PPE- First line of

protection & Last line

of Defense to Mitigate
Risk & Promote
Workplace Safety

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE",

is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause
serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and
illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological,
physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
For the purpose of this site, PPE will be classified into
categories: eye and face protection, hand protection, body
protection, respiratory protection, and hearing protection.

PPE Meaning: What Is PPE?

PPE has been making headlines, but that certainly doesn’t mean
everyone understands what it is. Many people are left wondering
“What does PPE stand for?” The term PPE stands for personal
protective equipment. It is used to refer to specially designed
gear that is worn to reduce environmental and occupational
hazards. PPE reduces the risk of injury, illness, and contamination
by protecting the wearer from risks such as radiation and
chemicals, as well as physical or other workplace hazards.
Safety goes beyond simply knowing what PPE is. You must also
know when and how to use it. To work effectively, protective
equipment must be worn and used properly. OSHA has
established guidelines, called standards,

defining PPE and when it must be used to ensure safe working

environments. Each industry has a specific set of standards that
businesses must adhere to.
PPE is required for many transportation maintenance activities.
Both employers and employees have responsibilities for
maintaining a safe work environment.

It is generally the responsibility of an employer to provide

appropriate protective equipment as well as training in its use to
workers when hazards cannot be avoided or eliminated. PPE can
take many forms and the right types for your workplace will
depend on the hazards that are present there.

Jobs such as construction, working at heights, working on

suspended platforms and many other roles entail a number
of hazards that present risk potential for your workplace, job site,
company, and/or organization.
Why is PPE in the Workplace Essential?
There are several reasons why PPE is essential to the workplace,
here are a few we would like to highlight:
1-Provides Ample Protection Against Accidents
No one wants an accident to happen, especially in an
environment where such mishaps could cause injuries. The use of
PPE is essential to provide enough protection against likely
accidents in a work environment.

Specific PPEs are available to help workers protect their heads,

eyes, skin, and other areas. Wearing PPE might not be the silver
bullet against injuries, but it usually provides enough support to
reduce workplace mishaps.

2-Ideal for Providing Protection Against

Environmental Hazards
Specific PPE usage shields workers from getting into contact with
environmental hazards in the workplace. Being exposed to the
elements or chemical compounds around the work environment
could take a huge toll on some employees.

Safety regulations mandate the use of specific PPE for different

tasks to prevent exposure to hazardous substances or
environments. Improved PPE safety proves vital to keep workers
healthy when on the job and for much later.

3-Eliminates Liability for Workplace Injuries

Finally, PPE in the workplace is essential to help employees
avoid liability for their injuries if accidents. Employees may not
bear liability for an injury if staff is injured on duty while not
wearing the required PPE.
Faithful use of PPE is essential to maintain a complete chance of
getting full liability if injury or illness results from a workplace
accident. There is no room for exemptions: wearing correct PPE is
the only way to avoid getting injured or sick at work with no
compensation.

The Many Functions of PPE

Bodily protection – of the face, eyes, ears, head, and extremities
– is a very important aspect of using personal protective
equipment (PPE).

Any worker should be aware of the different types of PPE

available and required for his or her work. It is vital that every
employee be familiar with how to wear PPE properly.

There may also be some protective shields and barriers,

protective clothing, and respiratory devices, which need to be
carefully maintained and inspected to ensure that they are in
good working condition.

PPE Safety Training is thus an essential component of PPE in the

workplace. It’s not enough to have the PPE on hand. It must be
the right kind of PPE; has to be up to date; and employees must
be adequately trained in the proper use of their PPE.

The Different Types of PPE

PPE is really a catch-all for different types of personal protective
equipment. Depending on the nature of the work and the
workplace, your team members will require a variety of PPE.
 PPE for the eyes and face

Protecting the eyes, ears and face is a

crucial component of workplace safety.
▪ Goggles and face protection are needed when the risk is present
for exposure to flying particles, chemicals, liquids, bright lights,
etc.
▪ Eye protection must properly fit the individual or be adjustable
▪ Eye and face protection is in good working condition; if it isn’t, it
should be replaced
▪ Ear protection – e.g., earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs – must
be worn whilst working in high-noise environments
In addition, workers should be well versed in how to wear their
PPE for eyes and face

PPE for the head

Above the eyes and face, head protection is crucial.

