Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against occupational hazards. PPE should be considered only after more effective controls have been examined (elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative). In order for PPE to protect the user, it must be selected, stored, maintained, and worn properly.
In addition to the roles and responsibilities described in 日韩无码鈥檚 Policy for Workplace Health and Safety, the following apply specifically to the use of PPE:
- Failure/refusal to wear required PPE is a basis for disciplinary action.
- A student not wearing course required PPE in a laboratory or technical area may not participate in lab activities until such PPE is worn.
- Workers may be liable for costs associated with injuries that would have been prevented by proper use of PPE when they have willfully not used that PPE.OSHA requires that employers attept to control know and potential hazards through adminsitrative controls, engineering controls, and best industry work practices before relying on PPE. PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards. When PPE is required, OSHA regulations stipulate how it is selected, provided, maintained, and used. Both OSHA鈥檚 and PPE standards may simultaneously apply to the same work site and job tasks.
OSHA standards that govern General Industry safety regulations apply to most work sites and refer to all industries not included in agriculture, construction or maritime. Examples include laboratory settings, routine operations and maintenance activities, small scale tasks such as HVAC or other minor equipment repair.
Construction Industry standards apply to construction work meaning 鈥渨ork for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating鈥.
Additional Resources
Contact Risk Management and Safety (RMS) to assist with assessments and training.
Contact Labor and Employee Relations (LER) to assist with non-compliance.
Personal Protection Equipment Program
This written program is a means to analyze work tasks and determine appropriate personal protection against know or potential workplace hazards in accordance with Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration and U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In addition to the roles and responsibilities described in 日韩无码鈥檚 Policy for Workplace Health and Safety, the following apply specifically to the use of PPE:
Failure/refusal to wear required PPE is a basis for disciplinary action.
日韩无码 Personnel not wearing required PPE may not participate in occupational, academic or research activities until such PPE is worn.
Employees may be liable for costs associated with injuries that would have been prevented by proper use of PPE when they have willfully not used that PPE.
Contaminated PPE must not be worn in common areas.
Make sure to properly remove, clean or dispose of any PPE before traveling from an area of contamination (including laboratories) into hallways, breakrooms, elevators, bathrooms, etc.
Procedures
Supervisors and Managers
- Identify job classifications and tasks that require hazards assessment.
- Assess hazards in consultation with RMS/TCO. Document hazards assessments and maintain records.
- Ensure employees receive training in proper use, storage, limitations, and maintenance of PPE and maintain documentation of personnel trained.
- Ensure PPE is provided to employees as appropriate and that PPE is free from defect.
- Ensure required PPE is being properly used by affected employees and students when and where hazards exist in workplaces for which they are responsible.
- Review tasks as hazards change or at least every 3 years.
Individual Employees, Students, and other Affiliated Personnel (Workers)
- Inform supervisors of hazards encountered on the job, or in the lab, shop, field, or other area.
- Wear PPE when appropriate and/or at the direction of a supervisor. Inspect PPE prior to use and replace as necessary.
- Clean, maintain, and appropriately store PPE according to manufacturer鈥檚 recommendations or best industry practice.
- Do not re-use PPE that is designed for 1-time use (disposable).
- Immediately notify supervisor of damaged or defective PPE, new hazards, physical changes, or other conditions where PPE does not offer adequate protection for the hazard.
Academic courses which include laboratory, shop, or field work are required to indicate hazards and controls, including required PPE. The sponsoring college or department may provide this PPE from operating funds or student fees, or require students to obtain the specified PPE. Common communal PPE such as thermal protection, welding aprons, face shields, etc., will be provided by the sponsoring department. The instructor of record for a course, or designee, is responsible for ensuring that students are familiar with and properly using required protective devices
Risk Management and Safety (RMS) and PPD Training and Compliance Office (TCO)
- RMS communicates the requirements and resources of this policy to departments and campus community.
- TCO consults with departments/units to identify and assess risks associated with asbestos, lead, and silica as these relate to facilities.
- RMS consults with departments/units regarding other risks.
