Chapter 5, PPE

RODECH Training Services Link Int’l. Inc.
SAFETY OFFICER’S TRAINING COURSE FOR OIL AND

GAS, CONSTRUCTION, PETROCHEMICAL AND
REFINERIES
Chapter 5 Personal Protective Equipment

Purpose
To protect the wearer from contact with the Hazard.
Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges,

falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other
potentially dangerous situations.
Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees.

Depending on the hazard or workplace conditions, OSHA recommends
the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate
hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier
between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control;
changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work
practice control.
When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not

practical or applicable, employers must provide personal protective
equipment (PPE) to their workers and ensure its use to reduce or eliminate
worker exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment, commonly
referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of
hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye
protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats,
respirators and full body suits.
Safety Officer Training Course

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that

employers protect their workers from workplace hazards that can cause
injury. Every employer shall, at his own expense, furnish his workers’ PPE
whenever necessary by reason of the hazardous nature of work that may
cause injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body.PPE shall
be of the approved design and construction appropriate for the exposure
and work to be performed, the employer shall be responsible for the
adequacy and proper maintenance of PPE used in his workplace.
EFFECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROGRAM

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require
employers to protect their workers from workplace hazards such as
machines, work procedures, and hazardous substances that can cause
injury or illness. When all other means of protection are not effective, the
use of PPE is sometimes the preferred means of protection. Any time PPE is
used by workers the employer is required to maintain a PPE Program
outlining how the use of PPE will protect the employees from the
recognized hazards.
The PPE Program consists of three main issues:
1. Hazard assessment of the workplace and procedures (identifying

hazards and determining which PPE will protect the employee)
2. Employee training (when PPE is required, proper use of PPE, limitations,

cleaning and storage)
3. Written verification of hazard assessments and employee training.

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Guidelines for Conducting a Hazard Assessment

Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if hazards
that require the use of personal protective equipment are present or are
likely to be present. The following information will aid in the hazard
assessment process.
1. Use the Hazard Assessment Checklist and Selection of PPE form to

identify hazards.
2. Conduct a walk-through survey of the workplace and enter gathered

information on the Hazard Assessment Checklist. The purpose of the
survey is to identify sources of hazards to workers.
3. Basic hazard categories include, but are not limited to:
a. Impacts
b. Harmful dust
c. Light (optical radiation)
d. Penetration
e. Compression (roll-over)
f. Chemical
g. Material Handling Energized equipment
h. Heat
4. During the walk-through, you can identify sources of hazards by looking
for:
a. Sources of motion that could result in workers hitting or being hit

by objects
b. Sources of high or low temperatures that could result in burns

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c. Types of chemical exposures
d. Sources of harmful dust
e. Sources of light radiation such as welding
f. Sources of falling objects or potential of dropping objects
g. Sources of sharp objects that might pierce the feet or cut the
hands
h. Sources of rolling or pinching objects that could crush the feet
i. Electrical hazards
j. Biological hazards
5. Equipment to observe include:
a. Atmospheric conditions (dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, illumination,

etc.)
b. Pressurized equipment (boilers, pots, tanks, piping, hosing, etc.)
c. Containers (storage areas and means of storage)
d. Hazardous supplies and materials (flammables, explosives, gases,

acids, caustics, toxic chemicals, etc.)
e. Buildings and structures (condition and layout of floors, doors,

stairs, etc.)
f. Electrical conductors and apparatus (wires, switches, etc.)
g. Engines and motors
h. Machinery (grinders, drilling machines, cutters, etc.)
i. Hand tools (tools, including portable power tools)
j. Ground conditions (in outside areas)
k. Elevated work areas (risks of falls)

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l. Water depth (hazards for water samplers)
Selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All PPE clothing and equipment should be of safe design and construction,
and should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. Employers
should take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when selecting
appropriate items for their workplace. PPE that fits well and is comfortable
to wear will encourage employee use of PPE. Most protective devices are
available in multiple sizes and care should be taken to select the proper
size for each employee. If several different types of PPE are worn together,
make sure they are compatible. If PPE does not fit properly, it can make
the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. It
may not provide the level of protection desired and may discourage
employee use.
Employee Training and Verification

Before doing work requiring use of personal protective equipment,
workers must be trained to know: when personal protective equipment is
necessary; what type is necessary; how it is to be worn; and what its
limitations are, as well as know its proper care, maintenance, useful life,
and disposal.
Employers should make sure that each worker demonstrates an

understanding of the PPE training as well as the ability to properly wear
and use PPE before they are allowed to perform work requiring the use of
the PPE. If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is not
demonstrating the proper understanding and skill level in the use of PPE,
that worker should receive retraining.
Employers must also certify in writing that a workplace hazard assessment

has been performed.
Other situations that require additional or retraining of employees include

the following circumstance - changes in the workplace or in the type of
required PPE that make prior training obsolete.

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The employer must document the training of each worker required to

wear or use PPE by preparing a certification containing the name of each
worker trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the
subject of the certification.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-
related eye injuries that could have been prevented with
the proper selection and use of eye and face protection.
Eye and face protection refers to protective clothing for

the eyes and face, which comes in many types
depending upon the threat that is to be reduced. Each
worker shall use appropriate eye or face protection EYE SHIELD
when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying
particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids,
chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Each
worker shall use eye protection that provides side protection when there is
a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors are acceptable.
Each worker who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations

that involve eye hazards shall wear eye protection that incorporates the
prescription in its design, or shall wear eye protection that can be worn
over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the
prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
Eye and face Personal Protective Equipment shall be distinctly marked to

facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
Each worker shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade
number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from
injurious light radiation.

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Typical hazards that can cause eye and face injury

• Splashes of toxic or corrosives chemicals, hot liquids, and molten
metals.
• Flying objects, such as chips of metal, wood, and other materials that
can produce dangerous flying objects when cut, drilled, hammered,
or worked with in another similar manner.
• Fumes, gases, and mists of toxic or corrosive chemicals.
• Aerosols and biological substances.
Prevention of eye injuries requires that all persons who may be in eye
hazard areas wear protective eyewear. This includes employees, visitors,
contractors, or others passing through an identified eye hazard area. To
provide protection for these personnel, supervisors shall ensure that a
sufficient quantity of heavy-duty goggles and/or plastic eye protectors
that afford the maximum amount of protection possible is available. If
these personnel wear personal glasses, they shall be provided with a
suitable eye protector to wear over them.
Hazard Assessment
The employer must assess the workplace and determine if hazards that
necessitate the use of eye and face protection are present or are likely to
be present before assigning PPE to workers.