▪ Hard hats must be always worn in hazardous areas

▪ Hard hat requirements extend to everyone in these areas,
including visitors, management, et al
▪ You need to ensure that the suspension of the hard hat is in good
condition, consisting of the headband and strapping so that it can
effectively absorb impact
Hard hats plus face protection are two big steps in PPE safety.
But there’s one more.

PPE for the feet and hands

Many roles involve risk exposure for feet, legs, arms, hands,
digits and more.

▪ Employees need to wear tight fitting foot and hand protection to

prevent hazardous items or substances from damaging hands and
feet
▪ Workers must wear metal-free, non-conductive shoes, boots or
gloves in environments with wires or connections
▪ Steel-toed shoes are to be worn in areas where there is no risk of
electrical contact
▪ Staff should wear rubber or synthetic footwear or gloves to work
around chemicals or hazardous liquids
These three components of essential PPE combine to form a safer
workplace.

PPE Training for Workplace Safety

A safe workplace, complete with proper PPE, is crucial for your
ongoing operations.

It is vital to ensure that you have the right safety procedures and
policies for things such as working at heights, first aid CPR,
confined space entry, etc.
Taking the right WHMIS-GHS steps can create a great work
environment that is safe and productive.

Employers: What you must do

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
requires that employers protect their employees from workplace
hazards that can cause injury. The Minnesota Department of
Labor and Industry (MDLI) administers and enforces workplace
safety and health rules in the state. Employers must ensure that
employees have PPE equipment in accordance with federal
OSHA and Minnesota state standards.
Employees: What you should do
Use PPE for the hazards of your job and set an example for your
agency:

• Always use PPE when required.

• Attend PPE training.
• Tell your supervisor about worn or damaged PPE.
• Encourage others to use PPE.
See this matrix of PPE for maintenance activities
Managing risk using PPE
As part of your risk assessment you should decide whether PPE is
needed. Use the hierarchy of controls to make this decision.

Hierarchy of controls
PPE should be the last resort to protect against risks. Consider
controls in the following order, with elimination being the most
effective and PPE being the least effective:

▪ Elimination – physically remove the hazard

▪ Substitution – replace the hazard
▪ Engineering controls – isolate people from the hazard
▪ Administrative controls – change the way people work
▪ PPE – protect the worker with equipment
Selection and use
Before you select PPE, think about:

▪ who is exposed?
 ▪ what they are exposed to
▪ how long are they exposed for?
▪ how much are they exposed to
By involving your workers when selecting PPE, they will be more
likely to understand its importance and use it.

Selecting PPE
Check with your supplier on what PPE is appropriate – explain the
job to them.

Select equipment that suits the worker – consider the size, fit,
compatibility and weight of the PPE and the physical
characteristics of the user. Modifying PPE to fit is not a suitable
solution.

For example, coveralls that don’t fit correctly could increase the
risk of entanglement if sleeves are too long.
For some PPE, such as harnesses or lifejackets, choosing the right
size is particularly critical to ensure they fit properly and need to
do so to protect against fatal hazards.

Once you have selected PPE, you must provide this for your
workers free of charge.

There is guidance on different types of PPE.

Using PPE

If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make
sure they can be used together. For example, wearing safety
glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks.

Choose hard hats and ear defenders carefully to make sure they
can be worn together and are both effective.

Instruct and train people how to use PPE, for example train
people to remove gloves without contaminating their skin. Tell
them why PPE is needed, when to use it and what its limitations
are.

If your risk assessment shows PPE is needed for a task, it should

always be used, even for those jobs that ’only take a few
minutes‘.

Maintenance
PPE must be properly looked after and stored when not in use, for
example in a dry, clean cupboard. If it is reusable, it must be
cleaned and kept in good condition.

Think about:

▪ using the correct replacement parts, following the

manufacturer’s replacement schedule
▪ keeping replacement PPE available
▪ who is responsible for maintenance and how they should do
this?

How to maintain equipment

Some maintenance can be done by workers themselves, such as
replacing a shoelace which can be done by the wearer. More
specialist equipment, such as a harness for working at height,
may need to be sent back to the manufacturer if maintenance is
required.