- RMS recommends PPE to supervisors in departments/units across campus. TCO recommends PPE to supervisors in the Physical Plant Department
- Provide general training in use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE.
All individuals shall report unsafe conditions, accidents, and chemical spills or exposures to their supervisor, RMS, and/or the Ethics and Compliance Reporting and Help Line . The University prohibits retaliation for good faith reporting of safety issues. Procedures devised for handling hazardous situations and materials shall be followed conscientiously and any member of the campus community shall feel authorized to stop work if they believe that continuation of the work poses an imminent danger to their safety or health or that of people in the vicinity.
Risk Assessment Tools
A risk assessment of the workplace or work task should be conducted in order to select the PPE that is appropriate for the workplace hazard. A risk assessment is used to identify all possible hazards of a job or work area and ways to minimize or eliminate exposure to the hazards.
Below are risk assessment tools available to supervisors and managers:
- Write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the work task. Include roles and responsibilities for every person involved in the work, specify clear and simple instructions for the task, and include things can go wrong (i.e. "what if" scenarios). An SOP is also a useful training tool for new personnel
- If the work includes the use of a machine, instrument or other piece of equipment, consult the manufacturer's instructions for PPE recommendations.
- Conduct a Job Hazard Assessment, or JHA (PDF) of the task. A JHA is used to identify each step in a job task and all of the potential hazards. The results of the JHA can be used to determine the appropriate PPE for the task.
- Use the Chemical Use and Planning Form (PDF) for work involving chemicals
For more information on PPE selection, visit .
Please contact RMS with any questions.
PPE Limitations
All PPE has limitations. This is why PPE is referred to as the last line of defense and why administrative and engineering controls are utilized before determining PPE use. Specific hazards require specific PPE selection. Remember, no one material protects against every hazard.
PPE limitations
- PPE may restrict movement, dexterity, field of vision, communication, and/or comfort.
- Misunderstood or misused PPE may provide a false sense of security.
- PPE that is too large, too small or otherwise poorly fitted may result in overexposure to a hazard.
- Inproper donning and doffing procedures may expose the user to hazards.
- PPE must be maintained properly to be effective
- When contaminated, the user must stop their work and change PPE.
The value of keeping yourself protected greatly outweighs any PPE limitations.
Maintenance and Replacement of PPE
Each employee or student is responsible wearing all required PPE in the correct manner. Employees and students are responsible for informing their supervisor when worn or damaged PPE needs to be replaced. PPE used for hazardous materials protection, including laboratory coats, shall not be laundered at private residences or public laundry facilities. Any protective clothing that becomes contaminated with hazardous materials must be decontaminated prior to being laundered or appropriately discarded. Colleges/Administrative units are responsible for providing suitable laundry services and/or facilities to maintain required PPE, including laboratory coats.
Training
Since PPE can fail, those who wear it must be trained to understand its limitations. Each supervisor will conduct training to ensure workers know how to properly wear, adjust, and maintain assigned PPE. Workers must demonstrate understanding of the proper use of assigned PPE. The training must be documented (record the date, time, name of trainer, and name of employee or student) and cover these elements:
- When PPE is necessary;
- What PPE is necessary;
- How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;
- The limitations of the PPE, and;
- The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.
Re-evaluating the Appropriateness of PPE
Each supervisor is responsible for periodically re-evaluating the selection and use of PPE in work areas under their control. The hazard assessment should be repeated when new hazards are identified or introduced into the workplace or at least every three (3) years.
PPE Regulations
OSHA requires that employers attept to control risks trough adminsitrative controls, engineering controls, and work practices before relying on Personal Protective Equipment. When PPE is required, OSHA regulations stipulate how it is selected, provided, maintained, and used. The quick links on this page are to 日韩无码 information for specific types of PPE. OSHA's regulations for PPE can be found at
Types of PPE
Head, Eye, and Face Protection
Head Protection
Protective helmets are required when working in areas where there is a potential head injury from falling objects or low hanging obstacles. Hard hats are tested for impact and penetration resistance from blows to the top of the head, flammability resistance, and water absorption. ANSI Z89.1 is the standard describing the performance criteria required for different types of hard hats.
