This topic covers OSHA’s requirements for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which is special clothing and equipment designed to reduce employee exposure to various hazards. Categories of PPE include Head Protection, Eye and Face Protection, Hand Protection, Foot Protection, Personal Fall Protection Systems, Respiratory Protection, and Hearing Protection.

All employers are required to analyze their workers’ hazard exposure and determine whether PPE is necessary. There are also specific OSHA exposure thresholds (e.g., for air contaminants) that necessitate the use of specific types of PPE.

For related resources and training materials, refer to the following topics:

• HAZWOPER for information on PPE specific to hazardous waste sites and emergency response
• PPE (Construction) for information on specific PPE requirements for construction workplaces