PPE Compliance Reference
OSHA PPE Standards Quick Reference
PPE Type OSHA Standard Required When Key Requirements
General PPE 29 CFR 1910.132 Any workplace hazard requiring PPE Hazard assessment, training, employer payment
Eye & Face 29 CFR 1910.133 Flying particles, chemicals, vapors, light radiation Side protection, prescription lens accommodation, filter shade tables
Head 29 CFR 1910.135 Falling/flying objects, electrical conductors ANSI Z89.1 compliance, electrical shock reduction
Foot 29 CFR 1910.136 Falling/rolling objects, sole piercing, electrical hazard ASTM F-2412/F-2413 or ANSI Z41 compliance
Hand 29 CFR 1910.138 Chemical, cut, burn, puncture, temperature hazards Selection based on task evaluation
Respiratory 29 CFR 1910.134 Airborne contaminant exposure Written program, medical eval, fit testing
Hearing 29 CFR 1910.95 Noise > 85 dBA TWA Conservation program, protector fitting

  • 1910.132(a) Application: PPE shall be provided wherever hazards are present (chemical, radiological, mechanical irritants)
  • 1910.132(d) Hazard Assessment: Employer must assess workplace, select PPE, communicate decisions, ensure proper fit
  • 1910.132(d)(2) Certification: Written certification of hazard assessment required
  • 1910.132(e) Defective PPE: Shall not be used
  • 1910.132(f) Training: When/what/how PPE is necessary; donning, doffing, limitations, care, disposal
  • 1910.132(f)(3) Retraining: Required when workplace changes, PPE changes, or knowledge gaps observed
  • 1910.132(h) Payment: Employer pays for PPE (exceptions: non-specialty safety-toe, everyday clothing)

  • 1910.133(a)(1): Appropriate eye/face protection when exposed to flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, gases, light radiation
  • 1910.133(a)(2): Side protection required for flying object hazards
  • 1910.133(a)(3): Must accommodate prescription lenses
  • 1910.133(a)(5): Filter lens shade numbers for welding/cutting (see shade table)
  • 1910.133(b): Must comply with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003, or ANSI Z87.1-1989

  • 1910.135(a)(1): Protective helmet when potential for head injury from falling objects
  • 1910.135(a)(2): Electrical shock reduction helmet near exposed conductors
  • 1910.135(b): Must comply with ANSI Z89.1-2009, 2003, or 1997

  • 1910.136(a): Protective footwear for falling/rolling objects, sole piercing, electrical hazard
  • 1910.136(b): Must comply with ASTM F-2412/F-2413-2005, ANSI Z41-1999, or ANSI Z41-1991

  • 1910.138(a): Appropriate hand protection for absorption, cuts, abrasions, punctures, chemical/thermal burns, temperature extremes
  • 1910.138(b): Selection based on performance characteristics vs. task, conditions, duration, and hazards
Compliance Tips
1
Written Hazard Assessment: Required by 1910.132(d)(2). Must identify workplace, evaluator, and date.
2
Training Records: Document who was trained, when, and what PPE. Retrain when conditions change.
3
PPE Inspection: Check all PPE before each use. Remove defective equipment immediately (1910.132(e)).
4
Employer Payment: Employers must pay for required PPE except non-specialty safety-toe footwear and everyday clothing.
OSHA Resources