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Personal Protective Equipment
What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Specialized clothing or equipment worn/used by the employee to protect themselves from hazards.
Why do you need it?
Federal law requires it. You must have PPE anytime there is a chance of overexposure of workplace hazards to your eyes, face, head, feet, hands/skin, respiratory system or hearing.
Hazard Assessments
OSHA requires under the Personal Protective Equipment standard that employers assess the workplace for hazards, then determine what PPE can help alleviate those hazards. You should be familiar with your department's PPE hazard assessment. Contact the EH&S Office if your department needs one developed and/or revised.
(click for more on Hazard Assesments)
Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection is required when there is a possibility of exposure to the eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
Head Protection
Head protection is required to be worn when working in areas that have a potential for injury to the head from falling objects, or there is an electrical hazard.
Foot Protection
Foot protection is required when employees are working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where the employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
Hand and Skin Protection
Hand protection is required when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe lacerations or cuts; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.
The standards also require the employees to be trained in the proper use, care and limitations of PPE.
Further Information
Click to view MATC's PPE Program.
Click to view MATC's PPE Fact Sheet.
Contact the EH&S Office for detailed PPE training at (608) 246-6291.
Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety
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