PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

The information presented here contains guidance and reference on the selection of personal protective equipment. Be sure to read the appropriate section of the Health & Safety Manual for additional information (e.g., how to obtain the equipment).

Respiratory Protection may be needed
When there is:

• Use and exposure to toxic materials which are not used in an exhausted enclosure.
• Breaking of a toxic or corrosive gas connection (regardless of local exhaust ventilation).
• Need for SCBA use in emergency response.
  
  Contact EHSC Gary Shaver to determine if respiratory protection is needed, the proper type of respiratory protection, and to arrange for medical exams and training (all required by OSHA law)

Hearing Protection may be needed
When there is:

• A high noise level in employee work areas.
• A need to raise your voice at distances of six feet and less.
• A high noise level in areas which may be entered by employees only occasionally.
  
  Providing hearing protection to employees is not sufficient. Training and audiograms are also required. Contact EHSC Gary Shaver to determine noise levels and the need for corrective action.

Body Protection may be needed
When there is:

• Potential for splash.
• Potential for fire.
• Potential for toxic dust contamination (i. e. pesticides).

Use "Tyvek" or equivalent (don't take contaminated clothing home)

• Incidental handling of chemicals in the facility.
• Hot sparks.
• Changing of containers of pyrophoric liquids/gases.

Full faceshield, Nomex gloves & lab coat

• Pouring hazardous liquids from greater than one pint containers in fume hoods.
• Pouring high hazard liquids any quantity. (Class 4 hazard due to skin absorption e. g. Phenol, HF)

Chemical apron sleeves

Pouring or mixing pesticides.

Chemical apron sleeves (Read pesticide Label)

Face Protection may be needed
When there is:

• Potential for explosion/implosion.
• Potential for corrosive chemical splash.
• Potential for flash fire.

Consult Eye & Face Protection Selection Guide.

Eye Protection may be needed
When there is:

• Intense heat
• Impact

  Consult Eye & Face Protection Selection Guide.

Chemicals

Consult Eye & Face Protection Selection Guide. When reactions have the potential for explosion, lower the fume hood sash and wear a full face shield with neck protection.

Intense light:

Laser

• Use appropriate laser goggles.
• Keep spare goggles for visitors.
  

  Cover hands/arms when making beam adjustments (light gloves and long sleeves) when using UV lasers.

Welding, Burning and Brazing

Consult Eye & Face Protection Selection Guide.
Visible

Use polycarbonate safety glasses. (May need tinting)
Ultraviolet

Use polycarbonate safety glasses or full face protection.
Infrared

Use polycarbonate safety glasses. Reassess for heat applications.
Maintenance work, stored energy, steam, pressurized chemical lines

Use safety glasses, faceshields and follow proper procedures.
Electrical Repairs (follow procedures):
Replacing fuses.
Hot Repairs

Use safety glasses or faceshields.

Hand Protection may be needed
When there is:

• Light Duty
• Medium Duty
• Heavy Duty
• High Temperature
• Low Temperature
• Electrical

Use appropriate PPE for high voltage maintenance. Refer to Electrical Protection
Chemical

Choose the appropriate number from the matrix below for your hazard/frequency condition. The corresponding recommendations to the matrix numbers are listed below the chart. Then, consult the Chemical Protective Glove Selection Guide .

Foot Protection may be needed
When there is:

Electrical

Consider need for electrically insulated footwear
Chemical

Chemical contamination normally on floor:

Safety Shoes Required

Safety Shoes must not be removed from the work area

Handling chemicls(floor not contaminated):

Open toe shoes prohibited

Hazardous spill clean-up:

Use protective shoe covering with chemical resistant coating
Impact
Penetration
Compression

Wear steel-toed shoes Refer to Foot Protection

Head Protection may be needed
When there is:

Potential for head contact with electrical conductors
Potential for falling objects from above (construction site)
Potential for head contact with conduit
Refer to Occupational Head Protection

 

Chemical Hazard Class	Frequency of Use
	No Use	Periodic Use	Routine Use
Low hazard chemicals	1	1	2
Moderate hazard chemicals	2	2	3
high hazard chemicals	3	3	4

MATRIX NUMBER:

1. Use glove which provides dexterity (choice of material is not important).
2. Use glove which provides dexterity needed (consider permeation and degradation rating of glove against chemical). Gloves rated r are minimally acceptable.
3. Use glove effectiveness against chemical as primary consideration. Gloves which are rated as R for 8 hours are minimally acceptable.
4. Use glove effectiveness against chemical as primary consideration. Gloves which are rated as RR for 8 hours are minimally acceptable. Seek methods to reduce chemical contact time with glove.

Never immerse gloves in chemical baths - Gloves should be used to provide splash protection only to the greatest extent possible.