Personal Protective Equipment Standards

Personal protective equipment can make the difference between a safe, controlled work environment and one that can be threatening to an individual's life. The use of PPE is required by OSHA. Both employers and employees must assume responsibility for proper use of PPE.

Employer responsibilities include the following:

• Performing a "hazard assessment" of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards
• Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees
• Training employees in the use and care of PPE
• Maintaining PPE, including replacing items that are worn or damaged
• Periodically reviewing, updating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program

Employee responsibilities include the following:

• Properly wearing PPE
• Attending training sessions on PPE
• Rinsing PPE on site when it becomes contaminated
• Informing a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE

There are numerous types of PPE that are designed to protect the eyes and face, head, feet and legs, hands and arms, ears, and lungs. Employers must use site-specific evaluations to determine the specific PPE that is appropriate for each worker who may be exposed to hazardous waste. PPE should fit each employee properly and be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that there are no tears, cracks, or other damage that could affect the employee's safety.

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