PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1910 Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment



1910 Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment

Introduction

The employer must assess the workplace to identify hazards are present or may be present, which require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such a danger is present, or likely to be present, the employer may choose, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that protect against identified hazards. PPE must properly fit each affected employee and the employer can check the risk assessment in writing (OSHA 1974).

Damaged or defective equipment can not be used. Employers must provide training to each employee required to use PPE. Education will include when PPE is necessary that the PPE is needed, such as wearing personal protective equipment, and proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE (OSHA 1974).

Most Common Violations of Subpart I of 1910 Standards

The first item, electrical dangers, accounts for 23 percent of all violations. Many electrical dangers are easy to spot, such as missing switch plates or broken ground plugs. Employers can save themselves a lot of trouble by simply inspecting all outlets and plugs (OSHA 1974).

Issues with Hazard Communication Programs are responsible for 21 percent of all PESH violations. All employers responsible for workplaces utilizing hazardous chemicals must provide proper labels for such substances, Material Safety Data Sheets, and training to help ensure that their exposed workers handle the chemicals appropriately. Grinding and abrasive tools provide inspectors with an easy gotcha violation in many cases. The problem with grinders, for instance, are those regulations stipulated that the space between the abrasive wheel and the work rest must be no more than 1/8 inch. However, this clearance is almost impossible to maintain because the grinding wheel wears down quickly. Just one use of the machine can grind down the actual size of the wheel and cause the space to expand beyond the allowable 1/8 inch. Inspectors who are looking for something to report can often find a minor violation upon inspecting an ordinary grinding tool. Fortunately, grinding tool accidents are very rare.

As for Exit marking, most violations are cited because the signs' light bulbs are out. It's another easy-to-spot violation for inspectors and one which is just as easy for public managers to overlook. So be sure to keep the Exit lights on (OSHA 1974).

Eye and face security.

(1) The employer may ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye ...