Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The use of PPE by employees at OSU is determined by conducting a job hazard assessment. The results of the assessment will indicate which PPE is necessary based on recognized hazards for each specific job task assigned to the employee. PPE is not a substitute for engineering controls, administrative controls or safe operating procedures, but is used in conjunction with these controls. Common examples of PPE include chemical resistant gloves, nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, safety glasses, lab coats, aprons, face shields, respirators and hearing protection, just to name a few.

The Ohio Public Employment Risk Reduction Program has adopted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard (29 CFR 1910.132) covering the availability and use of PPE. Based on the standard, each department shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, that necessitate the use of PPE. Once the appropriate PPE has been selected, the employer is required to purchase the PPE, provide training on the proper use and care of the PPE and document the hazard assessment and employee training. If such hazards are present, or are likely to be present, the department shall:

- Offer the employee with the potential to exposure, types of PPE that will protect them from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;
- Communicate the selection decisions to each employee;
- Select PPE that properly fits each employee; and
- Educate the employee on proper use of PPE

Examples of recognized hazards include, but are not limited to, chemical exposures; radiological exposures; sharp objects; excessive noise; heavy objects; fall hazards; flying debris; overhead hazards; laser energy or other non-ionizing radiation; or any other hazard which may cause injury; illness; or impairment by inhalation, absorption, ingestion, injection or mechanical action.

Contacts:

If you have any questions regarding Personal Protective Equipment or to schedule a hazard assessment for PPE, please contact Kent McGuire at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 292-0588. You may also contact the OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office online at http://ehs.osu.edu/OccHealthSafety/default.aspx or by phone at (614) 292-1284.

Reviewed / Updated: 10/26/20 K. McGuire