General Protection Information

PPE should be issued if the worker does not have what is required. It should be inspected, fitted properly, and tested.

Employers must provide it to workers at no cost. However, employees might need to purchase items such as:

• Safety-toe footwear,
• Prescription safety eyewear
• Everyday clothing and weather-related gear, and
• Logging boots.

Workers must understand the types of hazards they face, and the appropriate PPE required. They must also understand the limitations of PPE. Even though it is a last line of defense against a hazard, it will not protect you in every situation.

So, workers must be trained on the proper use of PPE, including topics such as:

• When PPE is necessary
• What kind of PPE is required and its selection (based on hazards and environment)
• Understand the limitations of PPE in protecting workers
• Inspection (check for damage or wear)
• Fit (put it on and adjust it, especially with other PPE that must be worn)
• Test (in cases of equipment like respirators)
• Proper use
• Removal
• Maintain, clean and store

To learn more about PPE visit our Personal Protective Equipment Online Training web page.