Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to minimize exposure to various hazards. PPE includes gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs), and hard hats, to name a few.

As your employer, CUIMC is required to provide all employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to do that. Depending on the hazard or workplace conditions, OSHA recommends using engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and employees is an engineering control; changing how employees perform their work (e.g., through job rotations) is an administrative control. When engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, PPE must be provided.

Selecting PPE
Before selecting PPE, a hazard assessment of the work activity or workplace is conducted to identify potential hazards that require using PPE. When issued PPE, employees should:

• Properly wear PPE 
• Attend training sessions on PPE
• Care for, clean, and maintain PPE  
• Inform a supervisor of the nee to repair or replace PPE

PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear encourages use. If PPE does not fit properly, it can distinguish between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. It may not provide the level of protection desired and may discourage employee use. After training, all employees must demonstrate an understanding of the PPE and the ability to properly wear and use PPE before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of the PPE.

Personal protective equipment is an essential component of workplace safety. For more information or questions about PPE, please contact your supervisor or a Campus Life Safety & Regulatory Compliance team member.