1. Purpose

   The objective of this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program is to provide guidance and promote the use of PPE to protect OSHA personnel from the risk of injury by creating a barrier against workplace hazards. PPE will be provided by OSHA and used and maintained by all OSHA personnel when it has been determined that its use will reduce the likelihood of occupational injury and/or illness. PPE is to be used in conjunction with other controls for safety and health. PPE is considered to be the last line of defense against injury and illness and acceptable when controls higher in the hierarchy, such as engineering and administrative controls, do not eliminate the hazard or are in development. PPE is not to be relied on solely without first utilizing engineering or administrative controls, if possible.

2. Scope

   This PPE program applies to all OSHA personnel within a regional, area, district, or satellite OSHA office and other OSHA organizational units (i.e., Technical Center (TC) and Office of Training and Education (OTE)) covered by the OSHA SHMS Manual who are required to wear PPE or prefer to wear PPE voluntarily. This program does not address the specifics of hearing protection, fall protection, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens protection and electrical safety protection, which are addressed in separate SHMS Manual chapters: Chapter 16 – Hearing Conservation Program, Chapter 17 – Fall Protection, Chapter 18 – Respiratory Protection, Chapter 19 – Bloodborne Pathogens and Chapter 22 – Electrical Safety.

3. References

   1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) 107 – 2020, American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel.

   2. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 – 2020, American National Standard Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.

   3. ANSI/ISEA Z89. 1 – 2019, Industrial Head Protection.

   4. ANSI/ISEA 105 – 2016, American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification.

   5. American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2412-18a – 2018, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection. *

   6. ASTM F2413 - 2018, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear. *

   7. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Emergency Response, Personal Protective Equipment (Definitions of Levels of PPE).

   8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E – 2021, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

   9. NFPA 1991 – 2016, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies and CBRN Terrorism Incidents.

   10. NFPA 1992 – 2018, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies.

   11. NFPA 1993 - 1994, Standard on Support Function Protective Clothing for Hazardous Chemical Operations. **

   12. NFPA 2112 – 2023, Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire.

   13. NFPA 2113 – 2020, Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Thermal Exposures from Fire.

   • Notes:

     • * ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 replaced ANSI Z41.

     • ** NFPA 1993 – 1990, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Suits for Non-emergency, Non-flammable Hazardous Chemical Situations (EPA Level B Protective Clothing), as referenced in 29 CFR 1910.120 Appendix B, was withdrawn in 1994 and replaced with NFPA 1993 – 1994, Standard on Support Function Protective Clothing for Hazardous Chemical Operations.

4. Definitions

   Arc Flash Clothing (AFC) – Protective clothing used to protect personnel from possible injury or death from electrical hazards associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc. (See Chapter 22 -Electrical Safety).

   Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) – Protective clothing used to protect personnel from possible injury or death in the event of a short duration of thermal exposure from fire.

   Head Protection – Personal safety equipment meeting ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 to protect the head from physical impact. There are two Types and three Classes of head protection. Type I reduces the force of impact from a blow to the top of the head. Type II reduce the force of impact from a blow to the top or sides of the head. Class C (Conductive) head protection does not offer electrical protection, Class G (General) head protection is rated for 2,200 volts, and Class E (Electrical) head protection is rated for 20,000 volts.

   Levels of PPE Protection *: The concept of PPE ensembles based on the job hazard analysis (JHA) including site characteristics. The guidelines below can be used to begin the selection of the appropriate PPE. The JHA may suggest the use of combinations of PPE selected from the different protection levels (i.e., D, C, B, or A) as being more suitable to the hazards of the work.

   Level D * – The minimal level of protection. This is the standard PPE required for all OSHA Field personnel per the section VI. Procedures, A. Hazard Assessment.

   Level C * – Higher level of skin and respiratory protection. Required when the concentration(s) and type(s) of airborne substance(s) are known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met. In addition to the standard required PPE for all OSHA Field Personnel per the agency's policy. (see Level D)

   Level B * – The same level of skin protection as Level C and the highest level of respiratory protection; required for emergency response and when entering atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen. The only Emergency Responders among OSHA personnel are the SLTC Health Response Team (SLTC-HRT).

   Level A * – The highest level of skin, eye, and respiratory protection. Required when identified or potential risk of biological, liquid, or vapor chemical hazard exposure exists, or such hazards have not been fully characterized. Required for emergency response. The only Emergency Responders among OSHA personnel are the SLTC Health Response Team (SLTC-HRT).

   • Note:
     • * See 29 CFR 1910.120 Appendix B: General Description and Discussion of the Levels of Protection and Protective Gear for examples and more information.

   Potentially injurious light radiation (light radiation) – Intense radiant energy or non-ionizing radiation, such as radiation that is produced by electric arc welding and gas torching operations.

   Ultraviolet (UV) radiation – Radiation contained in sunlight that causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. Other sources of UV radiation include electric arcs and specialty lights such as adhesive curing tools.

5. Responsibilities

   1. A. OSHA Managers have the primary responsibility for implementation of the PPE Program in their work area and will:

      1. Have access to the Agency Loan Equipment Program (ALEP) and the Agency Expendable Supplies Program (AESP);

      2. Provide appropriate and adequate PPE and make it available to OSHA personnel;

      3. Ensure that OSHA personnel complete a Hazard Assessment, which includes a PPE assessment, at the beginning of employment and prior to any inspection or site visit per the section VI. Procedures, A. Hazard Assessment;

      4. Ensure OSHA personnel are trained on the proper use, care, and cleaning of PPE;

      5. Maintain records of OSHA personnel training on proper use and care of PPE and the PPE supplied to OSHA personnel;

      6. Supervise OSHA personnel to ensure that the PPE Program elements are followed and that OSHA personnel properly use and care for PPE;

      7. Ensure defective or damaged PPE is immediately removed from service;

      8. Ensure proper disposal and cleaning of contaminated PPE; and

      9. Designate a PPE coordinator to supervise the distribution, maintenance, including repair and calibration, and care of all PPE.

   2. B. OSHA personnel are responsible for complying with the requirements of this policy and will:

      1. Wear PPE as necessary;

      2. Attend PPE training sessions;

      3. Care for, clean, maintain and dispose of PPE as necessary; and

      4. Report any damaged or defective PPE to their responsible OSHA Manager(s).

6. Procedures

   1. Hazard Assessment

      Based on a general assessment of all work sites and new job tasks, it is OSHA's policy that all OSHA Field personnel wear Level D PPE protection at a minimum at any inspection/audit/evaluation/investigation site. Level D PPE includes safety glasses, safety shoes, and head protection on construction and maritime sites, and safety glasses and safety shoes on all general industry sites, at a minimum. OSHA personnel will also abide by any required PPE based on the local office hazard assessment or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), see JHA on the OSHA SHMS Intranet. For more information about the different levels of PPE, see the section IV. Definitions.

      At the start of any inspection/audit/investigation/evaluation, OSHA Field personnel will assess the need for PPE, which would include the review of the employer's PPE policy.

      OSHA personnel will abide by the employer's or OSHA's PPE policy, whichever requires the greater protection. In the event that an employer requires and offers necessary PPE that OSHA personnel lacks, OSHA personnel will use professional judgment (or contact their supervisor) to determine if use of the employer's PPE is appropriate or if they need to reschedule the inspection and return with OSHA-issued PPE.

      If in the course of an inspection/audit/investigation/evaluation, OSHA personnel encounter a hazardous condition requiring the use of PPE not anticipated by their PPE hazard assessment before the walkaround and not addressed by the employer's PPE hazard assessment, OSHA personnel will immediately address the hazardous condition with the employer and don the appropriate PPE before proceeding unless other appropriate action eliminates the hazard.

      This chapter, as well as Chapter 16 - Hearing Conservation, Chapter 17 - Fall Protection, Chapter 18 - Respiratory Protection, Chapter 19 - Bloodborne Pathogens, and Chapter 23 - Protection During Incident Investigations, along with OSHA JHAs, can be used to support an OSHA's PPE hazard assessment.

   2. General Requirements

      1. All PPE procured will be designed to meet relevant American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or other generally accepted industrial standards.

      2. Equipment will be maintained and worn in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

      3. Care will be taken to ensure that correctly sized PPE is selected.

   3. Eye and Face Protection

      1. During activities requiring the use of eye protection, OSHA personnel will be provided with and wear safety glasses with side protection. See Appendix A: Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart for Eye and Face Protection Selection.

