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PPE Selection Guide
Personal Protective Equipment

Selecting, using, and managing PPE based on OSHA requirements, hazard assessments, and industry standards

By Stanislav Samek, Samektra · 10 min read · Last updated April 23, 2026

PPE and the Hierarchy of Controls

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls. Before relying on PPE, employers must first attempt to eliminate the hazard, substitute a less hazardous process, implement engineering controls (ventilation, guarding, isolation), and establish administrative controls (procedures, rotation, signage). PPE is used when these higher-level controls are not feasible, are being implemented, or do not fully protect the worker 1910.132(a).

Key Principle: PPE does not eliminate the hazard — it only reduces the worker's exposure. A malfunctioning respirator, an improperly rated glove, or a scratched face shield can give a false sense of security. PPE must be properly selected, fitted, maintained, and used in conjunction with other controls.

Hazard Assessment and Certification

OSHA requires the employer to perform a hazard assessment of the workplace to determine if hazards are present or likely to be present that require PPE 1910.132(d)(1). The assessment must survey all work areas for sources of hazards including impact, penetration, compression, chemical exposure, harmful dust, light radiation, heat, electrical hazards, and falling objects.

After completing the assessment, the employer must produce a written certification that includes the workplace evaluated, the person performing the assessment, the date(s) of the assessment, and identification of the document as a hazard assessment certification 1910.132(d)(2). This written certification is one of the most commonly cited deficiencies during OSHA inspections — many employers perform the assessment but fail to document it.

PPE Selection by Body Region

Head1910.135ANSI Z89.1Type I (top impact) or Type II (top + lateral). Class E (20kV), G (2.2kV), or C (no electrical rating). Hard hats must be replaced after any impact or per manufacturer schedule.
Eyes & Face1910.133ANSI Z87.1Safety glasses (impact), goggles (splash/dust), face shields (full face), welding helmets (radiant energy). "Z87+" marking means high-impact rated. Side shields required for flying particle hazards.
Hands1910.138VariousLeather (abrasion), nitrile (chemicals), Kevlar (cut), rubber insulating (electrical). Selection depends on chemical breakthrough time, cut resistance level (ANSI A1–A9), and dexterity requirements.
Feet1910.136ASTM F2413Safety-toe (I/75 C/75 = 75 ft-lb impact / 2,500 lb compression). Metatarsal guards for heavy object hazards. EH-rated for electrical hazard. Puncture-resistant soles for construction.
Hearing1910.95ANSI S3.19Earplugs (NRR 25–33), earmuffs (NRR 20–31). Required when 8-hr TWA exceeds 85 dBA (action level) or 90 dBA (PEL). Dual protection for exposures above 100 dBA.
Body / Torso1910.132VariousHigh-visibility vests (ANSI 107), flame-resistant clothing (NFPA 2112), chemical suits (Levels A–D), arc-rated garments (NFPA 70E).

Electrical PPE and NFPA 70E

Electrical work introduces unique PPE requirements governed by both OSHA 1910.137 and NFPA 70E. Arc flash hazards require arc-rated (AR) clothing and face protection based on the incident energy analysis or the arc flash PPE category method.

Category 14 cal/cm²AR shirt + pants or AR coverall, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves
Category 28 cal/cm²AR shirt + pants, AR face shield + balaclava, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves
Category 325 cal/cm²AR flash suit hood + coat + pants, AR gloves + leather protectors, hard hat, safety glasses
Category 440 cal/cm²AR flash suit hood + coat + pants (multi-layer), AR gloves + leather protectors, hard hat, safety glasses

Rubber insulating gloves must be tested before first use, every 6 months thereafter, and after any suspected damage 1910.137(c)(2). Glove classes range from Class 00 (500V AC) to Class 4 (36,000V AC). Leather protector gloves must always be worn over rubber insulating gloves to prevent physical damage.

Training and Documentation

Each employee required to use PPE must be trained to know 1910.132(f):

  • When PPE is necessary and what PPE is necessary.
  • How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE.
  • The limitations of the PPE.
  • The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

Retraining is required when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the necessary understanding, when changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete, or when changes in PPE make earlier training inadequate. The employer must certify in writing that training has been completed — including the employee name, date of training, and subject of certification.

Employer Payment Obligations

With limited exceptions, employers are required to provide PPE at no cost to employees 1910.132(h). The employer is not required to pay for:

  • Everyday clothing (long pants, street shoes) or weather-related gear not used for workplace hazards.
  • Ordinary prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses (but prescription safety glasses with side shields are employer-provided).
  • Logging boots and prescription safety eyewear when the employee provides the equipment and the employer does not require specific brands or features.
  • Items that employees are allowed to take home and use for personal purposes.

Replacement and Maintenance

The employer is responsible for maintaining PPE in a sanitary and reliable condition. This includes cleaning, disinfecting, repairing, and replacing PPE as necessary. If an employee's PPE is damaged, defective, or has reached the end of its useful life, the employer must provide a replacement at no cost. Employees have a responsibility to report damaged or defective PPE promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an employer have to pay for PPE?
Yes, with narrow exceptions. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(h) requires the employer to pay for required PPE. Employees pay for non-specialty safety footwear and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear only when those items are allowed to be worn off-site, and for items worn by choice rather than by requirement. Everything else — hard hats, hearing protection, respirators, fall arrest harnesses — is on the employer.
What is a PPE hazard assessment and when is it required?
29 CFR 1910.132(d) requires a documented workplace hazard assessment before selecting PPE. The assessment identifies the hazards present, the body parts at risk, and the PPE selected to address each hazard. It must be written, dated, and signed by the certifying person. This certification is the first document an OSHA inspector asks for during a PPE audit.
How often does PPE training need to be repeated?
Initial training is required before an employee uses PPE for the first time. Retraining is required whenever workplace changes render previous training obsolete, when PPE changes, or when an employee demonstrates lack of understanding or skill. There is no fixed calendar requirement, but best practice is annual refresher training documented in the employee file.
Can employees refuse to wear PPE?
PPE is a condition of employment in jobs where it is required. An employee who refuses to wear required PPE can be disciplined or terminated. However, the employer must ensure the PPE fits properly and is compatible with any medical conditions. A worker whose glasses do not fit under a full-face respirator has a legitimate complaint; a worker who finds hearing protection "uncomfortable" does not.
What is the difference between ANSI Z87.1 and safety glasses without a marking?
ANSI Z87.1 is the US standard for eye and face protection. Compliant eyewear is permanently marked "Z87" or "Z87+". The plus symbol indicates the lens also meets high-velocity impact requirements. Unmarked safety glasses are not OSHA compliant regardless of how they look — the absence of the marking is the violation.
Do workers need to clean and store their own PPE?
Yes, for most PPE. Employees are responsible for daily inspection, cleaning, and proper storage of their assigned equipment. The employer is responsible for providing cleaning supplies, designated storage, and replacement of damaged equipment at no cost. Shared PPE (like face shields in a shop tool room) must be sanitized between users by the employer.

References

1. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I — Personal Protective Equipment (1910.132–.140).

2. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 — Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.

3. ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 — Industrial Head Protection.

4. NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2024 Edition.

5. OSHA Publication 3151: Personal Protective Equipment.

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