Personal Protective Equipment Controls

When both engineering controls and administrative controls fail to provide sufficient protection against hazards, a supplementary method of control is the use of protective clothing or equipment. Personal protective equipment (or PPE) controls are also appropriate for managing hazards while engineering and administrative controls are being established. Using PPE requires training; it is important for the miner to be aware that PPE does not completely eliminate the hazard. If the equipment fails, or is improperly fitted or used, exposure to the hazard will occur. Consequently, miners must be properly fitted for protective clothing, and protective equipment must be kept in a clean and useable condition.

The hazards addressed by PPE include physical, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazard, and airborne particulate matter. Operators must inform miners in advance whenever special PPE will be needed for a mine operation. However, miners must wear at all times the minimum standard protection in and around the mine site. This includes a safety helmet, protective gloves, and protective footwear.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.