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Criteria for Eye and Face Protection

Hazard Type Examples of Hazard Common Related Protection Type
Tasks
Flying obj ects such as Chipping, grinding, Spectacles with side

chips, fragments, machining, masonry shield protection,
Impact particles, sand, and dirt work, wood working, goggles, face shi eld.
sawing, drilling, For severe exposure,
chiseling, powered use face shi eld with
fasteni ng, ri veting, and safety glasses or
sanding. goggles.
Heat Anything emitting Furnace operations, Face shields,

extreme heat. pouring, casting, hot spectacles with side
dippi ng, and wel ding. shields. For severe
exposure use face
shield.
Chemicals Splash, fum es, vapors, Acid and chemical Goggles, an eyecup and
and irritating mists. handling, degreasing, cover type. For severe
plating, and working exposure, use face
with blood. shield.
Dust Harmful Dust. Woodworking, buffi ng, Either eyecup or cover-

and general dusty type safety goggles
conditions. should be worn when
dust is present. Use
safety goggles because
they create a protecti ve
seal around the eyes.
Optical Radiation Radi ant energy, glare, Welding, torch-cutting, Special-P urpose
and intense light brazing, solderi ng, and Spectacles that include
laser work. filter or special-purpose
lenses to provide
protection against eye
strain.
Eye and face protectors used by workers, contractors and visitors must
conform to the following design and performance criteria:
• Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which

they are designed.
• Fit properly and offer the least possible resistance to movement
causing minimal discomfort while in use.
• Be durable.
• Be easily cleaned and/or disinfected by the wearer.
• Be clearly marked to identify the manufacturer.
• Persons who require corrective lenses for normal vision, and who are
required to wear eye protection, must wear goggles or spectacles of
one of the following types:
• Spectacles with protective lenses, which provide optical correction.
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• Goggles that can be worn over spectacles without disturbing the

adjustment of the spectacles.
• Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the
protective lenses.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTOR USE
Safety Spectacles
Protective eye glasses are made with safety frames, tempered
glass or plastic lenses, temples and side shields which provide
eye protection from moderate impact and particles
encountered in job tasks such as carpentry, woodworking,
grinding, chipping, etc.
Single Lens Goggles

Vinyl framed goggles of soft pliable body design provide
adequate eye protection from many hazards. These goggles
are available with clear or tinted lenses, perforated, port
vented, or non-vented frames. Single lens goggles provide
similar protection to spectacles and may be worn in
combination with spectacles or corrective lenses to insure protection
along with proper vision.
Welder’s Goggles
These goggles are available in rigid and soft frames to
accommodate single or two eyepiece lenses.
Welder’s goggles provide protection from sparking, scaling or

splashing metals and harmful light rays. Lenses are impact
resistant and are available in graduated shades of filtration.
Chippers/grinders goggles provide eye protection from flying particles.

The dual protective eyecups house impact resistant clear lenses with
individual cover plates.

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Face Shields
These normally consist of an adjustable headgear and
face shield of tinted/transparent acetate or
polycarbonate materials, or wire screen. Face shields
are available in various sizes, tensile strength,
impact/heat resistance and light ray filtering capacity.
Face shields will be used in operations when the entire
face needs protection and should be worn to protect
eyes and face against flying particles, metal sparks,
and chemical/ biological splash. Face shields must be worn in addition to
safety glasses.
Welding Shields
These shield assemblies consist of vulcanized fiber or
glass fiber body, a ratchet/button type adjustable
headgear or cap attachment and a filter and cover
plate holder. These shields will be provided to protect
workers' eyes and face
from infrared or radiant light burns, flying sparks, metal spatter and slag
chips encountered during welding, brazing, soldering, resistance welding,
bare or shielded electric arc welding and oxyacetylene welding and
cutting operations.Workers who are required to utilize welding and cutting
equipment will select the proper lens shade by starting with a shade that is
too dark to see the weld and/or work zone. Then go to a lighter shade
that gives sufficient view of the weld and/or work zone without going
below the minimum.Welding helmets are secondary protectors intended
to shield the eyes and face from optical radiation, heat, and impact. Use
welding helmets in addition to primary protection such as safety
spectacles or goggles to provide adequate protection.

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Welding and Cutting Filter Lenses for
Protection against Radiant Energy

(www.american.edu)
Operation Electrode Size* Arc Current* Protective Shade*
Shielded Metal Arc Less than 3 Less than 60 7
Welding
3–5 60 – 160 8
5–8 160 – 250 10
More than 8
250 - 550 11
Gas-shielded arc 11
welding (nonferrous)
Gas-shielded arc 12
welding (ferrous)
Atomic hydrogen 10 - 14
welding
Carbon-arc welding 14
Light cutting, up to 1in

3 or 4
Medium cutting, 1in-6in 4 or 5
Heavy cutting, over 6in 5 or 6
Gas welding (light), up 4 or 5

to 1/8in
Gas welding (medium), 5 or 6

1/8 in to ½ in
Gas welding (heavy), 6 or 8

over ½ in
Torch Brazing 3
Torch Soldering 2
NOTE: * means, no unit of measurement?

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HEAD PROTECTION
Head protection will be furnished to, and used by, all workers
engaged in construction and other miscellaneous work in
areas where overhead hazards are present. Engineers,
inspectors, contractors and visitors will be required to wear
head protection at work sites.
Hardhats
Hardhats have been designed and manufactured to provide
workers protection from impact, heat, electrical and fire
hazards. These protective devices for the head consist of the HARD HAT
shell and the suspension, which are combined as a single protective
system. Safety hard hats and bump caps will be of nonconductive, fire
and water-resistant materials. Bump caps or skull guards are constructed
of lightweight materials and are designed to provide minimal protection
against hazards when working in congested areas.
Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance,

provide electrical protection from low-voltage conductors (they are
proof tested to 2,200 volts).
Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance,

provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they
are proof tested to 20,000 volts).
Class C helmets provide impact and penetration resistance (they

are usually made of aluminum which conducts electricity), and
should not be used around electrical hazards.
Hard hats must be worn where falling object hazards are present. Some
examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and
materials which could fall; working below machinery or processes which
might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed
energized conductors.

