Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative control measures are the primary and preferred methods of providing personal protection. These control methods provide better and more consistant protection than relying on PPE alone. Even if PPE will be required, it is preferable for the PPE to be used in conjunction with engineering and/or adminstrative controls.

Each University department has the responsibility to review all of its employees' worksites for personal protective equipment needs. The regulations, the degree of hazard, and the engineering or adminstrative controls that are in place will determine what PPE is needed. If departments will be using PPE for personnel hazards, the following items must be completed:

• Assess the workplace for hazards.
• Select appropriate PPE.
• Ensure PPE is used.
• Establish inspection, maintenance, and replacement procedures to ensure damaged PPE is not used.
• Train employees in proper use, limitations, care, and maintenance of PPE.
• Document assesment, selection, and training.

When the hazard assesment indicates that PPE is required, employing departments must provide the required PPE to employees free of charge. Exceptions are prescription safety glasses and safety shoes.

Where a hazard assessment determines that no PPE is needed, document the assessment and you are done. However, remember that if a hazard exists which does not require PPE, other regulations or programs may be applicable.