The effectiveness of some types of PPE, particularly clothing, will

be significantly reduced if they are not kept clean. Hi-vis jackets,
trousers and coveralls must be cleaned regularly to ensure the
retroreflective strips continue to be easily identifiable

Keep a supply of appropriate disposable suits. They are useful for

dirty jobs where laundry costs are high, for example for visitors
who need protective clothing.

Workers must make proper use of PPE and report any loss,
destruction, or obvious defect on the PPE they are given.

Monitor and review

Check regularly that PPE is used – if it isn't, find out why.
Safety signs can be a useful reminder that PPE should be worn –
many workplaces will often have signs at the entrance indicating
what sort of PPE should be worn.

Take note of any changes in equipment, materials, and methods

– you may need to update what you provide.

Using the right type of PPE

When your risk assessment shows you should provide PPE, you
need to make sure you choose the right type to protect different
parts of the body. This page explains how you can do that.

Eyes
Hazards to the eyes include chemical or metal splash, dust,
projectiles, gas and vapor or radiation.

PPE options include safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, face

shields and visors.

Make sure the PPE you choose has the right combination of eye
protection against various hazards of impact, dust, splash, or
molten metal. It should also be appropriate for the task and fit
the user properly.

Head and neck

Hazards to the head and neck include falling or flying objects, risk
of banging the head, hair getting tangled in machinery, chemical
drips or splash, climate, or extreme temperatures.

PPE options include safety helmets, bump caps and hairnets.

Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially
designed eye or hearing protection. Don't forget neck protection,
for example, during welding.

Always replace head protection if it is damaged.

Ears
Hazards to the ears from noise come from a combination of
sound level and duration of exposure. Very high-level sounds are
a hazard even with short duration.

PPE options include earplugs, earmuffs, or semi-insert/canal caps.

Provide the right hearing protectors for the type of work, and
make sure workers know how to fit them. Choose protectors
that reduce noise to an acceptable level, while allowing for safety
and communication.

Hands and arms

Hazards to the hands and arms include abrasion, temperature,
cuts, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, biological
agents, or prolonged immersion in water.

PPE options are gloves (including gloves with a cuff), gauntlets

and sleeving that covers part or all the arm.

Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where

they might get caught.
Barrier creams are not a substitute for proper PPE. Using
separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent skin problems from
wearing gloves for long periods. Choose gloves made from
materials that are not quickly penetrated by chemicals. There is
more guidance on skin at work.

Feet and legs

Hazards to the feet and legs include temperature, electrostatic
build-up, slipping, cuts, falling objects, heavy loads, metal, and
chemical splash or being struck by a vehicle.

PPE options include penetration-resistant safety boots and shoes

with protective toecaps or specific footwear, for example foundry
boots and chainsaw boots.

Select appropriate footwear for the risks. It can have a variety of

sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different
conditions, including oil or chemical-resistant soles. It can also be
anti-static, electrically conductive or thermally insulating.

Lungs
Hazards to the lungs include oxygen-deficient atmospheres,
dusts, gases or vapours.

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) options include

respirators which rely on filtering contaminants from workplace
air. These can be simple filtering facepieces and respirators or
power-assisted respirators. Some RPE may be face fitted.

Some types of RPE give an independent supply of breathable air,

for example fresh-air hose, compressed airline, and self-
contained breathing apparatus.

There is detailed guidance on RPE, including how to make sure it

fits properly.

Whole body
Hazards to the whole body include heat, chemical or metal
splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated
dust, impact, or penetration.

PPE options include safety harnesses, life jackets, conventional or

disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons and chemical suits.
Where it is needed, choose material that is flame-retardant, anti-
static, chain mail, chemically impermeable or high visibility.

Emergency equipment
Careful selection and maintenance and regular operator training
is needed for equipment to use in emergencies, like compressed-
air escape breathing apparatus, respirators and safety ropes or
harnesses.
Selecting the correct type of PPE is vital to ensuring safety in the
workplace. There are six basic categories of PPE.