OSHA regulations regarding PPE for Head protection are found at .
Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection, such as safety glasses or face shields, may be required in areas that have the following hazards:
- Accidental splashes of chemicals, bodily fluids, or other hazardous liquids
- Unexpected flying objects or particles (chips, shards) from a nearby machine or hand tool
- Non-ionizing radiation
- UV lights
A risk assessment should be conducted before appropriate eye and face protection is chosen.
Eye and face protection must meet the ANSI Standard Z87.1. Approved safety glasses or goggles will have the ANSI standard number (Z87 or Z87+) imprinted on all parts of the protective wear. Eye and face protection that is UV rated will also be imprinted with a "U" and a number ranging from 2 to 6, with lenses marked "U6" providing the highest level of UV protection.
Safety glasses and goggles come in many different styles and should fit well around the eye area. If there are large gaps around the eyes or slippage occurs, try another style. Prescription glasses are NOT equivalent to safety glasses, unless they are ANSI-rated, and they can make it difficult to find safety glasses that fit comfortably. Safety staff has several samples of safety glasses from vendors for personnel to try on before purchasing. Contact Safety staff if you would like us to bring samples to you.
OSHA regulations relating to Eye and Face protections are found at
Types of Eye Protection
Safety Glasses
The use of safety glasses is a good option for protection when hazardous materials are used or there is any risk of injury to the eye. Safety glasses are sufficient for minimal splash hazard and are good for protection against large projectiles.
Safety Goggles
Safety goggles should be worn if there is a moderate risk of splash from a hazardous material. They may also need to be worn when working with high risk chemicals or processes. If the goggles have a cloth or foam seal, these may not provide enough protection from chemical splashes. If possible, purchase googles that are resistant to fogging. Remember, not all goggles protect in the same way.
- Direct vented goggles: allows a direct flow of air from the atmosphere in the lab into the goggles. These are only useful when protectiles are the main concern, as they do not protect against splashes or vapor. May be useful in wood and machine shops.
- Indirect vented goggles: covered vents allow the passage of air between the goggles, but not liquids. These goggles provide protection against splashes, in addition to any projectiles. Before use, make sure that the vent covers are not turned inside-out. Vents positioned this way offer no protection against splashes.
- Non-vented goggles: no venting of any kind. These protect against dust, mist, liquid, and vapor hazards. When the hazards is a gas, these provide adequate protection, though they are not equivalent to gas-proof goggles. Due to the lack of venting, fog may gather quicker in these goggles than the other options.
Face Shield
Examples of when a face shield should be worn include the following:
- There is a high risk of a splash of hazardous material (e.g. chemical, blood, etc),
- Removing hot liquids from an autoclave,
- Dispensing liquid nitrogen,
- Working with high risk chemicals or processes (e.g. highly reactive chemicals, concentrated corrosives, etc.), and
- Vacuum or pressurized glassware systems.
Disposable face shields are more lightweight, comfortable, and convenient than reusable ones; but may not be appropriate for all applications.
When using a face shield, safety glasses or goggles should be worn underneath.
Tinted Glasses/Goggles/Face Shield/etc.
Tinted or shaded lenses may be necessary for protection from radiant energy (e.g. lasers and welding). ANSI Z87 approved eye and face protection that is UV-rated will also be imprinted with a "U" and a number ranging from 2 to 6, with lenses marked "U6" providing the highest level of UV protection. Depending on the type of radiant energy, the wavelength of the laser, etc. the kind and color of safety protection will vary. When choosing the correct eye protection, be sure to determine what optical density (OD) is needed in safety glasses or goggles - the higher the OD number, the lower the light transmittance. Remember, the same tinted eye/face protection may not be acceptable for all lasers in a given lab. If you need more assistance selecting the correct eye protection when using class 3B or 4 lasers please contact 日韩无码鈥檚 Laser Safety Officer by emailing safety@uvm.edu.
Hearing Conservation
OSHA requires a hearing conservation program to be in place when workers are exposed to noise levels of 85 decibels (dB) and above. Examples of hearing protection devices include ear plugs or ear muffs. Hearing loss is often ignored because it can happen gradually over a period of time. The use of personal listening devices, such as ear buds or headphones, cannot take the place of hearing protection.
