Choosing the Right PPE

What is PPE's Proper Use?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, provides standards on personal protective equipment for various industries and hazards. General examples for PPE use include using safety eyewear wherever an employee may be encountering airborne debris. If there are falling object hazards, such as on a construction site, hard hats are required. The types of protective clothing you may need – hand protection, body protection, foot protection, or face protection are all dependent on the hazards you face in your specific workplace.

What is the Right PPE for You?

Every work site has different hazards which require different types of personal protective equipment. In order for your PPE to properly protect you, it needs to be the proper equipment for the situation. For example, if you work somewhere with sharp edges, knives, or other cut hazards, cut-resistant gloves would be required. Many types of personal protective equipment are required by OSHA to conform to standards laid out by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Cut-resistant gloves fall under these ANSI ratings. ANSI Cut Resistance Standards place cut-resistant gloves on a scale of A1 – A9 based on the compilation of data from a cut resistance test (see ANSI Cut Ratings Guide).

Let Us Help!

Most sellers or manufacturers of safety equipment will generally inform you of what standards their product is complying with. However, this may not always be enough. Just because a product is rated to withstand heat doesn’t mean it can handle the heat or flame hazards of your worksite. Product specialists at Stauffer Glove & Safety can help you determine what types of materials and products your safety program needs, what safety standards these products should meet, and how to use them correctly. For more info, feel free to check out our Safety Knowledge Center.

Instill a Culture of Safety

You've developed your safety program - now what?  Selecting and purchasing the right personal protective equipment for your specific hazards is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to safety. You also have to ensure personnel are trained to properly use the equipment, and most importantly, actually wear it.

This is why it is vital to establish a culture of safety in your workplace. If a piece of PPE is not worn or used properly, it does not provide the necessary protection. Employees should be trained to frequently inspect their PPE, report any damage or dysfunction, and request replacements when appropriate. Supervisors and safety managers must track and maintain continued training and PPE usage. Involve employees in any sort of safety training. Hold periodic safety meetings to maintain the culture of safety in the workplace. PPE is made to be the last line of defense. The first step is ensuring employees are working and behaving in a safe manner.

Finally, make sure you are consistently inspecting and maintaining your safety equipment. Like anything, PPE wears out over time and use. Worn or damaged PPE will not protect you properly.