What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specialized clothing or equipment worn to protect against health and safety hazards. PPE is considered your last line of defense after engineering controls and safe work practices.
Your Employer's Responsibilities
Your employer must:
- Perform a hazard assessment to determine necessary PPE
- Provide appropriate PPE at no cost to you (with some exceptions)
- Train you on when and how to use PPE
- Ensure PPE fits properly
- Maintain and replace worn or damaged PPE
Essential PPE for Construction
Head Protection
- Hard hats protect against falling objects and bumping hazards
- Must be worn in areas with potential for head injuries
- Different types offer protection for different hazards
- Replace after significant impact or visible damage
Eye and Face Protection
- Safety glasses protect against dust and flying particles
- Face shields provide protection for the entire face
- Welding helmets shield against intense light and sparks
- Choose the right type for your specific task
Hearing Protection
- Earplugs or earmuffs protect hearing in noisy environments
- Required when noise levels exceed 85 decibels over 8 hours
- Different types offer different levels of protection
- Must be worn properly to be effective
Hand Protection
- Gloves protect against cuts, chemicals, burns, and abrasions
- Different gloves for different hazards:
- Cut-resistant gloves for sharp materials
- Chemical-resistant gloves for hazardous substances
- Heat-resistant gloves for hot work
Foot Protection
- Safety-toed boots protect against falling objects
- Puncture-resistant soles prevent injuries from nails
- Non-slip soles prevent slips and falls
- Must meet ANSI standards for impact protection
Respiratory Protection
- Respirators protect against harmful dusts, fumes, and gases
- Different types for different hazards:
- Filtering facepieces for dust and particulates
- Half-mask respirators for certain chemicals
- Supplied air systems for hazardous environments
- Requires proper fit testing and medical evaluation
Fall Protection
- Full-body harnesses catch you if you fall
- Required when working at heights of 6 feet or more
- Must be connected to proper anchorage points
- Inspect before each use for damage or wear
Proper Care and Maintenance
- Inspect PPE before each use
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store in clean, dry area away from sunlight
- Replace damaged or worn equipment immediately
- Never modify PPE