      2. Based on a hazard assessment, wherever hazards exist that may require additional eye protection, goggles, face shields or other eye protection specific to the hazard will be worn.

      3. Equipment fitted with appropriate filter lenses will be used to protect against light radiation. Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses for light radiation unless they are marked or identified as such.

      4. Equipment fitted with appropriate filter lenses will be used to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses for UV radiation unless they are marked or identified as such.

      5. Prescription Safety Eyewear:

         1. For OSHA personnel who wear prescription lenses, eye protectors will either incorporate the prescription in the design or fit properly over the prescription lenses.

         2. Prescription safety glasses will be supplied to OSHA employees in accordance with the current negotiated agreement with the National Council of Field Labor Locals (NCFLL).

      6. See Appendix B: Resources for PPE Reimbursement (B.I-B.III), Memorandum for Reimbursement Limits for Protective Footwear and Safety Glasses, and related resources.

   4. Head Protection

      1. Head protection equipped with limited dielectric properties will be furnished to and used by all OSHA personnel while on construction sites, and where they are required to be worn when hazards from falling or fixed objects or electrical shock are present. OSHA personnel are only allowed to wear Class G-rated head protection or higher while conducting agency field activities.

      2. Head protection accessories, including but not limited to earmuffs, eye visors, liners, and sampling adapters, will be provided to OSHA personnel, as appropriate. OSHA personnel can visit OSHA's AESP catalog for available accessories.

   5. Foot Protection

      1. OSHA personnel will be furnished with, and are required to wear, ASTM-approved safety shoes or boots at all times during inspections and other on-site visits.

      2. Safety shoes or boots with metatarsal protection will be provided and are required to be worn in work areas where heavy materials could injure the foot (e.g., foundries), and where the employer being inspected requires that such protection be worn.

      3. OSHA personnel doing fieldwork will each be furnished with rubber overshoes, as necessary.

      4. See Appendix B: Resources for PPE Reimbursement (B.I-B.III), Memorandum for Reimbursement Limits for Protective Footwear and Safety Glasses, and related resources.

   6. Hand Protection

      1. Hand protection will be worn to protect against specific hazards such as, but not limited to, chemical exposures, electrical hazards, heat, radiation, cuts, bruises, or abrasions.

      2. Glove selection for chemical protection will be based on performance characteristics of the gloves, the conditions in which they will be used, duration of use, and hazards present. See Appendix C: Chemical Resistant Glove Selection.

      3. Based on a hazard assessment, the responsible OSHA Manager(s) will select and provide appropriate hand protection to OSHA personnel who are potentially exposed.

   7. Protective Clothing and Equipment

      1. Size-appropriate protective clothing and equipment will be worn to protect against injury from flash fire hazards, water hazards, contact with hot or molten metal, radiation, chemical exposures, weather conditions, and hazards associated with low visibility (e.g., as road construction sites).

      2. The following personal protective clothing and equipment will be furnished or be made available to potentially exposed OSHA personnel as needed:

         1. For general inclement weather hazards: (including heat and cold stress), waterproof/water resistant jacket and pants;

         2. For water hazards: U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFD's);

         3. For road construction or any site where there is exposure to vehicular hazards: high visibility vests and vehicle amber safety lights;

         4. For the following industries, and those identified in a JHA: Appropriate FRC (i.e., such as face coverings, shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, and coats) will be provided for the following sites, in addition to those identified in a JHA:

            1. Ferrous foundries;

            2. Non-ferrous foundries;

            3. Chemical plants and refineries;

            4. Oil and gas worksites, including upstream, mid-stream, and downstream operations;

            5. Combustible dust-containing facilities where dust samples may be collected (i. e., grain handling facilities, woodworking facilities, etc.). (See OSHA Technical Manual Section IV: Chapter 6 for Combustible Dust.)

