PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

The role of PPE
The use of PPE is effective at protecting workers
from safety and health hazards including physical
and adverse health effects.
Employers must ensure that workers are provided
the appropriate PPE, when necessary, at no cost
and that they are properly trained on how to use it.

Worker Safety Practices ƒ Use PPE according to the manufacturer’s
instructions;
ƒ Know what kind of protective equipment
is necessary;
ƒ Understand the limitations of PPE;

ƒ Know how to put on, adjust, wear, and take
off PPE;
ƒ Maintain, inspect, and clean PPE per
manufacturer recommendations; and
ƒ Store PPE properly to prevent damage

Know the Four Levels of PPE
Emergency response-type PPE is classified into
four levels, ranging from the most protective
(Level A) to the least protective (Level D). Workers
must be trained on the conditions that require
PPE and the procedures to prevent and reduce
exposure, including decontamination and proper
disposal procedures.
LEVEL A*
Highest level of
respiratory, skin, and eye
protection.
LEVEL B*
Highest level of respiratory
protection with a lower
level of skin protection.
LEVEL C*
Same level of skin protection
as Level B, with a lower level
of respiratory protection.
LEVEL D*
No respiratory protection
and only minimal skin
protection

• Level requires respirators that are approved by the National Institute for
  Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).