1300 W. Park Street | Butte, MT 59701 | mtech.edu | 406.496.4463
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Personal Protective Equipment Program
I. Purpose
The purpose of the Personal Protective Equipment Program is to define the basic elements and
responsibilities of the program in order to ensure the safe and appropriate use of personal
protective equipment on the Montana Tech campuses. This program will ensure compliance
with the regulations governing personal protective equipment, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132, 133, 135,
136 and 138.
II. Definition
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means any equipment or clothing designed to create a
barrier to protect a person from chemical, physical or mechanical hazards. PPE includes, but is
not limited to, chemical goggles, plain and prescription safety glasses with side shields, face
shields, welder’s helmets, gloves, chemical aprons, protective suits, protective footwear,
chemical boots, hearing protection, respirators, and hard hats.
III. Responsibilities
A. Deans, Department Heads, Program Managers, and the Physical Facilities Director or their
designee are responsible for:
1. Identifying personnel and/or tasks in their areas that may require the use of PPE.
2. Requesting that Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) perform a hazard assessment
when appropriate and necessary. See Appendix A for Hazard Assessment form
3. Requesting any required training from EH&S.
4. Providing PPE determined by the hazard assessment.
5. Enforcing the use of required PPE.
B. Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:
1. When requested, performing hazard assessments of work areas to determine if hazards
are present or are likely to be present.
2. Providing the written certification required for any assessments performed.
3. Assisting in the proper selection of PPE. See Appendix B for guidelines.
4. Providing the required training for any personnel who must wear PPE. See Appendix C
for listing by job classification.
5. Maintaining hazard assessment and training records.
6. Reviewing and updating this program as appropriate.
C. Montana Tech Employees are responsible for:
1. Using only department-issued or department-approved PPE.
2. Wearing all required PPE in accordance with any training received, maintaining PPE in
clean serviceable conditions at all times, and replacing any defective PPE.
3. Attending all required training.
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IV. Training
A. Training will be provided to each employee and student who is required to use PPE.
B. All training must be documented.
Updated December 2015
1300 W. Park Street | Butte, MT 59701 | mtech.edu | 406.496.4463
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Appendix A: Hazard Assessment Form
Head Hazards
Tasks that can cause head hazards include, but are not limited to, working below other workers who
use tools and materials which could fall, working on energized electrical equipment, welding, working
with chemicals and working under machinery or processes which might cause materials or objects to
fall.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Dust/Flying Debris
Chemical Exposure
Electrical Shock
Impact
UV/IR Radiation
Low Clearance
Other
______________________
_
Eye and Face Hazards
Tasks that can cause eye or face hazards include, but are not limited to, working with chemicals,
chipping, grinding, furnace operations, sanding, welding, UV radiation and woodworking.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Chemical Exposure
Dust/Flying Debris
High Heat/Cold
Impact
UV/IR Radiation
Other
______________________
_
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Respiratory Hazards
Tasks that are associated with respiratory hazards include, but are not limited to, welding, grinding
spray painting, working in confined spaces, chemical processing and potential exposure to asbestos,
lead, silica or other particulate hazards. Exposures to these and other respiratory hazards can make
you sick or can be deadly. These hazards come in the form of gases, vapors, dusts, mists, fumes,
smoke, sprays and fog.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Mists
Chemical Exposure
Gas or Vapors
Dust or Particulate
Fumes
Oxygen Deficiency
Other
______________________
_
Hearing Hazards
Tasks that can cause hearing hazards include, but are not limited to, working with or around loud
machinery or tools in mechanical rooms, machining, grinding, sanding, pneumatic equipment,
grounds equipment, generators, chillers, motors, saws, jackhammers or similar equipment.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Loud Noise
Impact Noise
Other
______________________
_
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Hand/Arm Hazards
Tasks that can cause hand hazards include, but are not limited to, exposure to cut or abrasion
hazards, working with chemicals, working with very hot or cold objects or materials and exposure to
sharps.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Chemical Exposure
Cuts/Abrasion
Puncture
High Heat/Cold
UV/IR Radiation
Electric Shock
Other
______________________
_
Foot/Leg Hazards
Tasks that can cause foot hazards include, but are not limited to, carrying or handling materials that
could be dropped, performing manual material handling, welding, cutting, electrical work and
working with chemicals.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Chemical Exposure
Compression
Impact
Puncture
Electrical
Slippery/Wet Surfaces
High Heat/Cold
Molten Metal
Other
______________________
_
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Other Required PPE
Do hazards exist that require PPE for the Body? Chemical exposure, abrasive blasting, welding, cutting
or brazing, chipping, sanding or grinding, electrical arc hazards and bloodborne pathogens are some
examples of hazards that can affect the body. These hazards may require PPE to protect clothing and
skin from harm or contamination.
