PPE
PPE
PPE
to increase individual safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks. This may include safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, lab coats, respirators, or any equipment used to protect against injury or illness. Scope and Application The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires PPE to be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants are encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or illness through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. Departments are responsible for ensuring the adequacy of the equipment and ensuring that it is properly maintained, even in those cases where employees provide their own PPE. Program Description Engineering controls that eliminate the hazard at the source and do not rely on the workers behavior for their effectiveness offer the best and most reliable means of protection. Therefore, engineering controls are the first choice for eliminating workplace hazards. Whenever engineering controls are not available or are not fully capable of providing protection, the worker must wear personal protective equipment. Hazard Assessment and Equipment Selection Departments must assess their workplaces to identify hazards requiring the use of PPE. Equipment should be selected to provide protection against the hazards identified during the assessment. The hazard assessment must be certified in writing. Departments can use the Hazard Assessment worksheet to conduct an assessment of workplace hazards. Once submitted, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) can assist with completing the certification. Eye and Face Protection 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. Head Protection A protective helmet (hard hat) must be worn when working in areas where there is the potential for injury from falling objects or exposed energized electrical conductors that could contact the head.
Foot Protection Protective footwear must be worn in areas where there is the potential for foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, from objects piercing the sole, or from exposed energized electrical conductors that could contact the feet. Hand Protection Hand protection must be worn to protect against hazards of skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, or harmful temperature extremes. Respiratory Protection Respiratory protection may be used to protect against inhalation hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or adequate. See Section C4, Respiratory Protection, for additional information. Training Each worker required to use PPE must receive training in the following: how to properly wear PPE what types of PPE provide protection against the hazards identified during the assessment o when PPE must be used the proper care and useful life of PPE o proper disposal of damaged PPE
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The department must certify in writing that workers have received and understood this training. Training assistance is available through EHS. Roles and Responsibilities Department
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Conduct workplace hazard assessment using the Hazard Assessment worksheet. Select PPE appropriate to the hazard identified during the assessment. Provide PPE to workers. Train workers in elements of PPE use. Maintain certifications of hazard assessment and training.
Supervisors
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Ensure workers understand training on PPE. Ensure workers use PPE when needed.
EHS
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Provide assistance in conducting a workplace hazard assessment. Provide assistance in PPE selection. Provide assistance in developing worker training. Conduct periodic audits of PPE program.
Individual
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