conduct a PPE assessment to identify hazards,
• determine what PPE is appropriate,
• provide PPE at no cost to employees if the PPE is:
  • the type that would not reasonably or normally be worn away from the workplace, such as single use or disposable PPE,
  • required to comply with a safety and health standard to protect employees wherever hazards exist from Processes or Environmental hazards,
  • physical, chemical, or radiological hazards; or
  • mechanical irritants that could cause injury or impairment to the function of any body part through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact.
• provide training to ensure correct use and maintenance.

PPE must be addressed in your required Accident Prevention Program.

Examples of PPE include the following:

• Hardhats.
• Eye protection and face shields.
• Noise & Hearing protection.
• Respirators.
• High-visibility vests and ballistic vests.
• Fall protection systems.
• Protective gloves.
• Chaps.
• Steel-toe shoes and safety boots.

A Respiratory Protection Program is required for respirator use.