PPE Fit, Maintenance, & Care

OSHA sets out several requirements for the proper fit, maintenance, and care of PPE. At minimum, PPE should:

• Be distinctly marked to identify the manufacturer
• Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed
• Be safely made and designed for the work to be performed
• Fit snugly without interfering with the wearer's movements
• Be reasonably comfortable
• Be durable, capable of being disinfected, and easily cleaned

The fitting of PPE should only be done by someone qualified to do so. Prescription safety goggles should only be fitted by qualified optical personnel. In addition, any device with adjustable features should be fitted to each individual worker to ensure an adequate fit.

Remember, properly fitted goggles will form a protective seal around the eye area that protects the wearer against dangerous splashes and flying dust particles. This is especially important for those who wear welding helmets and face shields - they should never fall off during work operations!

OSHA requires employees to be trained in PPE care and maintenance. The maintenance rules are as follows:

• PPE must be used and kept in clean and reliable condition.
• Workers cannot use broken PPE or PPE that impairs vision.
• Pitted and dirty lenses should be replaced. Scratched and pitted lenses can break.
• Slack, worn, sweaty, or twisted headbands can affect fit. PPE should be visually inspected for these flaws.
• Eye and face PPE should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Previously used items must be disinfected before being given to another employee.
• To clean PPE, disassemble and clean all parts with soap and warm water. Carefully rinse all traces of soap and replace all defective parts. As an alternative, a worker can swab or immerse the PPE in a solution of germicidal deodorant fungicide. If you immerse the PPE, do so for 10 minutes. Do not rinse.
• Goggles and spectacles should be kept in cases when not in use - much like a worker's regular eyeglasses. They should be kept in a clean, dust-proof container until the next use.

To learn more about Eye & Face Protection visit our Eye & Face Protection Online Training web page.