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, and
- 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.
Rules
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (WAC 296-800-160)
Respirators (Chapter 296-842 WAC)
Enforcement Policies
Videos (for loan and online)
- Best Strategy: Personal Protective Equipment
- Eye Safety in Construction Environments The Hearing Video (online)
- Heads Up! Hard Hat Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment: Win The Race to Safety (English/Spanish)
- PPE: Your Last Layer of Protection
Training Materials
Online Learning
Group Presentations
Publications, Handouts, Checklists, Sample Programs, and other web links
- Hazard Assessment For PPE
- Job Hazard Analysis form for PPE
- Job Site Safety: Wear Your Hard Hat (poster)
- ASTM F2413-18 Standard Specification For Performance Requirements For Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear (Supersedes ANSI Z41)
- Protective Clothing and Ensembles.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) OSHA Topic page
- Personal Protective Equipment Training Quiz
- PPE and Hazard Control
- Sequence for safely putting on and removing Personal Protective Equipment. Printable PDF (CDC)