Employers are required to correct conditions that endanger the health and safety of workers. The most reliable method is to reduce or eliminate hazards through engineering controls. This includes enclosing the operation, using less toxic materials, and providing proper ventilation. Administrative controls may also be used, such as limiting the amount of time an employee works in a hazardous area. However, when hazards cannot be controlled by these means, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required to protect employees from workplace hazards and contaminants. PPE can also provide added protection to employees even if the hazard has been controlled by other means.

Several types of personal protective equipment are available to protect workers from hazards they may encounter on the job. These include eye protection, gloves, protective clothing, respirators, hard hats, harnesses, safety shoes, and hearing protection. PPE is only effective if the equipment is selected based on its intended use, employees are trained in its use, and the equipment is properly tested, maintained, and worn.

1. General. Personal protective equipment shall be used whenever chemical, biological, or physical hazards are encountered in a manner capable of causing injury through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. PPE does not eliminate the hazard and if the equipment fails exposure to the hazard will occur. To reduce the possibility of failure, PPE must be properly fitted and maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.

2. Hazard Assessment. The Safety Office, in cooperation with management and employees, will assess the workplace and determine if hazards are present that may require the use of PPE. If hazards are found, properly fitted PPE will be used by employees. The hazard assessment will be certified in writing and kept in the Safety Office.

3. Training. Before doing work that requires the use of PPE, the Safety Office will train personnel in the proper use and maintenance of the equipment. Training records will be maintained in the Safety Office. Training will include the following: when PPE is necessary, what type of PPE is required, how it is to be worn, what its limitations are, and the proper care, maintenance, and disposal of PPE. Retraining will be performed if the employee does not understand how to use PPE properly or if the need for PPE changes.

4. Approval. All PPE must be approved by the Safety Office to ensure that it meets OSHA requirements. Management may determine specific types of safety equipment based on price, comfort, and style.

5. Supply. Personal safety equipment, except safety shoes and prescription safety glasses, will be supplied by individual departments at no cost to employees and remain the property of Radford University.

6. Responsibilities. Employees are responsible for wearing and properly maintaining PPE. Supervision shall ensure that all regulations regarding the use of personal safety equipment are enforced.

7. Hazard reduction. Providing personal safety equipment should not deter efforts by management to eliminate hazards at the source through engineering design, administrative controls or the substitution of less hazardous materials.

8. Maintenance. All PPE should be inspected for tears, leaks, punctures, breaks, contamination, or signs of wear before use. Damaged or defective equipment should not be used. PPE should be stored carefully to prevent damage and kept clean. Contaminated PPE that cannot be decontaminated should be disposed of properly.