Personal Protective
Equipment in the Lab
OSHA's
new final standard on personal protective equipment, 29CFR 1910 132, Subpart I (here-after
referred to as the standard), imposes several new and important requirements relating to
basic safety and health programs. The standard adds new general requirements for the
selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Included in these requirements
are the following:
- Employers must conduct a hazard assessment to determine if hazards present necessitate
the use of PPE.
- Employers must certify in writing that the hazard assessment was conducted.
- PPE selection must be made on the basis of hazard assessment and affected workers
properly trained.
- Defective or damaged PPE must not be used.
- Training requirements for employees using PPE must be established. This should include
requirements for employees to demonstrate an understanding of the training.
- Employer must certify in writing that training programs were provided and understood.
At
Oklahoma State University, the office of Environmental Health and Safety may be contacted
to assist departments with their hazard assessment and the required PPE training.
A
variety of laboratory personal protective equipment is commercially available and commonly
used in laboratories. However, for the equipment to perform the desired function, it must
be used and managed properly. Laboratory supervisors and/or departmental chemical hygiene
officers shall determine a need for such equipment, monitor its effectiveness, train the
employees, and monitor and enforce the proper use of such equipment.
Check out OSU EHS's online PPE Information
Library for additional information.
Eye Protection
Clothing
Aprons--Rubber or Plastic?
Gloves
Respirators
Quiz
