Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment Trainings & Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
If the volunteer receives any type of compensation (money, food, lodging, transportation, etc.), they would be considered an employee, and should therefore be trained and protected as such; however, they are not covered by Worker's Compensation, should an injury occur.
If they do not receive any type of compensation, they are responsible (to some degree) for their own safety. Certainly, our goal is to see that no one be unnecessarily exposed to hazards on Virginia Tech properties or while performing tasks associated with Virginia Tech. It is always a good idea to evaluate the related hazards and take appropriate action to eliminate, reduce, or protect.
If you have additional concerns, you may contact Risk Management at 540-231-7439.
As long as you follow the requirements outlined in the program and practice reasonable care, you will not be held liable. The university, through the state self-insured program, maintains liability insurance to protect its employees provided the employee is acting within the course and scope of their employment. Defense, if needed would be provided through the University General Counsel. Students are required to have their own insurance (either on themselves or through their parents).
Yes. The form can be found on the Environmental Health & Safety website. The form can then be typed on, saved, and uploaded into the Safety Management System (SMS) under the Documents tab.
No. PPE supplied to employees must be funded internally by the department. Some PPE may be paid for by the employee, such as footwear and prescription eyewear. A guideline to help determine if the employee may have to pay for such PPE is (a) the PPE is a type that could be worn off the job site, (b) the PPE is not used at work in a manner that renders it unsafe for use off the job site (i.e. contaminated), and (c) the PPE is not designed for special use on the job.
Yes. The target date for implementing the PPE program is 90 days from the date of PPE coordinator training. You are encouraged to complete the hazard assessment as soon after this class as possible while it is still fresh in your mind.
Is training mandatory? If so, when? Yes. General awareness training on the requirements of this program is available upon request.
Class length: 1 hour.
Available online: Yes.
When is refresher training required? Every 5 years
Please see the online class schedule for more information.
Is training mandatory? If so, when? Yes. Departments that use PPE (e.g., safety shoes, glasses, hardhats, gloves, respirators, hearing protection, electrical protective) outside of a chemical research laboratory must designate a PPE coordinator and implement a hazard evaluation program. In addition to PPE Awareness training, the coordinator must attend Hazard Assessment training as well.
Class length: 2 hours.
Available online: Yes, both classes are available online.
When is refresher training required? Every 5 years.
Please see the online class schedule for more information.
Anyone using dust masks must contact Environmental Health & Safety to receive additional information on the limitation of these masks and to complete a Respiratory Hazards Assessment Form. For additional information, please contact Kenny Osborne, 540-231-2509 or kosborne@vt.edu.
Regardless of who owns the equipment or tools used by an employee while on the job, it must be in good condition and in proper working order. Good condition would also include any required safety features of the equipment/tool. Departments permitting employee-owned equipment/tools to be used while on the job are responsible for ensuring it is safe. If the person is injured while on the job because of defective, improper, or sub-standard equipment, it is still work-related. It is our goal, and everyone's obligation, to reduce hazardous conditions in the workplace.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used whenever engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or do not adequately protect workers from hazards. PPE includes safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, gloves, lab coats, hard hats, safety shoes, respirators, disposable or cloth overalls and other protective gear. Environmental Health & Safety assists departments in evaluating work tasks that require PPE, providing appropriate selection criteria, and offering training.
It is essential to choose PPE that is specific to the hazard and type of work to be performed. PPE must be compatible with chemical hazards, provide proper dexterity, limit eyesight interference, fit properly, and be comfortable (and stylish). If these factors are not considered, the likelihood of consistent PPE use is diminished.
Some types of PPE (i.e. respirators) require a medical exam and fit test prior to use. Please refer to the Respiratory Protection section for further information.
First, a university representative must evaluate the hazards in the workplace or of the work performed by an employee. Because worksite conditions are subject to change, the responsibility for performing the hazard assessment is being placed at the departmental level. Environmental Health & Safety will provide training for the designated departmental representative. Environmental Health & Safety will also provide technical assistance during the evaluation process as needed or required.
During the hazard assessment, the inspector must determine if the hazards can be eliminated or reduced by implementing engineering or administrative controls.
If the hazards can not be controlled, PPE must be selected appropriate for the hazard and the employee must be trained to use and care for this equipment properly.
The hazard assessment and employee training must be documented in writing.
There are many different degrees of laser hazards. High-powered lasers (class 3b and 4) pose a significant risk of injury. Laser pointers are of lower power, are classified for general use by the public and require no special PPE if used properly. In general, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions if you are unsure about the type(s) of PPE that may be needed for any type of equipment.
Electrical PPE is reviewed during Electrical Qualified Person training or you may contact Robin McCall-Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu for more information.
You may contact Robin McCall-Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu for more information.
Documents
Contact Information
Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager
Phone: 540-231-2341
Email: rmmiller@vt.edu