PPE Training

Training should introduce employees to PPE use and establish the need for PPE. Training not only should help employees understand why they need to wear PPE, but also should encourage them to use it. In addition to communicating the regulatory requirements, inform employees about the hazards of not wearing PPE.

Train employees how to:

1. Use PPE properly;
2. Be aware of when PPE is necessary;
3. Know what kind of PPE is necessary;
4. Understand the limitations of PPE;
5. Don’t, adjust, wear, and doff PPE; and
6. Properly care for, maintain, and dispose of PPE after its useful life.

The requirements of training include specific provisions for both the employer and the employee. These include the following:

1. The employer must provide training to each employee who is required to use PPE.
2. The employer must train these employees to know when PPE is necessary and what PPE is necessary.
3. The employer must verify that affected employees received and understood the required training through a written certification that contains the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and what PPE is necessary.

Make sure employees know that PPE does not eliminate a hazard. If the equipment fails, they will be exposed to hazards. To reduce the possibility of failure, equipment must be properly fitted and maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. During training, describe your company’s hazard assessment. Match your presentation with the needs of the group (the level of detail will be greater if the group has continual exposure to extensive hazards than if it has occasional exposure). Provide detail on the hazards (at the jobsite) and what kind of PPE employees need. Tell employees exactly what hazards they may face, and review company experience with each hazard they encounter. Perhaps you have an unfortunate (or extremely fortunate) story [see “Safety Equipment Works for You” column in every issue of Protection Update] that you can share, whether at your company or at another. The goal is to make them understand the need for PPE and recognize the control they have over their own safety. Keep a copy of your training materials or a training outline as a guide for your next program. If you follow up on how trainees perform after the session, you can improve your program the next time you give it.