日韩无码 has a Hearing Conservation Program (link here).
Respiratory Program
Respirators are worn to protect the user from airborne hazards such as particulates (dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, smoke, sprays) and gases/vapors, when other engineering controls, such as a chemical fume hood, are not available or adequate. The use of respirators is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and the 日韩无码 Respiratory Protection Program.
Select the Appropriate Glove
When selecting the appropriate glove, the following characteristics should be considered:
- Degradation rate,
- Breakthrough time, and
- Permeation rate.
Degradation
Degradation is the change in the physical properties of a glove material. Degradation typically appears as hardening, stiffening, swelling, shrinking, or cracking of the glove. Degradation ratings indicate how well a glove will hold up when exposed to a chemical. When looking at a chemical compatibility chart, degradation is usually reported as E (excellent), G (good), F (fair), P (poor), NR (not recommended), or NT (not tested).
Degradation is one critical factor when choosing a glove and is usually the first test. Degradation alone can be enough to disqualify a glove for use with a particular chemical.
Permeation
Permeation rate involves absorption of the chemical on the surface of the glove, diffusion through the glove, and desorption of the chemical on the inside of the glove. Resistance to permeation is usually reported as E (excellent), G (good), F (fair), P (poor), or NR (not recommended). If chemical breakthrough does not occur, then permeation rate is not measured and is reported ND (none detected).
Breakthrough
Breakthrough time is the time it takes for a given chemical to pass through the glove material. The time noted generally reflects how long a glove can be expected to provide resistance when totally submerged in the test chemical.
Most manufacturers do not test permeation or breakthrough time if the chemical causes significant degradation to the glove material. Most disposable gloves are not tested for breakthrough time, and are not designed to be fully submerged in a chemical.
For mixtures, it is recommended that the glove material be selected based on the shortest breakthrough time.
Disposable vs. Reusable Gloves
Before choosing the type of reusable gloves to use for a specific procedure or task, check the Permeation and Degradation Charts from the glove manufacturer. We do not recommend purchasing of gloves from a manufacturer that does not provide this data. Glove selection charts only compare reusable gloves. The Ansell Glove Guide may be useful for selecting an appropriate reusable glove. Disposable gloves are made of thinner material and are designed to be discarded after a single use.
Glove Size
Gloves come in several sizes (S, M, L, XL). Try to purchase a variety so that each employee will have gloves that fit comfortably. A glove that is too small or too lage affects dexerity and the employee's ability to do the work safely.
Glove Thickness
The thickness of a glove is an important consideration to prevent skin exposure. Be sure to check the thickness of the glove you are purchasing, and make sure it provides the proper protection. Never purchase a glove that does not specify the thickness of the material.
Although a thicker glove may provide greater protection, dexterity may be limited or reduced.
Powdered vs. Non-Powdered Gloves
Gloves come powdered or non-powdered, but Risk Management discourages the use of powdered gloves. The powder is usually cornstarch and is used to lubricate the gloves, making them easier to put on. The FDA has a report on the potential adverse health effects of using a powdered glove and has now banned their use. There is increased potential for the development of an allergy to the glove material. Powdered gloves are being discontinued by many manufacturers.
Donning and Doffing Gloves (putting on and taking off)
Contamination can spread easily if you do not remove disposable nitrile gloves correctly. This video can help ensure that you are wearing the correct size glove, checking it for holes or tears and shows different ways that you can safely remove disposable nitrile gloves and not contaminate yourself.
Care and Use of Gloves
Wear the correct gloves based on assessment of the chemical(s) you are using. Document your assessment using the Chemical Use Planning Form.
Dispose of contaminated gloves properly:
- Biologically contaminated gloves need to go into a biowaste container.
- Chemically contaminated gloves need to be collected as hazardous waste.
- Radioactively contaminated gloves need to be collected as radioactive waste.
- UNcontaminated gloves may be disposed of in general trash.
- Reusable gloves must be rinsed/washed after each use.
- Disposable nitrile gloves are designed to be single-use ONLY. They should be discarded when removed and not left on the lab bench. Never save disposal gloves for re-use or future use. Reusing gloves increases the risk of contamination to you and your research.
Be sure to do the following:
- Inspect all gloves for tears and holes prior to use.
- Remove gloves before touching personal items, such as phones, computers, pens, clothing, chairs, etc.
- NEVER wear gloves out of the lab. Gloves should not be needed to transport anything through hallways. Use a secondary container and carry clean gloves to put on when arriving at the new location.
Always wash your hands after removing gloves.
Latex vs. Nitrile and Allergies
Latex gloves are mostly a thing of the past in 日韩无码 labs due to allergies from repeated exposures. Please review the .
It is not common to develop a skin allergy to nitrile. "Allergic" symptoms more commonly develop due to improper use of PPE rather than an actual nitrile allergy. Below are ways in which "allergic" symptoms may appear:
- Wearing gloves that are not the correct size (i.e., too tight, so blood flow gets restricted, or too loose, so chemicals end up getting inside).
- Moist hands (sweaty) and/or covered with hand soap or sanitizer residue before donning the glove.
- Reusing gloves after having touched chemicals (i.e., student/employee removes gloves and put a contaminated glove back on).
- Wearing gloves for an extremely long period of time, past the proven permeation rate and/or break-through times. A chemical can end up seeping through the glove, causing dermatitis and/or skin sensitization, or going directly through pinholes or tears in the glove.
- Poor doffing (glove removal) technique.
- Not washing hands with soap and water after doffing (removing) gloves or noticing symptoms.
- An underlying medical conditions (eczema, other skin or autoimmune disorders, etc.).
- Chronic skin sensitization from working with chemicals in the past
- Contact safety@uvm.edu if you would like assistance with PPE assessments.
Skin Protection/Proper Clothing
To minimize exposure to hazardous materials or other workplace hazards, proper clothing should provide reasonably complete coverage of the skin and clothing. For lab workers, best practices include wearing a knee-length, long-sleeved, elastic-cuffed laboratory coat while working with hazardous materials. A lab coat provides a protective layer and can be easily removed if contaminated or in the event of a lab accident.
For non-lab employees at 日韩无码, skin protection is required for certain job tasks and may include long pants and long sleeves in specific materials, such as 100% cotton, to protect against physical hazards.
Lab Coat Choices
A risk assessment should be conducted before an appropriate lab coat is chosen. Once the hazards have been identified, review information about typical lab coat materials and determine the best options for your lab. One type of lab coat may not work for all lab operations. If help is needed in completing a PPE assessment, contact Safety staff. Here are a few general reminders and tips for lab coat usage:
- The use of lab coats is required for work in all .
- Lab coats with elastic cuffs are recommended to avoid contamination.
- Snaps, vs buttons, are recommended for easy removal.
- Never roll up or push up lab coat sleeves; it is important to cover the arms to the wrist.
- If a lab coat becomes grossly contaminated, it should be handled as waste.
Disposable Lab Coats
Disposable lab coats are the best option when working with animals and/or biological hazards. Properly dispose of them immediately when contaminated or at the end of the day. A closed-front lab coat is required when using disposable coats for biological work. Some disposable lab coats are made of a thin plastic layer which prevents the wearer from being exposed to liquids like blood. Disposable lab coats must be thrown away after use, saving the wearer from having to wash them. Dispose of as hazardous waste, biological waste, or radioactive waste based on the contaminants on the coat.
Autoclavable lab coats are also available from some manufacturers. These lab coats can be autoclaved several times before they need to be discarded. Remember, never autoclave a lab coat that is contaminated with chemical or radioactive material.
Reuseable Lab Coats
Flame-resistant lab coat
The term flame-resistant refers to the characteristic of a fabric that causes it NOT to burn in air. Flame-resistant lab coats are highly recommended when working with pyrophorics, open flames, large volumes of flammable materials, or highly reactive materials and processes. These lab coats are either treated to not burn or the material is inherently flame-resistant.
