Personal Protective Equipment

It is important that a new business owner research information related to their industry pertaining to personal protection equipment (PPE) and personal protection gear (PPG)

It is the responsibility of the employer to recognize potential or likely hazards associated with their service and provide appropriate PPE and training to their employees. If you have no employees and will be performing the duties yourself please comply with the requirements for your own personal safety.

Examples Of PPE

Eye And Face Protection : goggles, safety glasses, hearing protection, face shields and mask

Foot Protection : non slip shoe pads, shoe grippers, shoe covers

General Protection : gloves, knee pads, back protection, spill kits, first aid kits, eye wash,

Protective Clothing : aprons, smocks, coveralls

Accountability

Employers are responsible for identifying the workplace hazards and selecting the appropriate PPE for the identified hazard. Employees are responsible for daily compliance of such. Employees must demonstrate an understanding of compliance.

Training

Training shall be provided to each employee who is required to use PPE. Each employee shall be trained to know the following as a minimum:

· When PPE is necessary : administering first aid, stripping, sanitizing, disinfecting, general cleaning, in precense of bio hazard or bloodborne pathogens, when ventilation is restricted or chemical use recommends

· What PPE is necessary: define PPE per duty or chemical and product recommendation

· How to properly adjust and wear PPE: refer to manufactuers suggestions

· Disposal of the PPE: all employees shall be trained to dispose of PPE in accordance and compliance with EPA and OSHA standards.

Retraining shall be done when

· Changes in the workplace render the previous training obsolite

· Changes in the types of PPE

· Employer believes the employees knowledge is lacking, demonstrated by the improper use of the available PPE

The employer shall verify that each effected employee has received and now understands the requirements

Where To Get Information On PPE

Contact OSHA or your local SBDA for the specifics pertaining to all your requirements.