Personal Protective Equipment

While there are many types of PPE, the selection guidelines apply across the board:

• First, become familiar with the potential hazards of a given job and the type of protective equipment available.
• Compare the hazards associated with the job (impact velocities, chemical hazards, noise levels and temperatures) with the capabilities of the available protective equipment.
• Select the protective equipment that ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from the hazards.
• Fit the user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the PPE.
• Know the limitations of PPE, and use it as a last line of defense after designing processes that reduce hazards in the first place.