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Bump Caps
Bump caps/skull guards will be issued to and worn for protection
against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. They
will not be worn as a substitute for hard hats because they do
not afford protection from high impact forces or penetration by
falling objects.
BUMP CAP
Selection Guidelines for Head Protection

Supervisors are responsible to ensure that the workers wear appropriate
head protection as designated by the Hazard Assessment. Head
protection is also available which provides protection from electric shock
and burn. When selecting head protection, knowledge of potential
electrical hazards is important.
Plastic and molded under pressure is the most frequently used material for
safety helmets. It resists impact, water, oil and electricity. Fiberglass
impregnated with resin is preferred because of its high strength-to-weight
ratio, high dielectric strength and resistance to moisture.
The standard color of safety helmets is white, red, green and blue. Often,
distinctive colors or designs are used to designate the
wearers department or trade, especially in companies or
plants where certain areas are restricted to a few
selected employees.
There should always be a provision for a chinstrap in every

head protection device. Never paint and never place
anything inside while using it. Remember to wash your
CHIN STRAP
head protection regularly.

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Hazard Assessment
Job Que stionnaire Hazardous Activities Required PPE
Are employees working with Work stations or traffic

any type of equipment or routes located under Hard Hat
materials overhead of other catwalks or conveyors belts
employees?
Are employees handling or Construction, confined

manipulating objects above space operations, building Hard Hat
head level without safety maintenance, wiring, work
guards installed to protect on or near communications
from falling objects? computers or other high
tech equipment
Do employees work in areas Construction sites, tree

with a probability of falling trimming, trenches/ Hard Hat
objects? excavations
HEAD PROTECTION USE GUIDELINES

Q. Why and when is head protection necessary?
A. Head protection is required to protect the head from falling objects

and electrical shock. Protection must be worn when working under other
employees or when operations are being conducted overhead of your
work area or when working with electrical connectors that may come into
contact with the head.
Q. How head protection protects them?

A. Class A helmets and Class B helmets are constructed with an outer shell
and inner suspension system that cradles the head and is designed to
withstand impact and penetration forces of 8 pounds. They also offer
electrical shock protection to the head.

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Q. How straps or other parts of the suspension are adjusted for a

comfortable and effective fit?
A. Follow manufacturer information on how to tighten the head band to
achieve a proper fit for the helmet. Most suspension systems do not allow
for adjustments but if provided, maintain the required distance between
the webbing and the shell of the helmet. Do not use suspension systems
from other manufacturers and do not turn system around to allow hat to
be worn other than as specified by the manufacturer.
Q. How the signs of wear are identified?

A. Inspect the shell for cracks, dents, cuts, holes, burns, or other material
damage. Inspect the webbing, headband, and suspension attachment
points for signs of cuts, tears, and frayed material.
Q. How the hard hat is cleaned?

A. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning procedures.
Most manufacturers recommend using soap and water only.
Some situations may occur when a hard hat is infeasible, but head
protection is necessary. It is the department supervisor's responsibility to
assess the situation and require the use of any additional protection.
Consult Occupational Health and Safety, if necessary, to ensure the
correct equipment is provided and worn.

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FOOT PROTECTION
Your ability to use your feet safely, with ease and comfort, is vital if you are
to remain a valuable and productive worker. When your job requires you
to stand on your feet for long periods, work in potentially hazardous areas
or with potentially hazardous materials, you have some risk of foot injury.
However, you can do a lot to prevent injuries by keeping your feet healthy
and following safe work practices.
Safety shoes are a vital piece of PPE, offering the last line of defense
against the crushing weight of heavy objects or the hazards of dangerous
chemicals. Only one out of four victims of job-related foot injury wears
any type of safety shoe or boot, according to the National Safety Council.
The remaining three either are unaware of the benefits of protective

footwear or complain about it.
The foot is the most valuable part of the body subjected to injury in any
industry. Because of the many potential work hazards, it is important that
you discuss with your supervisor the safety shoe, boot, or other protective
equipment that workers need for their protection.

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Hazard Assessment
Hazard Types Protection
Falling and rolling objects, cuts and punctures steel-toe safety shoes; add -on devices:
metatarsal guards, metal foot guards,
puncture-proof inserts, shin guards
Chemicals and solvents footwear with synthetic stitching, and made of

rubber, vinyl or plastic
Electric current shoes or boots with rubber soles, and heels, no

metal parts and insulated steel toes
Extreme Cold shoes or boots with moisture- or oil-resistant

insulation, and that can repel water (if this is a
problem); insulated socks
Extreme heat and direct flame overshoes or boots of fire-resistant materials

with wooden soles
High voltage shoes with rubber or cork heels and soles, and
no expos ed metal parts
Hot surfaces safety shoes with wooden or ot her heat -

resistant soles; wooden sandals overshoes
Sanitation Contamination special plastic booties or overshoes; paper or

wood shower sandals
Slips and skids (from wet, oily shoes with non-slip rubber or neoprene soles; non-skid
wooden soles or cleated, surfaces) sandals that slip over shoes; strap-on cleats for
icy surfaces
Sparking (from metal shoe parts) safety shoes with no metal parts and non -
sparking material
Sparks, molten metal splas hes foundry boots with elastic sides or (that get
inside shoes ) quick-release buckles for speedy
removal
Static electricity shoes or boots with heels and soles of cork or

leather

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Protective Footwear
Foot protection is designed to prevent injury from corrosive chemicals,
heavy objects, electrical shock, as well as giving traction on wet floors. If a
corrosive chemical or heavy object were to fall on the floor, the most
vulnerable portion of the body would be the feet. For this reason, shoes
that COMPLETELY COVER AND PROTECT the foot are recommended.
The following are recommended types of footwear:
• Safety Toe Shoes (steel-toed) -- protect against crushing injuries

caused by impact from any object during work activities (e.g., lifting
heavy objects, using power tools, etc.)
• Treated shoes, Rubber Boots or Plastic Shoe Covers -- protect against
corrosive chemicals.
• Insulated Shoes -- protect against electric shock.
• Rubber Boots with wooden soles -- provide traction in wet conditions
where the possibility of slipping exists.
Safety Toe Shoes, Rubber Boots or Plastic Shoe Covers can

prevent contamination.
Foot Protection Inspection
Choosing the appropriate shoe for the specific demands of

the job is essential to ensuring that a safety shoe provides SAFETY SHOES
the proper protection. But selecting the correct shoe for the job is only half
the battle, experts say. The other half is monitoring safety footwear for
signs that the shoe may need to be disposed.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for knowing exactly when it is

time to replace safety shoes, as there are many variables to consider such
as the job hazards, how often the boot is worn and the size and weight of
the worker. Even within the same industry, the length of a safety shoe's
service depends on the job task.
When inspecting safety footwear to see if it needs to be replaced, shoes

with steel toecaps will offer more tactile clues than shoes with composite
material toecaps. For example, if a heavy object falls on a steel toe shoes,
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the steel cap will be dented and will not "spring back," indicating that the
shoe must be replaced. Composite material shoes, on the other hand,
could be "irrevocably damaged" in the same incident and still maintain
their form.
When a shoe's steel toe or other protective components such as

the steel midsole, the steel shank or the metatarsal guard is
showing, the shoe needs to be replaced. Immediately replace
impact- and compression-resistant shoes if there is "evidence of
physical damage" to the toe area or the shoe. For shoes with
metatarsal guards, shoes should be replaced after an impact has
occurred or when the metatarsal guard is exposed from wear and
tear.
FOUNDRY SHOES
For waterproof or chemical-resistant footwear made with rubber or
PVC materials, boots must be replaced immediately if there is any
separation of the rubber or PVC parts, including the outsole, foxing (the
piece of material that protects the joint between the outsole and the
upper) or toe cover.
The same could be said for evaluating the tread on a slip-resistant safety shoe.
Once tread, or outsole, shows signs of damage or wear, the shoe likely is
reaching retirement age. Something important to look for when evaluating the
fitness of a rubber safety shoe or boot is the presence of cuts, cracks or
punctures on the footwear, which could cause leaking.
Foot Protection Care and Maintenance
While workers always should consult the manufacturer's instructions first,

experts offer the following tips for getting the optimal performance and
life out of their safety shoes.
Rotate shoes. If it is feasible, purchase two pairs and rotate between the
two pairs.

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Keep footwear clean. After each use, safety footwear should be sprayed
off with a hose; dipped in water; or cleaned with soap, water and a cloth
or brush, depending on the type of shoes and how dirty they are. (For full-
grain leather, clean with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent.)
According to Arlen Stensrud of Norcross Safety Products/North Safety

Products, cleaning footwear not only protects the shoe from deterioration
but also makes it easier to detect signs of physical damage. Cleaning
also helps performance, especially in the case of slip-resistant shoes.
Fawn Evenson of the American Apparel and Footwear Association

advises using a brush or hose to clean mud and dirt from the bottom of
slip-resistant shoes so they maintain their traction.
Keep leather supple. If you wear safety footwear made with leather,
experts advice using shoe grease, oil or other moisturizing cream available
at shoe stores and other retailers to prevent drying out and cracking. As
always, consult the manufacturer's instructions first. If there are no
instructions, visit the manufacturer's web site or a shoe retailer.
Purchase a new sock liner. If footwear does not show physical signs of
deterioration, a new sock liner "can breathe new life into an old pair of
boots," Morgan says. "That really can make a big difference in how a
boot feels after it's been worn for a while."
Choose the right shoe. Often when safety shoes fail to meet expectations
it is because the shoes were not appropriate for the job task. Safety
professionals can ensure that workers are outfitted with the right shoes or
boots by conducting a hazard assessment for each job task to determine
what kind of foot protection is needed for each job.
FOOT PROTECTION USE GUIDELINES
Q. Why foot and leg protection is necessary?
A. Areas of the work place may require the use of foot protection
because work activities require the handling or moving of heavy, sharp,
cold or hot material that may fall on the foot or leg.
Q. When protective foot wear or leggings should be worn?
A. Steel toed shoes or protective shoe caps should be worn when lifting or

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transporting objects at or above floor level, which weighs more than 50

pounds or are heavy sharp objects that may penetrate a shoe if dropped
on the foot. If there is an exposure to electrical shock, appropriate
nonconductive footwear should be worn.
Q. How to identify signs of wear?
A. As with all protective equipment, shoes and leggings should be

inspected for signs of cracks in the material. Shoes should not have holes
or separations between the shoe upper and sole. Replace broken straps,
laces, buckles. Metal embedded in the soles may render the shoes
unacceptable if there is an electrical exposure.
Q. How to clean and maintain the leg and foot protection?
A. Follow manufacturer's recommendation on cleaning and preserving

safety equipment.
HAND PROTECTION
Hand protection is required when workers’ hands are exposed to hazards
such as skin absorption of harmful substances; cuts or lacerations;
abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful
temperature extremes. Although fingers are hard to protect because
they are needed for practically all kinds of work, they can be shielded
from common injuries with the use of proper protective equipment.
Skin contact is a potential source of exposure to toxic materials; it is
important that the proper steps be taken to prevent such contact. Gloves
should be selected on the basis of the material being handled, the
particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being
conducted. One type of glove will not work in all situations. Most
accidents involving hands and arms can be classified under four main
hazard categories: hazardous chemical contact, abrasions, cuts, and
burns.
There are gloves available that can protect workers
from any of these individual hazards or combination
of hazards.
STAINLESS STEEL GLOVE

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Selection Guidelines for Hand Protection

Selection of PPE for the hands shall be based on an evaluation of the
performance characteristics of the hand protection relative
to the tasks being performed, conditions present, duration of
use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.
Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns,

and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing
local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. There is
no glove that provides protection against all potential hand
hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide LEATHER RIGGER’S
GLOVE
only limited protection against many chemicals.
Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a

particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and
whether it can be reused. It is also important to know the performance
characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated; i.e.,
chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc.
The supervisor will review all purchase orders to ensure that gloves meet
the appropriate test standards for the hazards
anticipated.
Heat-resistant gloves are used to protect against burns

and discomfort when the hands are exposed to
sustained conductive heat.
Metal mesh gloves are used by those who work

constantly with knives to protect against cuts and blows
from sharp or rough objects. WELDER’S GAUNTLET
Electricians wear rubber gloves. They must be tested regularly for

dielectric strength.

