What Is PPE? Guide + Free Checklist
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, and other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or infection. OSHA 1910.132-138 requires employers to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to employees when engineering controls cannot eliminate hazards.
PPE Hierarchy
PPE is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls. Employers should first try to eliminate hazards, substitute safer alternatives, implement engineering controls, and use administrative controls before relying on PPE.
Types of Construction PPE
- Head Protection: Hard hats (Class E, G, or C)
- Eye/Face: Safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets
- Hearing: Earplugs, earmuffs (85 dB+ exposure)
- Respiratory: N95 masks, half-face/full-face respirators, SCBA
- Hand: Work gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, cut-resistant
- Foot: Steel-toe boots, metatarsal guards, EH-rated
- Body: High-visibility vests, FR clothing, fall harnesses
Employer Responsibilities
- Conduct hazard assessment to determine required PPE
- Provide PPE at no cost to employees
- Train workers on proper use, care, and limitations
- Ensure PPE is maintained and replaced when damaged