Eye and face protection keeps harmful chemicals and physical

contaminants out of the eyes. Face shield PPE can prevent sparks
from welding or cutting from burning the eyes and face. PPE face
masks reduce transmission of infectious diseases by limiting
droplet and airborne particles reaching mucous membranes. PPE
goggles can also be used to protect eyes from bright lights, glare
and foreign objects. They may be worn alone or over prescription
lenses.
Head protection is required for “employees working in areas
where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or
from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns.”
(OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.135). An ANSI-approved PPE
helmet should be waterproof and slow burning, offer protection
against penetration by objects, absorb the shock from an impact
and be accompanied by clear instructions for use and care.
Hand and arm protection are largely accomplished with PPE
gloves, but they may not be suitable for all applications in certain
situations, such as when working with machinery where gloves
might catch, other PPE such as finger guards or cots, barrier
creams, arm protectors or sleeves are a better choice.
Hearing protection helps prevent hearing loss from exposure to
loud noise. PPE earpieces may be external muffs or plugs that are
inserted into the ear.
Full body protection is generally achieved through PPE overalls or
aprons worn over regular clothing. These offer protection from
chemicals, extreme temperatures, and sparks from welding or
electrical hazards.
Foot and leg protection is achieved with PPE boots, chaps,
gaiters, and shoe covers. Footwear should be sturdy and
supportive while offering protection against electrical and
chemical hazards.
Respiratory protection such as respirators and masks keep
harmful particles and chemicals from entering the lungs. They
may serve to filter dust or gasses or supply clean air through a
sealed system.

OSHA PPE Requirements

OSHA PPE standard 1910.132 lays out general requirements for
PPE in the workplace. These define PPE that is required under
general working conditions, who is responsible for the cost of
OSHA PPE, and training that must be provided. According to this
standard, employers are responsible for:

Assessing hazards in the workplace and certifying that

assessment

Providing and maintaining appropriate OSHA PPE

Training all employees on current standards including what PPE is

required and the proper care, maintenance, and adjustments of it

While employers must provide required PPE at no cost to

employees, they are not responsible for non-required specialty
products.

OSHA PPE standards conform to requirements set by

the American National Standards Institute. ANSI does not
establish binding regulations. Rather, it sets best practices for
safety equipment and procedures. PPE requirements for eye and
face protection in occupational and educational settings are
outlined in ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015.

OSHA standard 1910.132(f) mandates that training must include:

When PPE should be worn

What PPE is necessary

How to properly adjust and wear PPE

Procedures approved by OSHA for donning and doffing PPE

Maintenance and care procedures for all required PPE

All employees must demonstrate knowledge of these procedures.

If any employee cannot demonstrate competency with PPE
procedures, he or she must receive additional training. Training
should also be offered after any changes to workplace policies,
procedures, or PPE requirements.

CDC PPE Guidelines

PPE is used in healthcare settings to reduce the transmission of
infectious diseases. The CDC issues guidelines for the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) in medical settings such as
hospitals, doctors’ offices, and testing facilities. According to the
CDC, PPE is only one component of a comprehensive infection
control policy. The other components include training and
administrative, engineering and work practice controls.

Proper PPE should always be matched to expected exposure.

Base PPE selection on the type of exposure expected the category
of isolation of infectious agents, the appropriateness and
durability of PPE for each task and how it fits everyone. Following
CDC donning and doffing PPE procedures reduces contamination
and potential exposure to pathogens. Displaying PPE
posters throughout the workplace encourages proper use and
care of protective equipment.

PPE Use Examples

The type of PPE you need to use will depend on the hazards
present. Each occupational setting should be assessed
individually, with appropriate precautions then taken to ensure
PPE safety. Here are three personal protective equipment
examples based on specific occupational scenarios that highlight
the need for ongoing and individualized assessments of each
workplace.

In a medical setting, CDC guidelines will dictate the types of PPE

hospital staff will use. Masks, gowns, shoe coverings, face shields
and head coverings are commonplace. Respirators may be
required depending on the hazards present. Additionally, all
protective medical equipment must conform to FDA
standards and pass a review before being sold in the United
States.

PPE policies at construction sites and manufacturing facilities are

governed by OSHA standards. Hardhats and helmets are common
types of PPE construction workers use to protect against
traumatic brain injuries and punctures. Safety shoes and steel
toes boots provide traction, chemical resistance, and an extra line
of defense against impact or crushing injuries to the feet. Gloves
can shield hands from physical and chemical hazards, but care
should be taken when operating machinery where a glove or long
sleeve can catch and pull an operator in.

