# OSHA Personal Protective Equipment - 29 CFR 1926.95

## General Requirements

### Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide necessary PPE at no cost to employees
- Ensure PPE is properly fitted and maintained
- Train employees on proper use and limitations
- Replace worn or damaged equipment

## Head Protection

### Hard Hat Requirements:
- **Class A**: General service, limited voltage protection
- **Class B**: Utility service, high voltage electrical protection  
- **Class C**: Special service, no electrical protection

### When Required:
- Areas where falling objects pose hazard
- Electrical work (Class A or B only)
- Areas with limited headroom hazards

### Inspection Points:
- Shell for cracks, dents, or penetration
- Suspension system for wear
- Proper fit and adjustment
- Expiration dates on materials

## Eye and Face Protection

### Safety Glasses Required For:
- Flying particles or objects
- Liquid chemicals or metals
- Harmful light radiation
- Combination of above hazards

### Types:
- **Safety glasses**: Basic impact protection
- **Goggles**: Chemical splash protection
- **Face shields**: Full face protection (used with safety glasses)
- **Welding helmets**: Arc welding protection

### Standards Compliance:
- Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards
- Marked with manufacturer identification
- Impact resistance rating clearly visible

## Respiratory Protection

### Program Requirements:
- Written respiratory protection program
- Medical evaluations for users
- Fit testing annually
- Training on use and limitations

### Types:
1. **Air-purifying respirators**: Filter contaminants from air
2. **Supplied-air respirators**: Provide clean air from external source
3. **Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)**: Independent air supply

### Selection Factors:
- Type and concentration of contaminants
- Oxygen levels in work area
- Worker activity level
- Facial hair compatibility

## Hearing Protection

### Required When:
- 8-hour time-weighted average exceeds 85 dB
- Impact or impulse noise
- Unable to reduce noise through engineering controls

### Types:
- **Earplugs**: Insert into ear canal
- **Earmuffs**: Cover entire ear
- **Canal caps**: Seal ear canal entrance

### Noise Reduction Ratings:
- Must provide adequate protection for exposure level
- Consider real-world attenuation factors
- Account for dual protection when needed

## Hand Protection

### Glove Selection Based On:
- Chemical resistance requirements
- Cut and puncture hazards
- Temperature extremes
- Grip requirements
- Dexterity needs

### Common Types:
- **Leather**: General construction work
- **Chemical resistant**: Liquid chemical handling
- **Cut resistant**: Sharp object handling
- **Electrical**: Electrical work protection
- **Welding**: Heat and spark protection

### Inspection Requirements:
- Check for holes, cracks, or deterioration
- Ensure proper fit
- Replace when compromised

## Foot Protection

### Safety Footwear Required:
- Areas with falling object hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Puncture hazards
- Slippery conditions

### Types:
- **Steel toe**: Impact and compression protection
- **Metatarsal guards**: Top-of-foot protection
- **Puncture resistant**: Sharp object protection
- **Electrical hazard**: Electrical protection
- **Chemical resistant**: Chemical exposure

### Standards:
- Must meet ASTM standards
- Proper marking and certification
- Regular inspection for wear

## Fall Protection PPE

### Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
- **Full body harness**: Distribute forces safely
- **Connecting devices**: Lanyards, retractables
- **Anchorage connectors**: Proper attachment points

### Inspection Requirements:
- Before each use visual inspection
- Detailed periodic inspection by competent person
- Removal from service when defective

### Common Defects:
- Cuts, tears, or abrasions on webbing
- Damaged hardware or buckles
- Excessive wear on stitching
- Chemical damage or burns

## Training Requirements

### General Training Topics:
- Hazard assessment procedures
- PPE selection and use
- Proper fitting and adjustment
- Limitations of PPE
- Care and maintenance
- Replacement schedules

### Documentation:
- Training records maintained
- Hazard assessments documented
- PPE inventory and inspections
- Employee acknowledgment forms

## High Visibility Safety Apparel

### Required For:
- Highway work zones
- Areas with vehicle traffic
- Crane and equipment operations
- Emergency responders

### Classes:
- **Class 1**: Minimum visibility for low-risk areas
- **Class 2**: Enhanced visibility for higher-risk areas  
- **Class 3**: Maximum visibility for highest-risk areas

### Design Requirements:
- Background material specifications
- Retroreflective stripe placement
- Combined performance requirements

## Common PPE Violations

### Top Citations:
1. Failure to provide required PPE
2. Inadequate hazard assessment
3. Poor PPE maintenance
4. Insufficient employee training
5. Wrong PPE type for hazard

### Best Practices:
- Conduct thorough hazard assessments
- Provide site-specific PPE training
- Establish inspection schedules
- Maintain equipment properly
- Keep detailed records

## Special Considerations

### Multi-Hazard Environments:
- Consider cumulative protection needs
- Ensure compatibility between PPE types
- Address comfort and mobility issues
- Plan for emergency situations

### Maintenance Programs:
- Cleaning procedures
- Storage requirements  
- Inspection schedules
- Replacement criteria
- Record keeping systems