Personal Protective Equipment
45 min · Suggested lesson, discussion and practice time
PPE video pending instructor pronunciation approval. Written lessons and practice remain available.
Objectives
- Match protection to the task and exposure, not just a standard gear list.
- Inspect, fit, put on and remove equipment without creating another hazard.
- Recognize when specialized training or a respiratory protection program is needed.
Key points
- Start with the task: identify flying particles, chemicals, noise, falling objects, sharp edges, heat and electrical hazards. Eliminate or control the exposure first; PPE is the last line of defense, not permission to enter danger.
- The employer selects suitable PPE. General industry requires a documented hazard assessment under 1910.132; construction PPE must be safely designed and properly fit each employee under 1926.95. Do not assume one size fits everyone.
- Check fit while moving: head protection must stay secure, glasses must cover the eyes, and gloves must allow safe tool control. Loose clothing or gloves near rotating parts can create entanglement; follow the equipment procedure.
- Inspect before use. Look for cracks, damaged straps, scratched lenses, torn gloves and worn soles. Remove damaged equipment from service and request replacement; tape or homemade repairs do not restore protection.
- Grinding needs suitable impact-rated eye protection; a face shield adds face protection but does not replace safety glasses or goggles. Chemical splash work needs splash-rated protection selected from the SDS and exposure assessment.
- Select head protection for impact and any electrical exposure; do not drill, paint or modify it unless the manufacturer permits it. Follow manufacturer replacement and storage instructions instead of inventing a universal replacement date.
- Glove material must match the chemical, cut, puncture or heat hazard. Check chemical compatibility and breakthrough time; leather or a disposable glove is not protection against every chemical. Choose footwear for the actual impact, puncture and slip hazards.
- Noise protection depends on the measured exposure and employer program. Insert earplugs as trained and check earmuff seals; glasses, hair or a helmet can break the seal. High-visibility clothing improves visibility but never replaces traffic controls or separation from equipment.
- A dust mask is not a universal solution. Required respirator use needs the applicable written program, medical evaluation, training and fit testing for tight-fitting respirators. Check the seal each use; facial hair in the sealing area can prevent an effective seal.
- Respirators must be selected for the contaminant and concentration. Air-purifying respirators do not supply oxygen. Do not enter an unknown, oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous atmosphere wearing an ordinary dust mask or cartridge respirator.
- Practice putting on, adjusting and removing PPE with a trainer. Avoid touching contaminated surfaces during removal; wash hands and follow disposal or cleaning instructions. Store clean PPE away from sunlight, heat and chemicals that damage it.
- Before the task, demonstrate that you can use the selected equipment correctly. Stop and ask for reassessment when the task, chemical, fit or equipment changes. This online review does not replace job-specific instruction or a hands-on evaluation.
Field scenario
You are assigned to grind a pipe. Your glasses are scratched, the only face shield is loose and a coworker offers thin disposable gloves. Identify the exposures, explain why a shield alone is insufficient and demonstrate how you would request properly fitting protection before starting.
Review questions
Practice review only — not a final exam, recorded completion or certificate.