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Construction Safety5 min

PPE — Personal Protective Equipment

Reference: OSHA 1926 Subpart E

Key Talking Points

  • PPE is the last line of defense. OSHA 1926 Subpart E requires employers to perform a hazard assessment of the worksite and provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers. PPE does not eliminate the hazard — it reduces exposure when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible.
  • Head protection: Hard hats (ANSI Z89.1) are required where there is a risk of falling objects or head contact with fixed objects. Type I protects the top; Type II protects the top and sides. Replace any hard hat that has taken an impact or shows cracks, dents, or UV degradation.
  • Eye and face protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields (ANSI Z87.1) are required for flying particles, dust, chemical splash, or intense light. Match the protection to the hazard — grinding needs goggles or a face shield, not just safety glasses.
  • Hand and foot protection: Select gloves based on the hazard — cut-resistant for sharp materials, chemical-resistant for solvents, insulated for electrical work. Steel-toe or composite-toe boots (ASTM F2413) are standard on most construction sites.
  • Hearing protection: When noise exposure reaches 85 dBA (8-hour TWA), hearing protection is required. Foam earplugs, earmuffs, or both may be needed. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

DO

  • Wear the PPE required for your specific task — check the jobsite hazard assessment
  • Inspect all PPE before each use and replace worn, cracked, or damaged items
  • Ensure proper fit — loose gloves, oversized glasses, and improperly adjusted hard hats reduce protection
  • Store PPE properly when not in use — clean, dry, and away from UV exposure
  • Report any task where you believe additional PPE is needed to your supervisor

DON'T

  • Modify PPE — drilling holes in a hard hat, cutting fingers off gloves, or taping cracked safety glasses
  • Use damaged PPE — if it is cracked, torn, or has taken an impact, take it out of service
  • Skip PPE because the task is "quick" — most injuries happen during short-duration work
  • Assume one type of glove works for every hazard — chemical, cut, and impact hazards require different gloves
  • Wear loose clothing, jewelry, or torn gloves near rotating equipment

Discussion Questions

  1. What PPE is required for the specific tasks we are performing today?
  2. When was the last time you inspected your hard hat for cracks or UV degradation, and what are the signs it needs replacement?
  3. If a task requires PPE you do not have, what should you do before starting the work?