Personal protective equipment occupational illness

The purpose of the air contaminants standards are to reduce risk of occupational illness for workers by reducing permissible exposure limits (PEL) for chemicals. Table 14.10.3 lists the PELs [8-hr time-weighted average (TWA) exposure] for the solvents discussed. To achieve complianee with the PEL, administrative or engineering controls must first be determined and implemented, whenever feasible. When such controls are not feasible to achieve full eompliance, personal protective equipment, work practices, or any other protective measures are to be used to keep employee exposure below the PEL. 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the third category of health hazard control available to the IH or occupational health and safety professional. It is considered the last line of defense because the barrier separating the employee from the health hazard must be worn correctly and consistently. If the employee does not wear the PPE or it fails, they will be at greater risk for illness or injury. It is an unfortunate fact that for many occupational safety and health programs, PPE is the symbol of the safety program rather than a last resort. 

This chapter discusses the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE). It also addresses other control mechanisms and procedures. Engineering controls should be the primary method used to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace. Administrative controls must be set in motion prior to the use of PPE. When such controls are not practical or applicable, PPE shall be employed to reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazards. PPE will be provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required and that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injuries and/or illnesses. All personal protective clothing and equipment should be of a safe design and appropriate for the work to be performed. Only those items of protective clothing and equipment that meet National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards are to be procured or accepted for use. 

Will the design properly address all occupational illness potentials, and minimize the need for monitoring, testing, and personal protective equipment ... 

Personal protective equipment will be provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required to ensure the safety and health of our employees and that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injury and/or illness. 

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