ABSTRACT
Personal protective equipment provides a barrier between the employee and a known hazard, but it can only be truly protective if employees understand the need for the equipment, know how to use it, and know its benefits and limitations. Before personal protective equipment is issued, an employee must be trained in how to use it, when it is appropriate, its benefits, and its limitations. Beyond the mechanics of personal protection, the logic of using the equipment must be communicated. One important aspect of a personal protective equipment program is to ensure that only quality equipment is used. Once management understands and endorses a personal protective equipment program, it will be more likely to support the program by releasing funds and supporting supervisory enforcement and disciplinary procedures. If the employee is observed without the proper equipment, then the disciplinary action is possible.
