Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Procedure

Procedure for selecting, inspecting, using, and maintaining personal protective equipment in the workplace.

Steps

• Verify the task hazard assessment
  The employee verifies that the current task hazard assessment is available, current, and specific to the work being performed. The employee confirms the hazard categories, required PPE, and any special controls such as permit-to-work, exclusion zones, or a competent person requirement. If the assessment is missing, outdated, or unclear, the employee stops and escalates to the supervisor or safety coordinator before proceeding.
• Select the required PPE
  The employee selects PPE that matches the identified hazards, required protection level, and task duration. The employee confirms the correct size, fit, compatibility with other PPE, and any required ratings or approvals. If multiple PPE items are required, the employee verifies that they do not interfere with each other and that the full set provides continuous protection for the task.
• Inspect the PPE before use
  The employee inspects each PPE item before use. The employee checks for cracks, tears, punctures, worn straps, broken fasteners, degraded elastic, missing labels, expired components, and contamination. The employee verifies that lenses, filters, seals, gloves, helmets, footwear, hearing protection, and respiratory components are clean, intact, and functional. If any item fails inspection, the employee removes it from service and escalates the non-conformance.
• Don the PPE correctly
  The employee dons the PPE in the correct sequence for the task and verifies that it fits securely and comfortably. The employee adjusts straps, closures, seals, and fasteners so the PPE remains in place during movement. The employee confirms that the PPE does not obstruct vision, hearing, breathing, or safe movement beyond the acceptable tolerance for the task.
• Use the PPE during the task
  The employee uses the PPE continuously while exposed to the identified hazard. The employee keeps the PPE in the correct position, avoids unauthorized modification, and does not remove it in the hazard area unless the procedure specifically allows it. If conditions change, the employee reassesses the hazard, verifies whether additional PPE is required, and escalates any deviation from the original control plan.
• Remove and decontaminate the PPE
  The employee removes the PPE using the approved sequence to avoid self-contamination. The employee cleans reusable PPE with approved supplies and disposes of single-use PPE in the designated container. If the PPE was exposed to hazardous material, the employee follows the site decontamination requirements and any additional disposal or reporting rules.
• Store or replace the PPE
  The employee stores reusable PPE in the designated clean, dry location and protects it from heat, sunlight, moisture, and contamination. The employee reports damaged, missing, or expired PPE for replacement and records any non-conformance that affects future use. If replacement is not immediately available, the employee escalates to the supervisor before the next task requiring that PPE.