In this module
Objectives covered: LO 3.6.1. By the end you will be able to:
- Explain the PPE hazard assessment and certification requirement.
- Match PPE to eye, face, head, hand, foot, hearing and respiratory hazards.
- State employer duties for PPE payment and training.
6.1 PPE is the last line of defence
PPE protects only the wearer, and only when it is the right type, fits, and is worn correctly. Use it after elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, or together with them.
6.2 Hazard assessment
OSHA 1910.132(d) requires the employer to assess the workplace for hazards that need PPE, select the PPE, and certify the assessment in writing (workplace, date, and the name of the person who did it). Employers must pay for required PPE (1910.132(h)), with a few exceptions such as ordinary safety-toe shoes worn off the job.
6.3 Choosing PPE
| Body part | Hazard | PPE and standard |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes and face | Flying particles, splash, welding light | Safety glasses Z87+, goggles, face shield, welding helmet (1910.133) |
| Head | Falling objects, bumps, electrical | Hard hat ANSI Z89.1 Type I/II, Class G/E/C (1910.135) |
| Feet | Falling objects, punctures, electrical | Safety-toe footwear ASTM F2413 (1910.136) |
| Hands | Cuts, chemicals, heat | Glove chosen by hazard: cut-rated, nitrile, leather (1910.138) |
| Ears | Noise at or above 85 dB(A) | Earplugs, earmuffs (1910.95) |
| Lungs | Dust, fumes, gases, low oxygen | Respirator under a written programme (1910.134) |
6.4 Training
Each worker must know when PPE is needed, which PPE, how to put on, take off, adjust and wear it, its limitations, and its care, maintenance, useful life and disposal. Retrain when the job, the PPE, or the worker's understanding changes.
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I (1910.132 to 1910.140).
- Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, Section 78A: employer must provide personal safety equipment.
- For full detail, see the RiskProBD course RPB-PPE 101.
In a steel re-rolling mill in Chattogram, workers near the furnace wore plastic sandals. After a molten scale burn, the mill issued leather safety boots with heat-resistant soles, aluminised aprons and face shields, and the supervisor checked PPE at each shift start. The company also added a shield at the furnace door, an engineering control that protected everyone.
Learning Check
Answer these two questions to check your understanding. You can try again as many times as you like.