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Hazard Control

Personal Protective Equipment

Practical guidance for selecting, inspecting, using and maintaining personal protective equipment for workplace hazards.

OSHA9 min readEssential Control

Overview

Personal Protective Equipment is the final layer of protection after hazards have been eliminated, substituted or controlled through engineering and administrative measures. PPE must be selected according to the hazard, fit the user correctly and remain in serviceable condition.

Main Hazards

  • • Eye and face injuries
  • • Head injuries from impact or falling objects
  • • Hearing damage from excessive noise
  • • Hand injuries from cuts, chemicals or heat
  • • Foot injuries from crushing or puncture hazards
  • • Respiratory exposure to dust, fumes, vapours or gases
  • • Skin exposure to chemicals or hot materials
  • • Incorrect PPE selection or poor fit

Required PPE

  • ✓Safety helmet where head hazards exist
  • ✓Safety glasses or goggles
  • ✓Face shield for splash, impact or heat hazards
  • ✓Task-specific protective gloves
  • ✓Safety footwear
  • ✓Hearing protection where exposure limits may be exceeded
  • ✓Protective clothing suitable for the hazard
  • ✓Respiratory protection where required by assessment

Essential Controls

  1. 1Complete a hazard assessment before selecting PPE.
  2. 2Use engineering and administrative controls before relying on PPE.
  3. 3Select equipment suitable for the specific hazard and exposure level.
  4. 4Ensure PPE fits the worker correctly and does not create additional hazards.
  5. 5Inspect PPE before each use for damage, contamination or wear.
  6. 6Train workers on correct use, limitations, maintenance and storage.
  7. 7Replace damaged, expired or contaminated PPE immediately.
  8. 8Prevent incompatible PPE combinations from reducing protection.
  9. 9Maintain hygiene and avoid sharing personal equipment where contamination may occur.
  10. 10Review PPE requirements whenever the task or conditions change.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Treating PPE as the first and only control
  • ×Using safety glasses when sealed goggles are required
  • ×Wearing damaged helmets or scratched eye protection
  • ×Using the wrong glove for the chemical or task
  • ×Wearing loose or poorly fitted respiratory protection
  • ×Using a face shield without primary eye protection
  • ×Failing to replace contaminated PPE
  • ×Combining equipment that interferes with fit or protection

Pre-use Checklist

  • ✓The task hazards have been assessed
  • ✓Required PPE has been clearly identified
  • ✓The equipment is the correct type and rating
  • ✓The size and fit are suitable for the user
  • ✓The PPE has no visible damage or contamination
  • ✓Compatibility with other PPE has been checked
  • ✓The user understands correct use and limitations
  • ✓Cleaning and storage arrangements are available
  • ✓Replacement equipment is available where needed
  • ✓Respiratory equipment requirements have been verified where applicable

PPE Failure or Exposure

Stop the task immediately if PPE fails, becomes damaged, contaminated or unsuitable for changing conditions. Leave the hazard area safely, obtain replacement equipment and report any suspected exposure or injury for assessment.

OSHA References

OSHA 1910.132OSHA 1910.133OSHA 1910.134OSHA 1910.135OSHA 1910.136OSHA 1910.138

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