Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits. 

Departments should conduct a Hazard/PPE Assessment to determine necessary job specific personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping in mind that PPE should be the last line of defense for workers. 

 

Basic Types of PPE

Head Protection: Protective helmets are described by impact type and electrical class. Where protective helmets are required, they must meet either Type I or Type II impact requirements. Type I helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the head. Type II helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top or sides of the head.

  • Protective Helmets: Protective helmets that are only required to reduce the danger of injury from flying or falling objects, protective helmets shall be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class C, E, or G.
  • Electrical Hazard Head Protection:
    • When there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors less than 600 volts, protective helmets shall be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E or G.
    • When there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors greater than 600 volts, protective helmets shall be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E.

 

Hearing Protection: Over 85 Decibels for 8 hours a day requires hearing protection

  • Earmuffs: One size will fit most, comfortable, less ear infection risk
  • Ear Plugs: Small, lightweight, can get dirty and cause infection

Hearing Noise Levels

 

Face/Eye Protection: Protection against flying debris, splashes, and sharp objects. Design, construction, testing and use of devices for eye and face protection shall be in accordance with American National Standard, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1989.

  • Face Shield: Protect face from splashing and particles
  • Safety Glasses: Protection from solids (cutting, sanding, grinding)
  • Safety Goggles: Protects eyes from splashing

 

Hand Protection: Hand protection should be worn when an employee's are exposed to hazards such as skin absorption of harmful substances, cuts or lacerations, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, radioactive materials, and harmful temperature extremes.

  • Gloves Chemical: Refer to manufacturer info for breakthrough rating for different gloves (Nitrile, Latex, PVC…)
  • Gloves Other: Special gloves for cutting, burning, abrasions/blisters.  Refer to ANSI cut level chart below for guidance and selection.

ANSI/ISEA 105 ("American National Standard for Hand Protection"), which rates gloves and other cut protective clothing on a consistent numeric rating scheme for mechanical, thermal, chemical, dexterity, and other performance criteria.

ANSI Glove Cut Ratings

Body Protection: Body protection may be required for employees whose work exposes parts of their body, not otherwise protected as required by other orders in this article, to hazardous or flying substances or objects. Clothing appropriate for the work being done shall be worn. Loose sleeves, tails, ties, lapels, cuffs, or other loose clothing which can be entangled in moving machinery shall not be worn.

  • Protective Clothing: Chainsaw chaps, FR welding jacket/shirt, chemical suit
  • Lab Coats: Protects clothes/skin from minor splashes
  • Disposable Suits: Can protect against dust, vapors, splashes (depending on type of suit)
  • High-visibility Clothing: For employees in heavy traffic work areas

 

Foot Protection: Use the County Safety Work Boot Authorization Form to assess job tasks that require protective footwear.  Employee boots must meet ASTM F 2413-05 standard where required. ANSI Boot Tag Example

  • Safety Toe/Steel Toe Boots: Always worn when falling hazards exists or where heaving materials are being handled. 

 

Review the County Safety Boot Program for further Information. 

 

Resources and References