(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Compliant)
Provider: OpsIntegrity^TM

Purpose:
The purpose of this training is to ensure that all workers understand the importance of Personal Protective Equipment, the hazards it is designed to protect against, employer responsibilities for PPE, and employee responsibilities for using and maintaining it properly.

Every day, workers across industries face potential hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls alone. When hazards remain, the last line of defense is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE includes protective gear such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, face shields, and respiratory protection.

OSHA’s PPE standard, found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, establishes the requirements for selecting, using, and maintaining PPE in the workplace. The employer is responsible for conducting a hazard assessment, identifying the necessary PPE, providing it at no cost, and ensuring employees are trained to use it properly.

This training provides essential awareness of your role in using PPE to prevent injuries and illnesses. Whether you’re working around chemicals, electrical hazards, falling objects, or loud machinery, PPE can mean the difference between a safe return home and a serious injury.

Our Most Important Objective: A Safe and Healthful Workplace

At OpsIntegrity, we believe that maintaining a safe and healthful workplace is the highest priority for every employer and employee. This principle forms the foundation of all training modules and safety resources provided through the OpsIntegrity system.

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Complying with OSHA standards and other applicable safety regulations.
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Employees are responsible for:

• Following safety procedures and practices at all times.
• Reporting safety concerns, hazards, or near misses.
• Actively supporting the safety culture of their workplace.

Through OpsIntegrity’s shared resources, training, and compliance tools, employers and employees work together to identify risks, prevent injuries, and maintain a strong commitment to safety excellence.

Safety is not just a policy. It is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.

PPE Hazard Assessment – OSHA 1910.132(d)

What OSHA Requires:

Employers must evaluate the workplace to identify hazards that require PPE.
The hazard assessment must be documented in writing and certified by the person conducting it.

Instruction and Application:

The assessment includes evaluating each job function and environment for potential physical, chemical, radiological, biological, and mechanical hazards.
Example: A worker operating a grinder may be exposed to flying metal particles and noise. The employer must note this and prescribe safety glasses and hearing protection.
After assessment, appropriate PPE must be selected and communicated to affected employees.

Real-World Example:

A maintenance technician working around live electrical panels must be evaluated for arc flash hazards. Based on the hazard, PPE may include arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, and a face shield.

Types of PPE and Their Uses

1. Head Protection – 1910.135

• Hard hats are required in areas where there is a risk of falling objects, impact with fixed objects, or electrical shock.
• OSHA requires that hard hats comply with ANSI Z89.1.

Application Tips:

• Inspect daily for cracks, dents, or damage.
• Replace if impacted, even if no visible damage.
• Never paint or drill holes in a hard hat.

2. Eye and Face Protection – 1910.133

• Employees must use appropriate eye or face protection where there is potential for flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, vapors, or harmful light radiation.

Application Tips:

• Use safety glasses with side shields in general industry.
• Use chemical splash goggles when working with hazardous liquids.
• Welding requires specialized protection including shaded lenses and face shields.

Instructional Note:

All devices must meet ANSI Z87.1 and be marked accordingly.

3. Hearing Protection – 1910.95

• Required when noise exceeds an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels.
• Options include earplugs and earmuffs. Hearing conservation programs are required at 85 dB or above.

Best Practices:

• Train employees on proper insertion of earplugs.
• Conduct regular audiometric testing for workers in high-noise areas.

4. Respiratory Protection – 1910.134 (Referenced by 1910 Subpart I)

• Required when airborne contaminants cannot be controlled by ventilation.
• Employers must provide proper respirators, conduct medical evaluations, and perform fit testing annually.

Application Instructions:

• Workers must not wear tight-fitting respirators with facial hair that interferes with the seal.
• Only trained, fit-tested workers may use tight-fitting respirators.

Warning:

• Respirators can cause oxygen deficiency if not used correctly. Training and supervision are essential.

5. Hand Protection – 1910.138

• Hand protection must be selected based on the performance characteristics of the gloves, the task, and potential hazards.

Application Tips:

• Use chemical-resistant gloves for corrosives.
• Use cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp tools or materials.
• Do not use latex gloves where allergies are a concern, use nitrile alternatives.

6. Foot Protection – 1910.136

Required in areas with hazards such as falling or rolling objects, or objects that could pierce the sole.

Requirements:

• Must meet ASTM F2413 or ANSI Z41.
• Employees working around electricity must wear dielectric footwear.

Instructional Reminder:

• Footwear must fit properly and be worn at all times in hazard zones.

7. Body Protection – General Requirement under 1910.132(a)

• Employers must provide suitable protective clothing when there is risk from chemicals, heat, sparks, or environmental extremes.

Examples:

• Aprons in kitchens or laboratories.
• Fire-resistant (FR) clothing for welding or arc flash protection.
• High-visibility vests for roadway or equipment operation areas.

Care and Maintenance:

• Follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines.
• Do not alter PPE (e.g., cutting holes for comfort).
• Replace when damaged or contaminated.

Using the PPE Hazard Assessment Matrix

In dynamic or multi-employer worksites, workers may face a variety of hazards depending on the task, environment, and tools involved. While employers are required to perform a formal hazard assessment and provide PPE, it is essential for every worker to understand how to evaluate their own exposure and ensure they are properly protected.

To support this, we’ve included a PPE Hazard Assessment Matrix as a practical tool to help you make informed decisions about the protective equipment required for common work tasks. This matrix outlines typical job activities, identifies associated hazards, and lists recommended PPE that aligns with OSHA 1910 Subpart I requirements.

This tool is designed for awareness and reference, it does not replace your employer’s official PPE policy or site-specific hazard assessments. Instead, it helps you:

• Quickly identify the hazards related to your current task.
• Confirm the PPE needed for basic protection.
• Supplement your training and improve situational awareness.
• Promote personal responsibility and proactive safety practices.