Check the appropriate box for each hazard:
Yes
No
Description of hazards:
Chemical Exposure
High Heat/Cold
Hazardous Particulate ie
Asbestos/Lead
Non-Hazardous
Particulate
Electrical Arc
Cuts/Abrasions
Other
______________________
_
Company Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Location: __________________________________________________________________________________________
On the following date(s), ____________________________ , a comprehensive assessment of workplace
hazards requiring the use of personal protective equipment , as required by 29 CFR 1910.132 (d) of the
OSHA General Industry Standards, was conducted at this facility to the best of my knowledge based on
the current conditions.
Printed Name: _______________________________ Job Title: ________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________
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Guidelines for Selecting Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
Work-practice controls should be implemented before utilizing PPE to control worker exposures to
hazards in the workplace. This is based on OSHA’s hierarchy of controls which includes: engineering
controls, administrative controls and work-practice controls. PPE alone should not be relied on to
provide protection against hazards. PPE should be used in conjunction with engineering controls and
administrative controls. PPE is viewed as the last line of defense
Factors to consider when selecting PPE:
Familiarize yourself with the potential hazards in the area and the types of PPE that are
available
Consider the hazards associated with the environment (impact velocities, masses, projectable
shape, radiation intensities, etc.)
Consider the following basic hazard categories:
o Impact (falling/flying objects)
o Penetration (sharp objects piercing foot/hand)
o Compression (roll over or pinching objects)
o Chemical exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact or injection)
o Temperature extremes (heat/cold)
o Dust/flying debris (grinding, chipping, sanding, etc.)
o Radiation (non ionizing: UV/IR/light, welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, etc.)
o Noise (mechanical rooms, machines, jackhammers, etc.)
o Electrical (shock, short circuit, arcing, static)
Select PPE that ensures a greater level of protection than the minimum required to protect
workers from the hazards.
Fit the worker with the PPE and give instructions on its use and care. It is very important that
workers be made aware of all warning labels and limitations of their PPE.
Based on the hazard assessment for ______________________________ (Job Classification), the following
PPE is required:
Head Hazard
Job
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Eye and Face Hazard
Job
Respiratory Hazard
Job
Hearing Hazard
Job
Hand/Arm Hazard
Job
9
Foot/Leg Hazard
Job
Other Hazard
Job
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Appendix B
Personal Protective Equipment
General Guidelines for Selection and Use
Head Protection/Hard Hats
1. Hard hats must be used in areas where a reasonable risk exists for injury to the head.
2. Hard hats must comply with ANZI Z89.1-1986.
3. Hard hats should not be worn over a hat or cap. Special hard hat liners are available if necessary
for protection from cold weather.
4. Hard hats should be inspected regularly. Replace the hard hat if it has a crack or hole, or if it has
sustained a heavy blow. Do not drill or cut hard hats.
5. Non-conductive hard hats (class B or C) are required for protection from electrical hazards.
Eye and Face Protection
1. Eye and face protection must be worn in areas where a reasonable or obvious risk exists for
chemical splashes, flying objects or physical hazards that could result in an eye or face injury.
2. PPE for eye and face protection must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989.
3. For flying particles, safety glasses with side shields or goggles may be specified for protection. Face
shields over goggles may be required to protect against a high volume of flying objects.
4. When working in a lab where chemicals are being used, chemical splash goggles must be worn.
5. Side shields cannot be removed from safety glasses.
6. Normal prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection from injury to the eye and do not
meet ANSI eye protection specifications. Safety glasses must be worn over regular prescription
glasses, or prescription safety glasses may be obtained, but they must have side shields.
7. Inspect eye and face protection frequently for cleanliness, proper fit, and scratches that impair
vision. Adjust, replace or have repaired as needed.
8. Contact EH&S if you wear contact lenses and need to use eye or face protection.
Hand Protection
1. Hand protection must be worn when necessary to protect against chemical exposure and
physical hazards such as thermal (hot or cold) burns, abrasions, cuts, slivers, etc.
2. Select the right type of glove for the job and conditions. Appendix B of the Chemical Hygiene Plan
for Laboratories contains a chemical compatibility guide for gloves. In general:
Leather is a good choice for protection against rough surfaces, sparks, chips and moderate
heat.
Cloth protects in general shop conditions from dirt, chafing, abrasions, wood slivers and low
heat.
Rubber and nitrile protect against some acids, some chemical burns and electrical shock.
Plastic protects against some chemicals and corrosives. Refer to Appendix B of the
Chemical Hygiene Plan for Laboratories before choosing gloves for chemical use.
