PLEA HSE Awareness
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE in the Hierarchy of Control
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
specially designed to protect you…from head-
to-toe.
What part(s) of the body are protected by
using PPE?
HEAD PROTECTION – All “hardhats ”
provide protection from injury
caused by falling objects.
(Electricians would use a specially
designed hardhat that also would
help to protect them from electrical
shock.)
What part(s) of the body are
protected by using PPE?
FACE & EYE PROTECTION - Safety
glasses must be “ ANSI approved ”
and it will have a “ Z- 87 “ number
stamped on the glasses.
Remember, your prescription
glasses are NOT safety glasses.
A face shield must be used over
safety glasses if there is a chance
that a hazardous chemical could
splash onto your face.
What part(s) of the body are
protected by using PPE?
HEARING PROTECTION – Hearing
protection must be worn when the
noise is so loud that it could hurt
your hearing.
•If you work in noisy areas, you
must wear hearing protection.
•You may need to use earplugs,
earmuffs (or the combination of
both in extremely noisy
environments).
What part(s) of the body are
protected by using PPE?
BODY PROTECTION - Long-sleeve
shirts and full-length pants that
are fire retardant help to protect
you from burns.
Chemical resistant suits may be
required for spills or when
handling chemicals
What part(s) of the body are
protected by using PPE?
FOOT PROTECTION –
•Safety shoes and boots protect
your foot from injuries that
would be caused by things
dropping on or cutting the foot.
•A chemical resistant boot may
be needed for some jobs.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION –
You must wear respiratory
protection if the air in your
work area may become
hazardous to breathe.
What part(s) of the body are
protected by using PPE?
FALL PROTECTION - You must use
personal fall protection when you
must work six feet or more above
the ground. This minimum height
may be different at different work
locations.
HAND PROTECTION - Rubber gloves
protect you from electrical shock.
Neoprene or latex gloves protect
the hands from certain chemicals.
There are many other kinds of
gloves. You must know exactly what
the dangers are before you can
choose the right hand protection.
What You Must Know About Your
PPE
• If you are required to use any PPE, you will be trained. You
will learn how it will protect you, how to wear it, store it,
clean it, and inspect it.
• You must understand all of the manufacturers’ warnings and
limitations of your PPE before you use it.
• You must inspect your equipment and ensure it is clean and
not damaged -EVERY TIME YOU USE IT.
What You Must Know About Your
PPE
• PPE has adjustable parts and comes in a variety of sizes so
that it will be “reasonably” comfortable. You must know
how to adjust it so that it fits properly.
• PPE that does not fit cannot protect you the way it should.
• If you are not sure what PPE you need for your job, check
your work permit. If you still have doubts, check with your
supervisor.
