PPE & Lifesaving Equipment
Personal protective equipment protects workers from hazards that cannot be fully removed by other controls. This module covers the main types of PPE, who provides it, and how to keep it working properly.
PPE and the Hierarchy of Controls
PPE is the last line of defense against hazards, not the first. Employers should first try to eliminate or substitute a hazard, then apply engineering controls such as guards or ventilation, then administrative and work-practice controls, and only then rely on PPE. This order, called the hierarchy of controls, protects more workers more reliably because it does not depend on a single person wearing equipment correctly. Still, PPE is essential when hazards remain, and with few exceptions the employer must provide it at no cost.
Head, Eye, Face, Hand, and Foot Protection
Different body parts need different protection depending on the job. Hard hats protect against falling objects, bumps, and some electrical contact; safety glasses, goggles, and face shields guard against flying particles, chemicals, and light radiation. Gloves are chosen for the specific hazard, whether cuts, chemicals, or electricity, and sturdy work boots or safety-toe footwear protect against crushing, punctures, and slips. Wearing the right PPE for each task and making sure it fits are essential to its effectiveness.
Hearing and Respiratory Protection
Loud construction noise can cause permanent hearing loss, so earplugs or earmuffs are used when noise levels are high. Respiratory protection guards against dusts, fumes, vapors, and other airborne hazards such as silica or lead. Respirators must be selected for the specific hazard, and when required they involve medical evaluation, fit testing, and training as part of a written respiratory protection program. Using the wrong respirator, or one that does not seal, can give a false sense of safety.
Fall Protection Equipment and Inspection
A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) has three parts often remembered as the ABCs: an Anchorage, a Body harness, and a Connector such as a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline. Body belts are no longer permitted for fall arrest because they can cause serious injury during a fall. Workers must inspect harnesses, lanyards, hard hats, and other PPE before each use for cracks, frays, and damage, and remove defective equipment from service. Well-maintained, properly worn equipment is what turns a potential fatal fall into a survivable one.