PPE

It is the employer's responsibility to supply all necessary protective equipment. If a respirator is required due to cadmium exposure levels, the employer is responsible for making sure that the respirator meets all Cal/OSHA standards.

Protective clothing must also be supplied by the employer, at no cost to the employee, when an employee is exposed to cadmium above the PEL or if cadmium exposure at any level causes skin or eye irritation. This protective equipment and clothing includes, but is not limited to, coveralls or full body clothing, gloves, head coverings, boots or foot coverings, and face shields or vented goggles.

The employer must also provide change rooms for removal of all protective equipment at the end of the shift. Employers are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of all PPE. PPE should never leave the premises of a regulated area except to be cleaned or laundered by authorized personnel in a way that complies with Cal/OSHA standards. It is very important that when workers remove PPE, the dispersal of cadmium into the air is kept to a minimum. Workers should not shake or blow on their protective equipment.

To learn more about Cadmium Safety visit our Cadmium Safety Online Training web page.