Personal Protective Equipment

Background

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 hazards with engineering and administrative controls is the best way to protect employees. When these controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. In line with this rational for controlling or eliminating workplace hazards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Personal Protective Equipment Standard, also known as "The PPE Standard." Under this standard, the University is required to:

• Conduct hazard assessments to determine if PPE is necessary to protect employees and certify in writing that assessments have been performed.
• Select appropriate PPE, where necessary.
• Provide employees training on proper care, use and limitations of the selected PPE.
• Ensure the PPE is properly used.

Risk Management Services has developed a guidance document (PDF format) to help supervisors protect employees from hazards in the workplace by using personal protective equipment to supplement other primary hazard controls, and achieve compliance with OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard.