OSHA 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA 1910.132 covers a variety of different topics related to personal protective equipment (PPE). This is written, managed, and enforced by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. While OSHA is specifically a US agency, their rules and regulations are often used by agencies and organizations around the world. In addition, they will often apply when products are imported to the United States from other countries, so most organizations need to at least be aware of the standards in place.

This set of standards is focused on helping improve workplace safety using personal protective equipment. The PPE covered under this set of standards includes items that are designed to protect the eyes, face, head, and extremities. This includes, but is not limited to, respiratory devices, protective shields, protective eyewear, protective clothing, and more.

Under this standard, it is made clear that employers must provide the proper PPE to their employees, contractors, and vendors who are working in areas where a significant hazard exists. Companies typically cannot mandate PPE use without providing it to the employees at no cost. This helps to ensure employees comply with the regulatory requirements so that they are kept as safe as possible. In situations where employees do provide their own protective equipment, this set of standards states that the employer needs to take steps to ensure it is adequate and properly maintained for effectiveness.

OSHA 1910.132 also requires that the PPE needs to be properly designed to effectively accomplish the level of protection needed. You will also find information about requirements related to the proper fit of many types of PPE. If your organization has any significant safety hazards that are mitigated by personal protective equipment, reading, and understanding OSHA 1910.132 is essential.