PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) USAGE PROCEDURE Company: [COMPANY NAME] Effective Date: [DATE] Review Date: [DATE] Procedure Number: PPE-001 1. PURPOSE This procedure establishes requirements for the selection, use, maintenance, and replacement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect employees from workplace hazards. 2. SCOPE This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to workplace hazards requiring PPE protection. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES Employer: • Conduct PPE hazard assessment • Provide appropriate PPE at no cost to employees • Ensure PPE training is provided • Maintain PPE in good condition • Replace damaged or worn PPE Supervisors: • Ensure employees use required PPE • Monitor PPE condition and usage • Enforce PPE requirements • Report PPE deficiencies Employees: • Use PPE as required and trained • Inspect PPE before each use • Maintain PPE in good condition • Report damaged or defective PPE • Follow proper donning and doffing procedures 4. PPE HAZARD ASSESSMENT A comprehensive hazard assessment must be conducted to determine: • Types of hazards present • Body parts at risk • Appropriate PPE for each hazard • PPE compatibility requirements Assessment must be documented and include: • Date of assessment • Person conducting assessment • Workplace/job evaluated • Hazards identified • PPE selected 5. PPE SELECTION CRITERIA PPE must be selected based on: • Type and severity of hazard • Degree of protection required • Comfort and fit • Compatibility with other PPE • Cost and availability • Compliance with standards 6. TYPES OF PPE AND USAGE HEAD PROTECTION: Hard Hats/Safety Helmets When Required: • Risk of falling objects • Electrical hazards • Bump hazards Selection Criteria: • Class G: General use, limited electrical protection • Class E: Electrical work up to 20,000 volts • Class C: Conductive, no electrical protection Inspection Points: • Cracks in shell or suspension • Dents or gouges • Fading or chalking • Loose or damaged suspension EYE AND FACE PROTECTION: Safety Glasses/Goggles/Face Shields When Required: • Flying particles or debris • Chemical splashes • Radiation exposure • Welding operations Types: • Safety glasses with side shields • Chemical splash goggles • Welding helmets/shields • Laser safety glasses Inspection Points: • Scratched or damaged lenses • Loose or broken frames • Damaged straps or headbands • Fogging or distortion HEARING PROTECTION: Earplugs/Earmuffs When Required: • Noise levels above 85 dBA (8-hour TWA) • Impact or impulse noise • Extended exposure to moderate noise Types: • Disposable foam earplugs • Reusable silicone earplugs • Earmuffs • Electronic hearing protection Inspection Points: • Damage to ear cups or cushions • Cracks in headband • Compressed or dirty earplugs • Proper seal and fit RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Masks/Respirators When Required: • Airborne contaminants • Oxygen-deficient atmospheres • Toxic gases or vapors • Dust or particulates Types: • N95 filtering facepiece • Half-face respirators • Full-face respirators • Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) Special Requirements: • Medical evaluation required • Fit testing mandatory • Training on use and limitations • Cartridge change schedules HAND PROTECTION: Gloves When Required: • Chemical exposure • Cut or puncture hazards • Thermal hazards • Electrical work • Rough or abrasive materials Types: • Nitrile (chemical resistance) • Leather (general protection) • Cut-resistant (sharp objects) • Insulated (electrical work) • Heat-resistant (thermal protection) Selection Factors: • Chemical compatibility • Dexterity requirements • Duration of use • Grip requirements FOOT PROTECTION: Safety Shoes/Boots When Required: • Falling objects • Puncture hazards • Electrical hazards • Slippery surfaces • Chemical exposure Types: • Steel toe (impact protection) • Composite toe (non-metallic) • Metatarsal guards • Electrical hazard rated • Chemical resistant • Slip-resistant soles BODY PROTECTION: Protective Clothing When Required: • Chemical exposure • Heat or flame • Arc flash • Biological hazards • Weather protection Types: • Chemical suits • High-visibility clothing • Arc flash suits • Disposable coveralls • Aprons and sleeves 7. PROPER PPE USAGE DONNING (PUTTING ON) SEQUENCE: 1. Inspect PPE before use 2. Put on in correct order (typically bottom to top) 3. Ensure proper fit and adjustment 4. Check for gaps or exposed areas 5. Verify all PPE is secure DOFFING (REMOVING) SEQUENCE: 1. Remove in reverse order (typically top to bottom) 2. Avoid touching contaminated surfaces 3. Dispose of or clean as appropriate 4. Wash hands thoroughly 5. Store reusable PPE properly 8. PPE INSPECTION DAILY INSPECTION (Before Each Use): • Visual examination for damage • Check fit and adjustment • Verify expiration dates • Ensure cleanliness • Test functionality where applicable PERIODIC INSPECTION: • Weekly detailed inspection • Monthly supervisor checks • Annual comprehensive review • Post-incident inspection INSPECTION DOCUMENTATION: • Record inspection results • Note deficiencies found • Track corrective actions • Maintain inspection logs 9. PPE MAINTENANCE AND CARE CLEANING: • Follow manufacturer's instructions • Use appropriate cleaning agents • Allow complete drying • Inspect after cleaning • Replace if damaged during cleaning STORAGE: • Clean, dry location • Away from direct sunlight • Proper temperature and humidity • Organized and accessible • Protected from contamination REPLACEMENT CRITERIA: • Visible damage or wear • Loss of protective properties • Expiration date reached • Poor fit or comfort • Contamination that cannot be removed 10. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Initial Training Must Cover: • When PPE is necessary • What PPE is necessary • How to properly don and doff PPE • Limitations of PPE • Proper care and maintenance • Signs of wear and damage Refresher Training: • Annual retraining • When new PPE is introduced • After PPE-related incidents • When deficiencies are observed Training Documentation: • Date and duration of training • Topics covered • Trainer qualifications • Employee understanding verification 11. PPE PROGRAM EVALUATION Annual Program Review: • Effectiveness assessment • Incident analysis • Employee feedback • Technology updates • Cost-benefit analysis Performance Metrics: • PPE-related injury rates • Compliance observations • Training completion rates • PPE deficiency reports • Employee satisfaction 12. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Multi-Hazard Environments: • Assess compatibility of different PPE • Ensure adequate protection for all hazards • Consider cumulative effects • Prioritize most severe hazards Visitors and Contractors: • Provide appropriate PPE • Ensure training or escort • Verify PPE standards compliance • Document PPE issuance Emergency Situations: • Emergency PPE locations • Quick-donning procedures • Emergency escape respirators • First responder PPE 13. RECORDKEEPING Maintain records for: • Hazard assessments • PPE selection rationale • Training records • Inspection logs • Incident reports • Medical evaluations (respirators) Retention Period: [SPECIFY YEARS] 14. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE This procedure complies with: • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 (General Requirements) • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 (Eye and Face Protection) • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection) • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 (Head Protection) • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 (Foot Protection) • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 (Hand Protection) • [LOCAL REGULATIONS] Approved by: _________________ Date: _______ [SAFETY MANAGER] Reviewed by: _________________ Date: _______ [DEPARTMENT MANAGER] Document Control: Version: 3.0 Next Review: [DATE] Distribution: All Departments