Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls (Elimination > Substitution > Engineering > Administrative > PPE). Employers must provide most PPE at no cost. A written hazard assessment must be completed to determine required PPE. Hard hats: Class E (electrical protection to 20,000V), Class G (general, 2,200V), Class C (no electrical protection). Eye protection must meet ANSI Z87.1. Hearing protection required at 85 dB TWA. Respiratory protection program (29 CFR 1910.134) required when respirators are mandatory — includes medical evaluation, fit testing annually, and training. High-visibility: Class 3 for flaggers, Class 2 for most road construction workers.

For OSHA 30 supervisors: the PPE program must be documented. The written hazard assessment must identify specific hazards at each work location and specify the PPE selected. Supervisors must enforce PPE use — they cannot allow workers to work without required PPE even for 'quick' tasks. Supervisors should lead by example — always wearing required PPE in the work area. Training records documenting when workers were trained on PPE must be retained.

Special PPE considerations in construction: chemical resistant gloves for epoxy, solvents, and adhesives (match glove material to chemical per SDS); tyvek suits for lead and asbestos work; knee pads for floor installation work; anti-vibration gloves for jackhammer operators. All PPE must be inspected before each use — defective PPE must be replaced immediately. PPE that is uncomfortable, poorly fitting, or incorrectly sized will not be used by workers — investing in quality, well-fitting PPE increases compliance.