When in doubt, always consult your supervisor, safety coordinator, or the OpsIntegrity safety portal for additional guidance or confirmation.

Remember: Proper PPE can only protect you if it’s selected correctly, worn consistently, and used properly.

How to Use This Matrix

1. Identify the Task
   Select the task type closest to your activity.
2. Match the Hazard
   Review the associated hazard and the specific indicators to confirm relevance.
3. Apply the PPE Guidance
   Use the listed PPE unless otherwise specified by your employer's safety plan or site-specific analysis.
4. Consult with Supervisor or Safety Coordinator
   If unsure or if multiple hazards exist, seek assistance to apply layered PPE protection or higher protection levels.

Employer Responsibilities – 1910.132

What OSHA Requires:

Employers must:

• Conduct hazard assessments.
• Select and provide appropriate PPE at no cost.
• Train employees on PPE use.
• Enforce proper use.
• Ensure PPE is maintained and replaced when necessary.

Instruction:

• PPE must be available in various sizes to ensure a proper fit.
• Employers must verify through documentation that all employees have received and understood PPE training.
• PPE must be cleaned and stored in a way that prevents contamination or damage.

Employee Responsibilities

What You Must Do:

• Wear PPE as instructed—every time and without exceptions.
• Maintain PPE by cleaning and inspecting it regularly.
• Report any damage or problems immediately.
• Do not misuse or modify your PPE.

Why It Matters:

• PPE that is not worn, or is worn improperly, is useless.
• Your consistent use of PPE protects not only you but also your team and the integrity of the workplace safety culture.

PPE Training Requirements – 1910.132(f)

Training Must Include:

• When PPE is necessary.
• What type of PPE is required.
• How to don, doff, adjust, and wear the PPE.
• Limitations of PPE.
• Care, maintenance, and disposal.

Training Records:

• Employers must verify that each employee has been trained and understands how to use PPE.
• Retraining is required if:
  • Workplace hazards change.
  • PPE changes.
  • A worker demonstrates improper PPE use.

Limitations and Misuse of PPE

Limitations:

• PPE does not eliminate hazards.
• PPE can fail if not used, maintained, or stored properly.
• Overreliance on PPE without addressing root causes of hazards is dangerous.

Misuse Examples:

• Wearing a hard hat backward (unless manufacturer-approved).
• Using gloves with holes or chemical saturation.
• Wearing non-rated safety glasses in high-impact environments.

Instructional Emphasis:

• Always combine PPE with engineering and administrative controls when possible.
• Never substitute PPE use for safe behavior or proper training.

Multi-Employer Worksite Considerations

Many worksites involve multiple employers working together. Each employer must ensure that their employees:

• Know the designated exit routes for the worksite.
• Are familiar with the site's Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Participate in coordinated emergency drills when possible.

Primary contractors or host employers typically hold responsibility for coordinating emergency planning with subcontractors and other employers present on-site. All parties must communicate and ensure that emergency procedures are clear and understood by everyone.

Reporting and Resources

• Report blocked exits, damaged signs, or any emergency hazards immediately to your supervisor or designated safety contact.
• OpsIntegrity Safety Portal provides centralized access to:Emergency Action Plans
  
  • Evacuation maps
  • Emergency contacts
  • Hazard reporting tools
  • Training materials and safety procedures
• Records of reported hazards, corrective actions, and training are maintained for compliance and continuous safety improvement.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in safeguarding workers from injuries and illnesses that cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls. While PPE is not a substitute for eliminating hazards, it is a vital last line of defense that must be used consistently and correctly.

Key Points to Remember:

• Hazards Must Be Identified Before PPE Is Selected:
  Employers are required to perform a thorough hazard assessment of the workplace. This assessment determines what types of PPE are necessary based on task-specific risks like impact, chemicals, noise, radiation, or airborne contaminants.
• PPE Must Be Provided and Maintained at No Cost to the Worker:
  It is the employer’s responsibility to supply workers with properly fitting PPE that complies with OSHA and ANSI standards. This includes replacement of damaged or worn equipment and ensuring PPE is cleaned and maintained regularly.
• Training Is Mandatory Before PPE Use:
  Employees must be trained on how to wear, adjust, remove, and care for PPE. They must also understand its limitations and the importance of reporting any damage, malfunction, or missing equipment immediately.
• Employees Play an Active Role in Protection:
  Proper use of PPE is a personal responsibility. Workers must consistently wear the required gear, inspect it before use, and never modify or misuse it. PPE only works if it is used correctly—every time.
• PPE Alone Is Not Enough:
  PPE should always be considered a last resort, used when hazards cannot be completely eliminated. It should be integrated into a broader safety program that includes hazard elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices.
• Documentation and Accountability Are Required:
  OSHA mandates that hazard assessments and PPE training be documented. Employers must retain training records and certification of assessments. This ensures accountability and helps identify areas for improvement.
  

Final Takeaway:
Safety is a shared responsibility. While your employer must provide the tools and training, it’s up to you to stay vigilant, use PPE consistently, and take an active role in protecting yourself and your coworkers. When properly selected, worn, and maintained, PPE helps ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

Acknowledgment of Completion

By completing this training module on Walking-Working Surfaces (1910 Subpart D), I acknowledge that:

• I have received training in accordance with OSHA’s General Industry standards.
• I understand the hazards associated with walking-working surfaces and how to recognize and prevent them.
• I understand both my employer’s responsibilities and my own responsibilities for maintaining safe walking-working surfaces.
• I am aware of the requirement to report unsafe conditions immediately.
• I know how to access safety procedures, training, and resources through the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal.
• I understand that this training is part of a broader safety program and that additional training may be provided by my employer.

I commit to using the knowledge gained in this training to help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.