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PROCEDURES

3. PPE Selection Guidelines

a. General Considerations

For each hazard identified, select personal protective equipment that will protect the employee by creating a barrier against workplace hazards. Consider the likelihood of an accident and the seriousness of a potential accident. Personal protective equipment must be selected to protect against any hazard that is present or likely to be present. It is important for department personnel to become familiar with the potential hazards, the type of protective equipment that is available, and the level of protection that is provided by that equipment, i.e., splash protection, impact protection, etc.

The personal protective equipment selected must fit the employee it is intended to protect. Make certain that employees have the correct size of protective equipment. Whenever possible, select adjustable personal protective equipment. Employee input in the selection process is critical. Personal protective equipment that fits properly and is comfortable will more likely be worn by employees. Damaged or defective protective equipment must be taken out of service immediately to be repaired or replaced and employees must be provided with the proper equipment in the interim.

For the proper selection of PPE, please use the following resources:

• Information presented in these Guidelines;
• Appendix A guides: Eye and Face Protection Chart, Filter Lenses for Protection against Radiant Energy Chart; Footwear Selection Guidelines, Selection of Footwear for Chemical Resistance, Selection of Hand Protection, Selection of Protective Clothing Materials, Selection of High Visibility Clothing
• Technical assistance from ORCBS/DPPS and the manufacturers of PPE;
• MSDSs for chemicals; and
• University Stores Catalog, product descriptions.

Procedures: PPE Selection Guidelines: Eye and Face Protection

PPE Manual Table of Contents