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Rubber, neoprene and vinyl gloves are used when handling chemicals
and corrosive. Neoprene and vinyl are particularly useful when petroleum
products are handled.
Leather gloves are able to resist sparks, moderate heat, chips and rough
objects. They provide some cushioning against blows. They are generally
used for heavy-duty work. Welders use chrome-tanned leather or
horsehide gloves.
Chrome-tanned cowhide leather gloves with steel-stapled leather

patches or steel staples on palms and fingers are often used in foundries
and steel mills.
Cotton fabric gloves are suitable for protection against dirt, slivers, chafing
or abrasion. They are not heavy enough to use in handling rough, sharp
or heavy materials.
Heated gloves are designed for use in cold environment.
BODY PROTECTION
OSHA standards require that protective clothing be provided, used and
maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary
due to hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards,
radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner
capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the
body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.
Cooling Vests and Suits
Personal cooling vests and suits are available for wear in

operations involving extreme heat conditions. One design
requires the use of a supplied air system. The air enters the
vest or coverall through a tube in which it is cooled by as
much as 40 degrees. The cooled air is channeled out over
the upper torso and around the neck area when only the vest
is being used. When the coverall or full body cooling type of
PPE is used, the cooling air is also channeled to the leg and arm
areas.There is also a type of body cooling system that does not require an

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electrical, air or water supply. This vest is made of durable flame-resistant

cotton shell fabric. Sewn underneath the outer shell are layers of light
metallic insulation that reflect radiant heat outward and cooling inward
toward the body. Pouch-like areas are accessible for quick and easy
installation of segmented, semi-frozen gel cooling packets. These gel
packs, often referred to as plastic ice, provide approximately twice the
cooling effect of the same volume of water ice. The gel packs will not leak,
even if punctured. They can be refrozen overnight in an ordinary
freezer.Other systems use supplied cooling air and a manifold system of
tubes to channel the cool air to the body extremities. Outer surfaces are
frequently made of aluminum or other heat-reflective material,
depending on the type and source of the heat conditions.
Foul Weather Gear

Rain gear is available in coats or combination bib overall
and jackets. Different types of materials are available to
match the needs of the user. Common rain gear
materials include PVC coatings on polyester or nylon
fabric.
For lightweight gear single-ply, 20-mil PVC is available.

For heavy duty, a heavy-weight nylon netted material
coated on both sides with a premium grade or another combination is
rubber on cotton material. This provides a material that resists aging and
abrasion and remains flexible in cold weather.
The most common material used for cold outdoor work is the ten- and
twelve-ounce cotton duck shell with a variety of lining insulation material.
One of the more common lining insulations is polyester fiberfill. It is
lightweight and moisture-resistant and has superior insulation qualities.
Outer shell material is also available in water- and wind-repellant nylon

twill. This material is lightweight but not as rugged as the cotton duck.
Water-repellant cotton duck material is also available, but generally it
must be retreated after washing.

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For extremely cold environments one fabricator uses wind-tight nylon duck
material with polyester fiber insulation and a tight weave nylon lining. For
durability in cold weather gear, look for construction with triple-stitched
main seams and riveted stress points (e.g., at the pockets).
Knife Cutting Protection- Workers in the meat, fish, poultry

and other food processing industries may be required to perform
operations involving the use of sharp knives. Stainless steel mesh
material may be used to protect these employees. In many
cutting and trimming operations, mechanical guarding is not
feasible and body exposure to cuts is a concern. Metal mesh
aprons are available for such tasks. Hand, wrist and arm
protection garments are also available. These products are
comfortable to wear and provide the user freedom of movement. Sizes
are available for all body types. Adjustable shoulder and waist straps
assure the user a snug fit. Whereas these types of garments are cut
resistant, they are not puncture proof. They should not be used with high
speed or serrated blades.
High Visibility Vests

High visibility vests are available for workers involved in traffic
control. These vests may also be required in operations where key
personnel location is crucial. These vests are generally a high
visibility orange. Vests can be procured with reflective trim, which offers
greater day and night visibility. The vests may be made of solid vinyl, PVC
coated polyester or nylon. The garment may be knit or flat mesh, solid or
perforated, or nylon mesh. Other features can include hook and loop or
snap front closure, webbing or elastic side closures, and reflective and/or
luminescent vertical or horizontal stripes.
f 35-mil flame resistant PVC (or equivalent) may be used.
Flotation Vests
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.106(a) requires that employees
working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists,
be provided U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets or buoyant
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work vests. These vests are available as flotation pads inside high visibility
international orange nylon shells or as vinyl coated flotation pads of
international orange. The flotation vests must be U.S. Coast Guard
approved.
Welding and High Heat

Coveralls, jackets, pants and aprons are available for
operations involving high heat or molten metal splashes.
Leather is the traditional protective material for many welding
operations. Where there is exposure to radiant heat as well as
molten metal splashes, aluminized garments may be used.
They reflect up to 95 percent of the radiant heat.
Flame-resistant cotton coveralls designed for comfort, as

well as protection, are sometimes preferred. Whatever the
type of clothing used for welding operations, it should not have
external pockets or cuffs. Fabrics of silica, ceramic and
fiberglass eliminate the need for asbestos and are now
available for welding operations. These fabrics are available in
many combinations of color and weight. The fabrics are
functional over a temperature range of 700 F to 2,000 F.
The following are ways to maintain the life of the suit
• Possibly contaminated clothing should be stored in an area separate

from street clothing
• Possibly contaminated clothing should be stored in well ventilated
areas with good air flow around each item
• Different levels of protective clothing and gloves should be stored
separately to prevent issuing the wrong material by mistake
• Protective clothing should be folded in accordance with the
manufacturer's suggestions.
HEARING PROTECTION
People differ in their sensitivity to noise. As a general rule, noise may
damage your hearing if you have to shout over background noise to
make yourself heard, the noise hurts your ears, it makes your ears ring, or
you have difficulty hearing for several hours after exposure to the noise.
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Sound can be measured scientifically in two ways. Intensity, or loudness of

sound, is measured in decibels. The scale runs from the faintest sound the
human ear can detect, which is labeled 0 dB, to over 180 dB, the noise at
a rocket pad during launch.
Pitch is measured in frequency of sound vibrations per second. A low
pitch, such as a deep voice or a tuba, makes fewer vibrations per second
than a high voice or violin.
Approx Decibel Level Example
0 Faintest sound heard by human ear.
30 Whisper, quiet library.
60 Normal conversation, sewing machine,

typewriter.
90 Lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic; 8 hours

per day is the maximum exposure to
protect 90% of people.
100 Chainsaw, pneumatic drill, snow mobile; 2

hours per day is the maximum exposure
without protection.
115 Sandblasting, loud rock concert, auto horn;

