PPE Program Summary

This program provides information regarding hazard exposures where engineering and administrative controls do no provide sufficient risk reduction. The proper selection and use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hand hats, gloves, hearing protection, etc. is covered.

Purpose

Environmental, Health & Safety developed this program to help departments protect employees from exposure to workplace hazards and to facilitate university compliance with state and federal safety-related regulatory requirements. This program complies with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry), Subpart I and 29 CFR 1926 (Construction), Subpart E.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces the severity of injury from hazards by creating a barrier against workplace hazards. PPE must be used when the eyes, face, hands, extremities, or other parts of the body are exposed to workplace hazards that cannot be controlled by other means. PPE is not a substitute for good engineering controls, administrative controls, or good work practices, but should be used in conjunction with those controls to ensure the safety and health of employees. The use of PPE does not eliminate the hazard, and if the PPE fails, or is used improperly, exposure to the hazard may occur.

Application

Departments should designate a personal protective equipment coordinator(s) to implement requirements of this program. This is typically assigned to supervisors, priniciple investigators, or designated safety representatives depending on organizational structure and oversight.

Scope

This program applies to all Virginia Tech properties and to all work performed by Virginia Tech employees regardless of jobsite location.