When higher-level controls are not feasible or sufficient, PPE must be used. It does not eliminate the hazard — it reduces your exposure.
2. Head Protection
Hard hats are classified by electrical protection under ANSI Z89.1:
Class E (Electrical) — Tested to 20,000 volts; use near high-voltage lines
Class G (General) — Tested to 2,200 volts; standard construction use
Class C (Conductive) — No electrical protection; lightweight use only
Inspect hard hats before each use. Replace if cracked, faded, or after any significant impact. Never store in direct sunlight or modify the suspension.
3. Eye/Face & Hearing Protection
Eye & Face Protection (29 CFR 1910.133):
Safety glasses — flying debris, dust, and light chemical splash
Goggles — chemical splash, fine particles, grinding
Face shields — always worn over safety glasses, not as a replacement
Hearing Protection (29 CFR 1910.95):
Required at or above 85 dB(A) time-weighted average (TWA)
Earplugs: roll-compress, insert, hold until expanded
Earmuffs: seat firmly over both ears; check cushion seals regularly
Cut-resistant (ANSI cut level) — sharp materials, metal edges
Chemical-resistant — matched to specific chemical(s); check permeation rating
Heat-resistant — welding, high-temperature work
Electrical insulating — rubber gloves with leather protectors
⚠️ CRITICAL RULE: NEVER wear gloves near rotating or moving equipment (drills, lathes, mixers). Gloves can catch and draw your hand into the machine. Remove gloves before operating rotating equipment.
5. Foot Protection & Respiratory Protection
Foot Protection (29 CFR 1910.136):
Steel-toed boots (ASTM F2413) — impact and compression hazards
Metatarsal guards — heavy falling objects
Puncture-resistant soles — nails, sharp debris
Electrical hazard (EH) rated footwear — work near live circuits
Training on proper donning, doffing, and limitations
6. High-Visibility Clothing & PPE Inspection
High-Visibility (ANSI/ISEA 107):
Class 1 — Low traffic, off-road environments
Class 2 — Near traffic up to 25 mph; most common construction requirement
Class 3 — High-speed traffic, low-visibility conditions; full torso and limbs visible
PPE Inspection — Before Every Use:
Check for cracks, tears, holes, or degradation
Verify expiration dates on respirator cartridges and chemical gloves
Confirm hard hat suspension is intact
Remove damaged PPE from service immediately — tag it and report it
Clean and store PPE properly to preserve its protective qualities
7. Your Rights Under OSHA
Under 29 CFR 1910.132, your employer must:
Conduct a hazard assessment and certify it in writing
Provide required PPE at no cost to you
Train you on what PPE to use, when to use it, how to use/adjust/remove it, and its limitations
Verify training in writing
Retrain when PPE changes or you demonstrate inadequate understanding
You have the right to refuse work that poses imminent danger without proper PPE. You cannot be retaliated against for raising safety concerns (Section 11(c) of the OSH Act).
8. Key Takeaways
PPE is the last resort — use engineering and administrative controls first
Select PPE for the specific hazard: cut, chemical, electrical, impact — one size does not fit all
Respirators require medical clearance, fit test, and training before use
Never wear gloves near rotating equipment — it can pull your hand in
Inspect PPE before every use; remove damaged PPE from service immediately
Your employer provides PPE free of charge and must train you on its use
OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.132–138 cover general PPE requirements
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