15 minutes per day is the maximum
exposure without protection.
140 Gun muzzle blast, jet engine; noise causes

pain and even brief exposure injures
unprotected ears. Maximum allowed
noise with hearing protectors.
Laws for on-the-job exposure to noise
• Habitual exposure to noise above 85 dB will cause a gradual

hearing loss in a significant number of individuals, and louder noises
will accelerate this damage.
• For unprotected ears, the allowed exposure time decreases by one-

half for each 5 dB increase in the average noise level. For instance,
exposure is limited to 8 hours at 90 dB, 4 hours at 95 dB, and 2 hours
at 100 dB.
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• The highest permissible noise exposure for the unprotected ear is

115 dB for 15 minutes/day. Any noise above 140 dB is not permitted.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in its Hearing

Conservation Amendment of 1983, require hearing conservation
programs in noisy work places. This includes a yearly hearing test for the
approximately five million workers exposed to an average of 85 dB or
more of noise during an 8-hour work day.
Ideally, noisy machinery and work places should be engineered to be

more quiet or the worker’s time in the noise should be reduced; however,
the cost of these actions is often prohibitive. As an alternative, individual
hearing protectors are required when noise averages more than 90 dB
during an 8-hour day.
When noise measurements indicate that hearing protectors are needed,

the employer must offer at least one type of earplug and one type of
earmuff without cost to employees. If the yearly hearing tests reveal
hearing loss of 10 dB or more in higher pitches in either ear, the worker
must be informed and must wear hearing protectors when noise averages
more than 85 dB for an 8-hour day.
HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES
Hearing protection devices decrease the intensity of sound that reaches

the eardrum. They come in two forms: earplugs and
earmuffs.
Insert Ear Protectors or earplug protectors are of course

inserted into the ear canals and vary considerably in design
and material. They must be snugly sealed so the entire
circumference of the ear canal is blocked. An improperly
fitted, dirty or worn-out plug may not seal and can irritate
the ear canal.
EAR PLUGS
Materials used are pliable rubber, soft or medium plastic, wax and cotton.
Rubber and plastic are popular because they are inexpensive, easy to
keep clean and give good performance. Wax tends to lose its
effectiveness during the workday because jaw movement changes the
shape of the ear canal and this breaks the acoustical seal between ear
and insert. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit
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individual ear canals and can be custom made. For people who have
trouble keeping them in their ears, they can be fitted to a headband.
Expandable foam plugs. These plugs are made of a formable

material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each person's
ear canal.
Pre-molded plugs are made from silicone, plastic or rubber and are
manufactured as either “one-size-fits-most” or are available in several sizes.
Many pre-molded plugs are available in sizes for small, medium or large
ear canals.
Canal caps often resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic

or metal band. The earplug tips of a canal cap may be
a formable or pre-molded material. Some have
headbands that can be worn over the head, behind the
neck or under the chin. Newer models have jointed
bands increasing the ability to properly seal the earplug.
The main advantage canal caps offer is convenience. CANAL CAPS

When it's quiet, employees can leave the band hanging
around their necks. They can quickly insert the plug tips when hazardous
noise starts again
Earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal so
the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked, and
they are held in place by an adjustable band. Earmuffs will
not seal around eyeglasses or long hair, and the adjustable
headband tension must be sufficient to hold earmuffs firmly
around the ear.The effectiveness of these devices varies
with the size, seal materials, shell mass and suspension of the
muff as well as with the size and shape of workers heads.
Muff is made in a universal type or in specific head, neck or
chin sizes. Hearing protection kits that can be used with
hard helmets are also available. EAR MUFFS
Properly fitted earplugs or muffs reduce noise 15 to 30 dB. The better

earplugs and muffs are approximately equal in sound reductions,
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although earplugs are better for low frequency noise and earmuffs for
high frequency noise.
Simultaneous use of earplugs and muffs usually adds 10 to 15dB more

protection than either used alone. Combined use should be considered
when noise exceeds 105 dB.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Feasible engineering controls are the primary measures used to control
employee exposure to harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gasses, smokes,
sprays, or vapors. Such engineering controls include, but are not limited to
enclosures and confinement, general and local ventilation, and
substitution of less toxic materials.
Respirators should be used for protection only when engineering controls

have been shown to be infeasible for the control of the hazard or during
the interim period when engineering controls are being installed.
Applicable and suitable respirators are provided when necessary to

protect employee health.
A respiratory protection program has been established and is properly

maintained to protect employees from atmospheric contamination
and/or hazards
Respiratory equipment can be regarded as emergency equipment or

equipment for occasional use. Of course, if contaminants are present,
they should be removed at the source or the process should be isolated.
Since leaks and breakdowns do occur and since some operations expose
a person only briefly and infrequently, respiratory equipment should be
available. Workers must be instructed and trained in its proper use and
limitations.

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PROPER SELECTION OF RESIPRATORY PROTECTION

The first step in selecting a respirator is to determine what kinds of hazards
are present in the work site.
Kinds of Respiratory Hazards

PARTICULATES are airborne particles of sizes that can be measured. Dusts,
mists, and fumes are the types of these various-sized particles. Dusts are
the largest-size particles. Dust may be dirt, but also can be spores from
moldy hay, silage, or grain. Mists are suspended liquid droplets held in the
air from mixing, cleaning, and spraying operations. Fumes are particles of
airborne solid evaporated metals such as from welding tasks.
Chemical reactions of materials with the air produce gases and vapors.
GASES are released from chemical reactions, such as manure
decomposition, silage fermentation, and the exhausts of internal
combustion engines. The gaseous products of these reactions exist during
normal temperatures of the reaction. VAPORS are gases from substances
that are normally solid or liquid. Evaporation from liquids, such as
pesticides, paints, adhesives, and solvents become vapors. These
become airborne breathing hazards.
The air we breathe normally contains about 21% oxygen. But some
worksites have OXYGEN-DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERES. Examples of these kinds
of atmosphere are sealed silos are kept free of oxygen to keep certain
bacteria from spoiling the silage; controlled atmosphere (CA) storages of
fruit and vegetables lower the oxygen levels to maintain food quality and
storage times; manure storage, especially covered pits, becomes oxygen
deficient due to manure decomposition depleting the oxygen supply;
walk-in refrigerators; Tanks; Vats; Boilers; Bins; Hoppers; Process Vessels;
Sewers; Pits; Deep Trenches; Vaults; etc.

