Section 19 Personal Protective Equipment

• Library: Employer-Employee Law 2008

Subpart I of the general industry regulations—covering
29 C.F.R. §§ 1910.132 through 1910.138—contains requirements for utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against “hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.132(a). OSHA requires the use of PPE when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing exposure to acceptable levels.

The first step for an employer is to determine whether PPE is necessary. This is done in the form of a written hazard assessment, which is required by § 1910.132(d). An employer is required to “assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of” PPE. Section 1910.132(d)(1).

If such hazards are present, the employer must implement a PPE program...