PPE Selection

General Guidelines

Once you have determined the hazard categories for each area of the body by entering the hazards onto the Hazard Assessment Form, use the information provided in the appendices to help select the appropriate type of PPE. For some types of PPE, such as hearing protection and respiratory protection, you must go through Environmental Health & Safety for proper selection and fit. For others, such as fall protection or the use of voltage-rated equipment, additional training is required by Environmental Health & Safety to adequately address related hazards and/or to meet regulatory requirements.

All personal protective equipment must be of safe design, constructed for the work to be performed, and  maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition.

Suppliers of PPE are great resources for help in selecting the right PPE for a hazard. The hazard category (i.e. impact, chemical, heat, cold, electrical, light/radiation, cut-resistance, etc.) must be matched with the style and model of PPE.

The PPE must be fitted to the user. PPE that fits poorly will not provide the necessary protection, and the employee is less likely to wear the device if it does not fit comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a variety of sizes. Care should be taken to ensure the right size is selected for each individual wearer.

Adjustments must be made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the protective device in the proper position. If the PPE is not adjustable by design, you should not make any alterations to it! This voids the manufacturer's warranty and compromises the protective qualities of the equipment.

Employees must be given instructions on the care and use of PPE assigned to them. It is very important that the end users be made aware of all warnings and limitations of their PPE. PPE coordinators are assigned the task of training employees on the PPE assigned. Guidelines are provided in the appendices but are not a substitution for the manufacturer's instructions, which are included with the PPE when purchased.