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TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT

There is no such thing as an all-purpose respirator. Specific respirators are
used for specific contaminants. A disposable dust mask will not filter
chemicals. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is not needed to
load hay on a wagon.
Respirators can be placed in two categories:
• Air-purifying respirators - mechanical filter respirators, chemical

cartridge respirators, combination mechanical filter and
chemical cartridge respirators and masks with canisters
• Supplied-air respirators - airline respirators and self-contained

breathing apparatus or SCBA
Air purifying Devices. Air purifying devices remove contaminants from

air as it is being breathed. They can be used only in environment
containing sufficient oxygen to sustain life.
Air purifying devices are only effective in the limited concentration ranges
for which they are designed and must never be used where contaminant
level exceed the respirators accepted protection factor.
Mechanical - Filter - Respirator. These respirators must protect the

workers against exposure to nuisance dusts and pneumoconiosis
producing dusts, mists and fumes. Examples of nuisance dusts are
aluminum, cellulose, cement, flour, gypsum and limestone.
Pneumoconiosis comes from three Greek words that mean lung, dust and
abnormal condition. The generally accepted meaning of the
words is merely “dusty lung”.
A mechanical filter respirator is of no value if use as protection

against chemical vapors, injurious gases or oxygen deficiency.
To use it under these conditions is a serious mistake.
Chemical Cartridge Respirators. These respirators can be

a half-mask face piece or a full-mask piece face connected to HALF MASK
one or more small containers (cartridge) or solvent, typically RESPIRATOR
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activated charcoal or soda lime (a mixture of calcium hydroxide with

sodium or potassium hydroxide) for absorption of low concentration of
certain vapors and gases. The life of the cartridge can be relatively short,
for protection against mercury vapor, the nominal container, life is 8 hours.
After use, the cartridge must be discarded.
These respirators must not be used in atmosphere immediately dangerous

to life or health, such as those deficient in oxygen.
Gas Masks. They consist of a face piece or mouthpiece

connected by flexible tube to a canister. Inhaled air,
drawn through the canister is cleaned chemically.
Unfortunately, no one chemical canister has been found
to remove all contaminants. Therefore, the canister must
be chosen to match the contaminants.
Gas mask canisters are color-coded according to the

type of exposure. Gas mask like chemical cartridge
respirators do not protect against oxygen deficiency.
When the canister is used up, it should be removed and
replaced by a fresh one.
AIRLINE RESPIRATOR
Hose Masks. With or without a blower, it should not be
used in atmosphere immediately dangerous to life or health.
Air Supplied Respirators. Delivers breathing air through a hose connected to a

wearer’s face piece. The air source used is monitored frequently to make sure it
does not become contaminated, say carbon monoxide. The airline
respirator can be used in atmosphere not immediately dangerous to life
or death, especially where working conditions demand
continuous use of a respirator. Each person should be assigned
his or her own respirator.
Abrasive Blasting Helmets. This is an air-line respirator

designed to protect the head, neck and eyes against the impact
of the abrasive and it gives a supply of breathing air. The air
quality requirements are the same as those described for air-line
respirators. The helmet should be covered both inside and out ABRASIVE
BLASTING HELMET
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with a tough and resilient materials. This increases comfort and still resists
the abrasive.
Some helmets have an out hood of impregnated material

and a zippered inner cape for quick removal. The helmet
should contain a glass window, protected by a 30-to-60-mesh
fine wire screen or plastic cover plate. Safety glass used to
prevent shattering under a heavy blow should be free of color
or glass defects.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

The wearer of a self-contained breathing apparatus is
independent of the surrounding atmosphere; therefore this
kind of respiratory protective equipment must be used in
environments where contaminants are immediately harmful to
life. This equipment is frequently used in mine rescue work and SCBA
firefighting.
SELECTION OF RESPIRATORS FOR IDLH ATMOSPHERES

If it is determined that the atmosphere is an Immediate Danger to Life and
Health (IDLH) atmosphere, then one of the following respirators shall be
provided for the worker:
• Pressure demand SCBA minimum 30 min; or
• SAR with auxiliary self-contained air supply; or
• Respirator provided only for escape from IDLH atmosphere
Oxygen deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH, unless

demonstrated that the oxygen concentration is 16.0-19.5% by
volume. (Elevation for Stillwater, Oklahoma is 986 ft. Altitude guidelines
are found in 29CFR 1910.134, Table II.)
SELECTION OF RESPIRATORS FOR NON-IDLH ATMOSPHERES

For protection against gases and vapors, any of the following shall be
used:
• Atmosphere-supplying respirator or
• Air-purifying respirator, providing that:

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o Respirator equipped with an End-of-Service-Life-Indicator

(ESLI) for the contaminate; or
o Implement a change schedule for canisters and cartridges
before ESLI. Describe the information and data relied upon
and the basis for this schedule and the basis for reliance on
the data.
• For protection against particulates:
o Atmosphere-supplying respirator; or
o Air-purifying respirator equipped with a certified HEPA filter
CHECKLIST FOR RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Check to make sure that your facility has met the following
requirements:
Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Respirators provided are clean, sanitary, and in good
working order.
• Respirators are cleaned and disinfected:
o As often as necessary when issued for the
exclusive use of one worker.
CHEMICAL HOOD
o Before being worn by different individuals.
o After each use for emergency use respirators.
o After each use for respirators used for fit testing and training.
Storage
• Respirators are stored to protect them from damage from the
elements, and from becoming deformed.
• Emergency respirators are stored to be accessible to the work area in
compartments marked as such and in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Inspections
• Routine-use respirators are inspected before each use and during
cleaning.
• SCBAs and emergency respirators are inspected monthly and
checked for proper function before and after each use.

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• Emergency escape-only respirators are inspected before being

carried into the workplace for use.
• Inspections shall include:
o Check of respirator function.
o Tightness of connections.
o Condition of the face piece, head straps, valves, and
cartridges.
o Condition of elastomeric parts.
• For SCBAs, inspection includes checking that cylinders are fully
charged, and that regulators and warning devices function properly.
• Emergency use respirators are certified by documenting the
inspection, and by tagging the information either to the respirator or
its compartment, or storing it with inspection reports.
Repairs
• Respirators that have failed inspection are taken out of service.
• Repairs are made only by trained personnel.
• Reducing and admission valves, regulators and alarms are adjusted
or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the
manufacturer.

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Sample Form 1
HAZARD ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST & SELECTION CRITERIA FOR USE

OF
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Department: ___________________________________________________________
Work Site: ____________________________
Supervisor: ___________________________ Date:

______________________
Task Evaluated: ________________________________________________________
Performed by:__________________________________________________________
Title:__________________________________________________________________
Departments should use only the PPE assessments that apply to their
activities.
Enumerate the hazards to consider and the appropriate PPE to use for all
types of protection needed by the worker involved in the assessment.

