OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing the exposure to acceptable levels. Employers are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers.
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of their employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
This guide serves as a quick reference employees can use to check required PPE. It lists the 12 major hazard categories and shows the required PPE for each category. It also provides a cross-reference, showing each type of PPE and identifying the hazard categories in which each type of PPE is used. While not a substitute for having a proper PPE training program, this guide serves as an easy-to-use reminder, helping employees to know about the required PPE and thus helping to prevent backsliding or employees trying to save time by not using the proper PPE.
The Quick Reference Guide to Required PPE is available free from Graphic Products. It is available either laminated or unlaminated. It is suitable for use as a desk reference or a wall chart. It may be ordered online by going to the Graphic Products industrial safety web site at: http://www.safeworkplace.com/
This guide provides generic information about required PPE. Employers are required, and are responsible for developing the specific PPE requirements for the hazards present in their workplaces.
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