ABSTRACT
On November 15, 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new rule clarifying employer responsibilities regarding payment for personal protective equipment (PPE). This chapter focuses on hard hats, safety glasses and goggles, safety shoes and boots, gloves, fall protection and fall arrest systems, respirators, and other types of personal protective devices. One of the first responsibilities in determining the types of PPE is to determine the hazards present in the work environment. The Safety Professional must conduct a thorough job hazard assessment to determine the specific hazards present. Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss or impairment. It can create physical and psychological stress. The Environmental Protection Agency requires that manufacturers of hearing protection devices put the noise reduction rating (NRR) on the package. The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Standard is to control those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors.