Welding PPE should include heavy gloves and an appropriate face

shield. These must always be worn by both operators and
attendants to avoid eye injury from sparks and radiant energy.
Safety glasses and face shields guard against eye damage from
sparks and other hazards that might be present on a construction
site. OSHA standard 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(A) states that “Helmets
and hand shields shall be made of a material which is an insulator
for heat and electricity. Helmets, shields, and goggles shall be not
readily flammable and shall be capable of withstanding
sterilization” as well as protect the head, face and neck from
radiant energy produced by the welding arc.

How-To Put-On PPE

Both OSHA and the CDC recognize the importance of correctly
putting on and taking off PPE. Failure to follow approved
procedures can result in accidental exposure to hazardous or
infectious materials. Therefore, all employees should be trained
on how to don and doff PPE. They should also be trained on how
to make PPE adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

The CDC explains that PPE should be

donned in this order:
• Put on your gown first
• Follow that with a face mask or respirator
• Next, goggles or a face shield
• Put on your gloves last

Conduct fit checks and make any needed adjustments as you don
each type of PPE before moving on to the next stage. Since the
exact types of PPE that are required for each situation will be
different, you may need to adjust or add to the order. Use
common sense and an understanding of the applicable hazards to
choose the best sequence if it is not clearly defined.

Any areas or situations that require PPE to be used should be

marked with an appropriate PPE Required sign. This alerts
workers to potential hazards and the need for additional
protective measures. The type of equipment required should be
clearly indicated.

Once employees are no longer at risk of exposure to the hazard,

PPE can be safely removed. Instructions for how to remove PPE
should be included upon exiting the area. Each employee should
be trained on how to remove PPE in the correct order. This
ensures no cross contamination during the doffing process.
According to CDC procedures, the correct order for removing
personal protective equipment is as follows:

Identify the contaminated and clean surfaces of your PPE before

you proceed
Remove gloves first since they are considered the most
contaminated PPE gear

Remove the face shield or goggles next

Doff your gown

Remove your respirator once you are no longer at risk of

exposure

Always be sure to wash your hands following proper

procedures once you have removed your PPE to further minimize
any hazards.

ComplianceSigns Has the PPE Signs and Posters

You Need
Personal protective equipment is a vital part of maintaining
workplace safety. When effectively used, it serves as an added
line of defense against physical, chemical, biological, radiological
and mechanical hazards. OSHA standards, CDC guidelines and
FDA regulations include the types of PPE that are required based
on what hazards are in the workplace.

Properly placed signs, posters and infographics can help you keep
workers informed about necessary PPE and approved procedures
for its use. Compliance Signs offers a full line of PPE
posters and PPE safety signs for all types of businesses.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT IMPORTANTE POINTS
Do you still have questions about PPE and its use? We have
gathered some commonly asked questions along with answers to
help you navigate the topic.

What are PPE items?

Personal protective items are pieces of equipment that help
reduce environmental or occupational hazards. They protect
against such things as chemicals, heat and cold, electrical
hazards and infectious diseases.

What is PPE gear?

A few of the most common types of PPE gear include face masks,
eye and ear protection and protective headwear. Steel toe boots
are another example of a widely used form of PPE.

What is PPE used for?

According to OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment publication,
PPE is used “to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards” that
may be experienced. It should be used as part of a
comprehensive workplace safety program.

Why is PPE important?

PPE is an important part of workplace safety because it reduces
exposure to hazards. This reduces the number of injuries and
illnesses that occur and helps keep employees healthy.

How do you make PPE?

PPE must meet standards set forth by occupational organizations
such as ANSI and OSHA for workplace safety, so its manufacture
is carefully controlled. Private use PPE can be made by sewing
non-surgical cotton face masks and plastic gowns or using 3D
printers to create face shields, respirators and PPE parts.

What is a PPE kit?

A PPE kit is a pre-packaged unit containing all necessary PPE for a

given hazardous situation. This often includes a gown, face
shield, mask, goggles, shoe covers, and gloves.