• PPE

is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

• Hazards Covered

These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, or mechanical hazards.

• Selection Criteria

PPE is provided when hazards cannot be sufficiently abated or removed to prevent occupational injury or illness.

• R.A. 11058

Every employer, contractor, or subcontractor must provide workers with PPE free of charge.

• Rule 1080

General Personal Protective Equipment and Devices.

o Rule 1081

General Provisions.

o Rule 1082

Eye and Face Protection.

o Rule 1083

Respiratory Protection.

o Rule 1084

Head Protection.

o Rule 1085

Hand and Arm Protection.

o Rule 1086

Full Body Harness, Life Lines, and Safety Nets.

o Rule 1087

Safety Shoes.

• Management

Responsible for providing PPE and training, posting signs in required areas, and ensuring full compliance with safety programs.

• Supervisors

Must ensure appropriate PPE is available and properly used by employees.

• Employees

Must use PPE according to training, care for it properly, guard against damage, and report any malfunctions to supervisors.

• Health and Safety Committee

Conducts hazard assessments, provides technical assistance and training to supervisors, and reviews the overall effectiveness of the PPE program.

• Eye and Face

Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields. Must conform to ANSI Z 87.1-1968.

• Head

Hard hats categorized into classes

• Hand

Gloves (vinyl, rubber, neoprene, leather, or cotton). Selection is based on task performance as there are no specific ANSI standards for gloves.

• Foot

Steel-toed shoes, puncture-proof soles, and non-conductive footwear for electrical work.

• Hearing

Earplugs (most protection) and earmuffs. Required when sound levels reach 85 decibels over an eight-hour period.

• Fall Protection

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) including anchorage, body harnesses, and connectors (lanyards, caribiners, rope grabs).

• Training Areas

Employees must be trained on when and what to wear, how to don/doff/adjust PPE, limitations, care, maintenance, and disposal.

• Cleaning

PPE must be inspected and cleaned at regular intervals and sanitized before being shared between employees.

• Storage

Equipment must be stored to protect against environmental conditions. Items with a shelf-life must be checked periodically for expiration.

• Record Keeping

Written records of trained personnel and hazard assessment forms must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Hazard Assessment and Equipment Selection

• Impact • Penetration • Noise • Chemical • Heat • Dust • Electrical • Material Handling

• Eye and Face, working with

o Working with Molten Metals o Working with Liquid Chemicals o Working with Hazardous Gases o Working with Flying Particles o Working with Injurious Radiant Energy

• Head, class

o Class A: Falling objects. o Class B: Falls from height. o Class AE: Falling articles and electricity. o Class AB: o Class ABE:

• Foot, class

o Class H – Heavy Work o Class S – Normal Work o Class L – Light Work