Nomex offers the highest level of lab coat protection from fire. Nomex is strong, flexible, resistant to tearing, and protective against most solvents, acids, and alkalis. The disadvantage of a Nomex lab coat is that it will lose strength over time if exposed to chlorine bleach.
Fire-resistant cotton lab coat
These are cotton lab coats that are treated with a fire-resistant material. The treatment may dissipate after repeated laundering or extended use. The use of bleach is not recommended for fire-resistant garments, making them a poor choice for work with biological hazards.
100% Cotton lab coat
100% cotton lab coats are appropriate for general lab operations that do not require another specific type of lab coat. They can be superior to synthetic blends for fire-resistance but inferior to the coats mentioned above. They rarely last more than one year with daily use and can be degraded by acids. 100% cotton lab coats should be laundered routinely by a professional laundering service.
Synthetic/cotton blends
100% polyester coats and cotton/polyester blends are the most combustible and are not considered appropriate for working with flammables. Blended lab coats should be laundered routinely by a professional laundering service.
Laundering Choices
NEVER take lab coats home or to the laundromat.
- Lab groups can contract with a local uniform or laundering service that has the capability of laundering laboratory coats. One vendor option for departmental laundering services is . Contact Safety staff if you need more information.
- If laundering of lab coats is not possible/reasonable, disposable lab coats should be used instead.
- Lab coats treated with fire-resistant material require special cleanings that a professional service should be able to provide, but check with the service first.
- If a lab coat becomes grossly contaminated, it should be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste. This includes any lab coat that is contaminated with a biological, chemical, or radioactive material.
- If there is access to a departmental washer/dryer, contact Safety staff to evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of this cleaning method.
Aprons
An apron is not a substitute for a lab coat; an apron should always be worn over a lab coat. Before ordering or wearing an apron, carefully determine the type of material and style that you need. Check with the manufacturer for chemical resistance information on a particular apron. As with gloves, there is an option of silver shield material in an apron that is resistant to most chemicals, but it can be very expensive.
A risk assessment should be completed to determine the best type of apron for the work being performed. An apron should be considered for certain hazards:
- Heavy acid use
- High risk of chemical splash
- Thermal hazards, including:
- Ovens
- Autoclaves
- Glass/cage washers
- Certain biological work with splash risk
Barrier Gowns
Barrier gowns (e.g. yellow in 日韩无码's Animal Care Facility) are for use in animal care facilities to protect the animals. These gowns do not protect the user from hazardous materials (e.g. chemical, biological, or radiological agents). The blue barrier gowns used in 日韩无码's Animal Care Facility are for BSL-2 work, and offer some increased protection. Barrier gowns come in several different materials as well: polypropylene, SMS, poly-coated, and reusable materials. Barrier gowns are not a substitute for disposable lab coats, since many barrier gowns are not as resistant to liquids. A risk assessment can determine the best type of barrier gown for your work.
The opening of the gown should be in the back (side or back tie), and the gown should be secure at the neck and waist.
Sleeves
In some cases, sleeves can provide additional protection. Protective sleeves are not a substitute but are to be used in addition to lab coats. Use sleeves when there is a high risk of contact or splash with hazardous materials. Most sleeves are disposable and should be handled appropriately after one use. As a reminder, gloves should be placed over the cuff of the sleeve.
Protective Footwear
Laboratories: Bare feet, sandals, and open-toed shoes are not permitted while working in any 日韩无码 laboratory because there is often the potential for an exposure to hazardous materials and physical hazards. Wear closed-toed shoes that provide protection from broken glass, and small splashes of hazardous materials.
Other Work Environments: 日韩无码 shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.
Assess the hazards to determine appropriate foot protection in greenhouses, farm buildings, field research stations, fine art studios, and theater stage design workspaces.
Booties or shoe covers may be worn to protect personal footwear from hazards; however, they must be worn over appropriate shoes. Booties are also often worn in animal facilities or on farms, to prevent the introduction and/or spread of contamination. When choosing the right booties for your need, look for a type that can offer slip protection.
For additional information, please see
Fall Protection
日韩无码 has a Fall Protection Program.