         5. For general purpose, dusty operations, or site-specific operations, provide disposable PPE:

            1. Variety of sizes of full body overalls complete with head and foot covers will be made available.

            2. Disposable suits, as appropriate to the hazardous conditions, will be made available.

         6. Other specialized PPE will be provided on-an-as needed basis. Its use is discussed in specific SHMS Manual chapters: Chapter 16 – Hearing Conservation Program, Chapter 17 – Fall Protection, Chapter 18 - Respiratory Protection, Chapter 19 – Bloodborne Pathogens and Chapter 22 – Electrical Safety.

   8. Cleaning, Maintenance, and Disposal

      1. PPE will be inspected, cleaned, and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations so that the PPE continues to provide the required protection. PPE will not be shared between OSHA personnel until it has been properly cleaned and sanitized.

      2. PPE that cannot be decontaminated will be disposed of in compliance with applicable requirements (See SHMS Manual Chapter 26 - Decontamination).

      For more information and detailed instructions regarding OSHA PPE Disposal/Retirement Guidelines, OSHA Field personnel can visit CTC's Intranet Site: Information for Equipment and Accessories.

   9. Training

      1. PPE training will include the following elements:

         1. When PPE is necessary;

         2. How to properly don, doff, and adjust PPE;

         3. Limitations of PPE;

         4. Care, maintenance, disposal, and useful life of PPE; and

         5. How PPE is important inside and outside of the workplace and necessary for all OSHA personnel.

      2. After training, each responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure that each OSHA personnel in their respective unit understands the proper use of PPE.

      3. Retraining is required when there are:

         1. Indications that PPE is not being used properly; or

         2. Changes in the PPE policy or equipment.

   10. Recordkeeping

       1. Written records will be kept of the names of persons trained, the type of training provided, and the dates when training occurred. (See Appendix D: Training Tracking Form)

       2. All training records will be maintained at the office or OSHA organizational unit (e.g., TC and OTE) per SHMS Chapter 2 – Safety and Health Management System. In the event that an OSHA personnel transfers to another office, OSHA personnel will be provided with a copy of their training records.

       3. Certification of the PPE Inventory or Custody Receipt will be maintained at the local office or organizational unit. (See Appendix E: PPE Inventory/Custody Receipt)

       4. See SHMS Chapter 2 – Safety and Health Management System, for the required reoccurrence of training for this chapter.

Appendix A: Eye and Face Protection Selection Guide (Informative)

This selection guide is based on ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020. It is not intended to be the sole reference in selecting the proper eye and face protector. A copy of this selection guide is also available for download from ISEA's website.

This information is intended to aid in identifying and selecting the types of eye and face protectors that are available and understanding their capabilities and limitations for the hazards listed. Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous hazard exposures and the chosen protector(s) should be able to protect against the highest level of each hazard. Some protectors may not be compatible with other PPE when worn together. The end user needs to carefully match protectors with other PPE to provide the protection intended. Protectors are generally available in a variety of styles and sizes and care should be taken to ensure that the right size is selected for a particular person to ensure comfort and proper fit. Protectors that fit poorly will not afford the protection for which they were designed.

There is also mention of respirators that are being recommended in conjunction with eye and face protectors. OSHA personnel should refer to the SHMS Chapter 18 - Respiratory Protection for more information, when respiratory protection selection is necessary.

Note:

1. Refer to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 Table 3 for complete marking requirements.
2. Refer to ANSI Z49.1: 2021: "Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes", Table 1, Guide for Shade Numbers, to select the proper lens filter protective shade based on welding process, arc current (in amperes), Electrode Size (arc welding only) and metal plate thickness (for oxyfuel and oxygen cutting only).
3. Refer to ANSI Z136.1-2022 "Safe Use of Lasers", for guidance on choosing the correct protective eyewear when working with lasers.

Appendix B: Resources for PPE Reimbursement (B.I-B.III)

B.I.: Memo: Reimbursement Limits for Protective Footwear and Safety Glasses

The text of the memo on reimbursement limits for protective footwear and safety glasses is reproduced below and available for OSHA personnel on the OSHA intranet.

