PPE — Personal Protective Equipment Requirements | Glossary

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to workplace hazards that can cause injuries and illnesses.

Key Facts

Last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls
Employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees
Hazard assessment must determine what PPE is needed
Training on proper use, care, and limitations is required

Under OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.132), employers must: conduct a workplace hazard assessment, select PPE that properly fits each affected worker, provide PPE at no cost to employees, and train workers on proper use, care, and limitations. Common PPE includes: hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, respirators, gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, and fall protection harnesses. PPE is considered the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls — engineering and administrative controls should be implemented first.

Hazard & Safety Programs Compared

OSHA-mandated programs for handling hazardous materials and protecting workers.

Type	Scope	Key Standard	Training Required	Industries
HazCom	Chemical communication	29 CFR 1910.1200	Initial + when new chemicals introduced	All with chemical exposure
HAZWOPER	Hazardous waste ops	29 CFR 1910.120	24–40 hrs initial + 8 hr annual	Cleanup, TSD, emergency
HazMat	Hazardous material transport	49 CFR 171–180	HazMat endorsement + CDL	Transportation, oil & gas
PPE	Personal protection	29 CFR 1910.132	Proper use, care, and limitations	All with physical hazards

Related Services

Respirator Fit Testing

Related Industries

Construction Manufacturing Oil & Gas Healthcare

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