Controlling a hazard at its source or eliminating the hazard altogether, is the best way to protect employees. OSHA recommends using engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control; changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work practice control.
When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or don’t provide sufficient protection, then Cal/OSHA CCR Title 8 section 3380 Personal Protective Devices requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use.
PPE selection will be based on a hazard assessment before providing PPE to employees for protection from workplace hazards.
Quick Links
Personal Protective Equipment Program (link is pending)
Limitations of PPE
PPE does not eliminate the hazard. If personal protective equipment fails or is improperly used, exposure can occur. For reliable protection, make sure PPE is clean, in good condition, fits correctly, and is appropriate for the materials and equipment used.
Understanding the purpose and limitations of PPE will help you select and use it effectively
Hierarchy of Controls
OSHA Hierarchy of Controls Fact Sheet
Use safety glasses for minor splash hazards, goggles for moderate hazards, and goggles combined with a face shield for severe hazards.
Wear protective footwear when handling heavy materials or working around electrical and construction hazards or rotating machinery. "Safety" shoes are intended to protect feet from injury. A foot hazard assessment is needed to select the right protection features for the hazards.
Foot Protection (link is pending)
Wear proper protective gloves for potential contact with corrosive or toxic materials, materials of unknown toxicity, sharp-edged objects, and very hot or cold materials. Select gloves based on the material handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation conducted.
Head protection is indicated for moving or falling objects, the possibility of bumping heads on objects or equipment, or contacting an electrical source. Hard hats must be worn by electricians, construction workers, and any other workers when there is a danger of objects falling from above.
Review the University PPE Program for additional details. (link is pending)
Hearing protective equipment protects the ear from injury and prevents hearing loss. A variety of hearing protectors, including earplugs and earmuffs, are available for employees whose workplace reaches critical noise levels. Situations, where employees are routinely exposed to elevated noise levels, must be evaluated to determine if employees must be included in the SFSU Hearing Conservation Program.
Hearing Conservation Program (link pending)
Personal fall protection systems and devices are intended to protect employees from injury from falling onto a surface when working from a height.
Work environments and processes where exposure to harmful material by inhalation is possible and cannot be prevented with engineering controls will be evaluated to determine if employees must be included in the Respiratory Protection Program.
Fitted (cartridge) air-filtering face masks are only used under the direction of EH&S.
Disposable "dust masks" that meet N95 or KN95 standards may be used for protection from nuisance dust, smoke from fires, and aerosols.
University Respiratory Protection Program (link is pending)
Use protective clothing as a safeguard against hazardous material spills, splashes, intense heat, impact, cuts, infectious materials, and radiation exposures. Protective clothing includes lab coats, smocks, scrub suits, gowns, rubber or coated aprons, coveralls, uniforms, and pierce-resistant jackets and vests