3. Make sure gloves fit properly.
4. Inspect gloves often for cracks, holes, tears, good flexibility, and grip.
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Torso Protection
1. The purpose of protective apparel is to provide protection for the body from injury from sharp
objects, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes.
2. Lab coats, chemical resistant aprons, and disposable Tyvek suites are examples of protective
apparel.
3. Proper selection should be based on intended use. Contact EH&S for assistance.
Foot Protection
1. Safety shoes or boots are required to protect against heavy objects, chemical splashes and spills,
and punctures and should be worn when these dangers exist.
2. Safety shoes and boots must meet the ANSI Z41-1991 standard, which provides for both impact
and compression protection.
Hearing Protection
1. OSHA requires that all employees exposed to a time-weighted noise level of 85 decibels (dBA) or
greater be included in a hearing conservation program. No areas or tasks on the Montana Tech
campus have been identified as exceeding this limit. However, hearing protection is still highly
recommended in noisy areas or when performing tasks with noisy equipment or machinery.
2. Either earplugs or earmuffs are selected for protection against hearing damage or loss. Contact
EH&S for specific recommendations.
Respiratory Protection
1. Montana Tech has a Respiratory Protection Program. The requirements of the program include
medical evaluation, fit testing of the respirator, and training in all aspects of respirator use.
2. Employees who wear respirators must be included in this program. Contact EH&S for information.
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Appendix C
PPE Required by Job Classification
Stationery Engineer (Boilermen)
Working with chemicals
Appropriate gloves, splash goggles, proper
ventilation
Mixing chemicals
Appropriate gloves, splash goggles or safety
glasses/face shield together, proper ventilation
Welding
Appropriate welding hoods or goggles, gloves, and
hearing protection
Grinding
Safety glasses and face shield, and hearing
protection
Working with steam, hot surfaces
Safety glasses or face shield with safety glasses,
gloves
Using power tools including jackhammer
Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and foot
protection. Respirator required if jackhammering
cement.
Any task where foot hazards are present
(chemical exposure, compression,
impact)
Foot protection
Any head hazard where serious injury
could occur
Hard hat
Maintenance/Engineer
Changing filters on ventilation systems
Full-face respirator with P100 (HEPA) filters, tyvek suit,
gloves
Welding
Appropriate welding hoods or goggles, gloves, and
hearing protection, proper ventilation
Electrical work
Appropriate gloves, safety glasses
Working with steam
Appropriate gloves, safety glasses
Unloading trucks
Foot protection, leather gloves
Cutting, grinding
Safety glasses & face shield, hearing protection
Using power tools including jackhammer
Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and foot
protection. Respirator required if jackhammering
cement.
Grounds Personnel
Chipping ice
Safety glasses, gloves, and foot protection
Moving furniture, barrels, etc.
Leather gloves, foot protection
Using jackhammer
Foot protection, hearing protection, safety glasses.
Respirator required if jackhammering cement.
Using weed-eater and lawn mower
Safety glasses, hearing protection
Mixing chemicals
Splash goggles or safety glasses and face shield,
ventilation, appropriate gloves
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Painters
Working below where others are
working
Hard hat
Mixing chemicals
Splash goggles or safety glasses and face shield,
appropriate gloves, ventilation
Sanding, scraping
Half-face or full-face respirator with P100 (HEPA)
filters if ventilation is not adequate, appropriate
gloves
Grinding
Safety glasses and face shield, hearing protection
Using chemicals for cleaning, stripping
Gloves appropriate for chemicals being used,
safety glasses, and proper ventilation or half-face
respirator with cartridges appropriate for chemicals.
Using power tools
Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and foot
protection
Spray painting
Half-face respirator and goggles or full-face
respirator with appropriate cartridge, appropriate
gloves
Carpenters
Sanding, cutting, grinding
Safety glasses, hearing protection, foot protection,
respiratory protection where ventilation is not
adequate
Carrying wood, cement forms, building
materials
Foot protection, appropriate gloves
Cleaning tools with chemicals
Safety glasses, appropriate gloves, ventilation
Using power tools including jackhammer
Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and foot
protection. Respirator required if jackhammering
cement.
Custodians
Cleaning bathrooms, handling trash
Appropriate gloves
Mixing chemicals, transferring chemicals
into other containers
Appropriate gloves, safety glasses, proper
ventilation if required
Laboratory Workers
Handling/mixing chemicals
Appropriate gloves, splash goggles, face shield if
necessary, lab coat to protect clothing, proper
ventilation
Working with compressed gases
Safety glasses or goggles
Working with extremely hot or cold items
Proper gloves, safety glasses or goggles
Working with loud equipment, grinding
rocks
Hearing protection, safety glasses or goggles