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Sample Form 2
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROGRAM TRAINING

GUIDE
Training: The Use and Care of Eye and Face Protection Equipment
Appropriate eye and face protection such as safety glasses, goggles, and
face shields, must be used to protect against the hazards associated with
flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids and caustic liquids,
chemical gases and vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation from
welding or laser operations.
Employees must be trained to know the following:
1. Why eye protection is necessary;

2. How eye protection will protect the wearer;
3. What the limitations are of the eye protection;
4. How to put the protective eyewear on properly for comfortable and

effective fit;
5. How to identify signs of wear;
6. How to clean and disinfect safety eyewear;
Training: The Use and Care of Hand and Arm Protection Equipment Hand
and arm protection is required when the risk of injury from cuts/punctures,
burns, chemicals, electrical shock, human blood or body fluids, or
abrasive material cannot be engineered out of the workplace. There is
not a single type glove that will provide adequate protection from all
exposure. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for hazards each
type glove will protect against.

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1. Why and when hand and arm protection is necessary;

2. How to identify signs of wear for replacement;
3. How to clean, disinfect, dispose of gloves and sleeves;
Training: The Use and Care of Foot and Leg Protection Equipment
Foot and leg protection is required when working in areas where there is a
danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects that may
pierce the sole of the shoe or where an employee’s feet are exposed to
electrical hazards. Leggings may be required where there is the possibility
of burns form extremely cold or hot materials.
1. Why foot and leg protection is necessary;

2. When protective footwear or leggings should be worn;
4. How to clean and maintain the leg and foot protection;
Training: The Use and Care of Head Protection Equipment

Head protection is required when working in an area with the potential of
an object falling and hitting the head, in low head clearance areas, and
where there is a significant electrical shock exposure to the head.
1. Why and when head protection is necessary;

2. How head protection will protect them;
3. How to adjust straps or other parts of the suspension for a comfortable

and effective fit;

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5. How to clean the hard hat;
Training: The Use and Care of Hearing Protection Equipment

You must train the employee to know the following:
1. Why hearing protection is necessary (i.e., the workplace hazards)
2. How the earplugs or earmuffs will offer protection
3. The limitations of hearing protection devices
4. Procedures to insert or wear hearing protectors
5. How to adjust earmuffs for a comfortable and effective fit
6. How special earmuffs can fit over an employee’s corrective lenses
7. How to clean and disinfect hearing protection equipment

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Sample Form 3
VERIFICATION OF TRAINING
FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USE

I, _________________________________, have received and understand the
material presented concerning a job hazard assessment and personal
protective equipment (PPE) requirement for protection. My training
included a discussion that included the following:
1. What PPE must be worn in this workplace
2. When PPE must be worn
3. How to inspect PPE for wear and damage
4. How to put on, make fit, and take off PPE
5. What the limitations of the PPE is,
6. How to properly store and clean PPE,
7. How to properly dispose of the PPE.
I have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions about the use of
PPE and I have had a “hands on” exercise using this PPE properly.
Employee Signature:
______________________________________________________
Trainer/Supervisor:
_______________________________________________________
Date:

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RESOURCE:
www.osha.gov; en.wikipedia.org; www.american.edu; www.ehss.vt.edu; ehs.uky.edu;

www.ehs.wustl.edu; www.occupationalhazards.com; www.ilo.org; www.nclabor.com;
www.entnet.org; www.cdc.gov; www.state.nj.us;www.clyde.k12.oh.us; www.ehs.uci.edu;
www.cehs.siu.edu

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WRITTEN EXERCISE
FILL IN THE BLANKS:
1. To 4, __________ is a last line of defence used in combination with
__________controls, ______________ controls and ___________ controls.
5. PPE is used to protect the wearer from contact with the ____________.
6. to 8, for airborne toxic _______________ hazards it’s recommended to use
either ___________ or __________ mask.
9. To 10, for splashing chemicals, we use ____________ & __________.
11 to 12, eye and face protection are used for __________ & _____________
13 to 15, Gas mask protection used against certain ______________, ____________
& _______________.

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RODECH Training Services Link Int’l. Inc.

SAFETY OFFICER’S TRAINING COURSE FOR OIL AND

Chapter 5 Personal Protective Equipment

Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges,

Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees.

When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not

Safety Officer Training Course

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that

EFFECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROGRAM

The PPE Program consists of three main issues:

1. Hazard assessment of the workplace and procedures (identifying

2. Employee training (when PPE is required, proper use of PPE, limitations,

3. Written verification of hazard assessments and employee training.

Safety Officer Training Course

Guidelines for Conducting a Hazard Assessment

1. Use the Hazard Assessment Checklist and Selection of PPE form to

2. Conduct a walk-through survey of the workplace and enter gathered

3. Basic hazard categories include, but are not limited to:

c. Light (optical radiation)

g. Material Handling Energized equipment

4. During the walk-through, you can identify sources of hazards by looking

a. Sources of motion that could result in workers hitting or being hit

b. Sources of high or low temperatures that could result in burns

Safety Officer Training Course

c. Types of chemical exposures

d. Sources of harmful dust

e. Sources of light radiation such as welding

f. Sources of falling objects or potential of dropping objects

h. Sources of rolling or pinching objects that could crush the feet

5. Equipment to observe include:

a. Atmospheric conditions (dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, illumination,

b. Pressurized equipment (boilers, pots, tanks, piping, hosing, etc.)

c. Containers (storage areas and means of storage)

d. Hazardous supplies and materials (flammables, explosives, gases,

e. Buildings and structures (condition and layout of floors, doors,

f. Electrical conductors and apparatus (wires, switches, etc.)

g. Engines and motors

h. Machinery (grinders, drilling machines, cutters, etc.)

i. Hand tools (tools, including portable power tools)

j. Ground conditions (in outside areas)

k. Elevated work areas (risks of falls)

Safety Officer Training Course

l. Water depth (hazards for water samplers)

Selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employee Training and Verification

Employers should make sure that each worker demonstrates an

Employers must also certify in writing that a workplace hazard assessment

Other situations that require additional or retraining of employees include

Safety Officer Training Course

The employer must document the training of each worker required to

EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

Eye and face protection refers to protective clothing for

Each worker who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations

Eye and face Personal Protective Equipment shall be distinctly marked to

Safety Officer Training Course

Typical hazards that can cause eye and face injury

Safety Officer Training Course

Criteria for Eye and Face Protection

Flying obj ects such as Chipping, grinding, Spectacles with side