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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.