PPE

In the cases where engineering and work practice controls are not enough, employers must provide personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and ventilation devices. This equipment must not allow blood or other potentially infectious materials to reach the employee's clothes; skin; or mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or any other part of the body. Personal protective equipment should be readily available wherever it may be needed. The equipment should come in all sizes, and hypoallergenic alternatives should be available for employees who are allergic to the equipment normally provided (such as latex gloves). This equipment is to be provided, repaired, and replaced by the employer, at no cost to employees.

Employees must use the appropriate personal protective equipment unless, under rare and extraordinary circumstances, they judge that using it would pose a higher threat to their safety or to the safety of another employee or patient. If such a circumstance arises and an employee must make such a judgment, the employer should investigate the circumstances to determine what must be changed to prevent such an occurrence in the future. Employees should report these incidents, and employers should encourage them to do so without fear of punishment.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.