DATE:

August 15, 2012

MEMORANDUM FOR:

Regional Administrators
National Office Directors

FROM:

Richard Fairfax
Deputy Assistant Secretary

SUBJECT:

Reimbursement Limits for Protective Footwear and Safety Glasses

As you are aware, there is a concern that the cost for prescription safety glasses has risen while the limits on reimbursement have remained static. This memorandum raises that limit to $350.00 and reiterates the frequency of reimbursement for such purposes. In addition to establishing the new rate on prescription safety glasses, we wish to clarify the policy that special protection foot and eyewear (i.e., anything other than ordinary steel-capped safety shoes and prescription safety glasses) will be purchased by the agency and issued to employees. There are no other changes to the policy. The authorized limits are reiterated below:

Authorized Reimbursement Limits

1. Employees whose regularly assigned duties and responsibilities require them to enter foot-hazardous areas are to be reimbursed for the purchase of regular steel-toed safety shoes. Safety shoes must comply with the requirements of the relevant ANSI standard, and may be purchased annually, with reimbursement not to exceed $120.00. Alternatively, and at the employee's option, such shoes may be purchased every other year, with reimbursement not to exceed $180.00.
2. OSHA will be responsible for providing non-routine foot protection to employees whose work assignments require its use. This includes such items as high-topped safety boots; electrostatic-dissipative footwear; caulked logging boots ("corks"); footwear with metatarsal guards; etc. Such personal protective equipment (PPE) will be obtained through regular procurement channels and issued to employees as circumstances require. It is government property.
3. Employees whose regularly assigned duties and responsibilities require them to enter eye-hazardous areas are to be reimbursed for the purchase of prescription safety glasses which comply with the requirements of the relevant ANSI standard. Prescription glasses may be purchased as often as medical prescriptions for corrective lenses change. Reimbursement is not regularly to exceed $350.00, except that supervisors are authorized to reimburse the actual cost of protective eyewear for employees with special vision needs. An example might be an employee with severe astigmatism who cannot buy corrective lenses within the regular $350.00 ceiling. Requests for reimbursement for actual costs must be supported by a signed statement from competent medical authority which attests to the special vision needs and to the fact that the required glasses cannot be purchased within the regular $350.00 limit. Supervisors are also authorized to approve reimbursement for the cost of replacing safety glasses accidentally broken during the course of duty.
4. OSHA will be responsible for procuring and issuing non-prescription safety glasses/shields to employees with normal vision. It will also be responsible for providing nonroutine protective eyewear (such as face shields, UV protective goggles and welding shields, laser-protective eyewear, etc.) to employees whose work assignments require its use.

Supervisors should be cautioned that the abuse of discretionary authority will result in it being withdrawn. Costs for these expenditures should continue to be charged against your organization's operation budget totals. No separate allocation will be made to cover the existing or increased costs of personal protective equipment associated with decision.

Questions regarding these procedures should be addressed to Heather Lemay at lemay.heather@dol.gov.

B.II: Justification for PPE Purchase (Recommendation):

U.S. Department of Labor

STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION FOR:

In accordance with OSHA Administrative Directive PRO 02-00-001 – PRO 4.3, Procurement of Safety Glasses and Safety Shoes, justification is offered for ___________blank field to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in conducting OSHA inspection activity and work assignments. These inspections are made in establishments where the occupational hazards are such that OSHA regulations require working personnel to wear PPE. Therefore, it is necessary that OSHA compliance personal also be afforded protection when exposed to similar working conditions.

DATE OF LAST PURCHASE: ___________blank field

REQUESTOR SIGNATURE: ___________blank field

___________blank field
Supervisor's Signature

___________blank field
Area Director's Signature

Note: This statement of justification is to be returned to the requestor who will submit it, the receipt of purchase, the SF-1034, and the eye prescription (if prescription safety glasses) to the Administrative Officer for reimbursement.

B.III: Form SF 1034: Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other Than Personnel

Appendix C: Chemical Resistant Glove Selection

Appendix D: Training Tracking Form (Optional)

Written records will be kept of the names of persons trained, the type of training provided, and the dates when training occurred.

Appendix E: PPE Inventory/Custody Receipt

Office Name: ___________blank field

This survey is for PPE assigned to you and in your possession. Take a few minutes to inspect the condition of your PPE. If any of your PPE needs to be replaced, please indicate this in the "need" column below and describe the condition.

Complete and return to the OSHA Manager by (Date): ___________blank field

Staff Member Name: ___________blank field

If you think you or we need some other type of PPE that is not listed above, use the space below to describe:

 blank field

 blank field