How to Select the Proper PPE

Hard hat for head protection, reflective vest for high-visibility

Knowing which personal protective equipment, or PPE, to use can be the difference between injury and safety, but the right choices can sometimes be confusing. It is up to your employer to assess the hazards associated with your job, and make sure you are trained on the specifics of PPE for each task. Follow these steps to insure you are safe.

Things You'll Need

• Workplace Hazard Assessment
• Job Safety Analysis
• MSDS (applicable for handling chemicals)
• PPE inventory log
• PPE catalog

Instructions

1. 

   You should always wear PPE when it is provided.

   Ask to see the Workplace Hazard Assessment if your employer has not trained you on the specific PPE needed to perform each task. If the assessment isn't available, ask to see the Job Safety Analysis (JSA). These documents should be made available to you upon request, and present you with detailed information on specifics for individual tasks. If you feel that you need PPE and it is not provided for you, then don't do the work until you feel you have been properly protected.

2. 

   There is no such thing as "too much" protection.

   Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) fefore you handle chemicals. Handling chemicals can be dangerous and extra steps should be taken to insure your safety. Manufacturers change formulas often and it can alter the hazards you encounter.

3. 

   Inferior PPE can do more harm than good by instilling a false sense of security.

   Check your inventory often. The use of PPE on a daily basis will deplete your supply. Make sure you have an adequate supply well in advance of performing your tasks. Don't be tempted to substitute one PPE for another. If handling sodium hydroxide requires you to wear heavy rubber gloves, do not wear an inferior grade because you do not have them available. Wait until you have the proper PPE before you perform the task.

4. Consult OSHA's regulatory standard 29 CFR 1910.132 for PPE use and legal definition if you are unsure about the uses of PPE, and would like further explanation. It will detail all federal regulations that employers must follow to keep workers safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are in good health; some uses of PPE, like self-contained-breathing-apparatus, may inhibit breathing or promote stress in persons with hypertension.

• Study operating procedures and manuals for tasks you are required to perform.

• Review MSDS when handling any chemical.

• Review PPE catalogs as improvements to PPE are made regularly.

• Never wear inferior PPE in place of prescribed equipment.

• Never assume you are wearing enough PPE if you are unsure about the task or chemical.

• Inspect PPE that is worn repeatedly, as use will wear down integrity of equipment.

References

• OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
• OSHA's regulatory standard for PPE
• Article on workplace PPE use from National Safety Council