Employees who face possible bodily injury of any kind that cannot be eliminated through engineering, work practice or administrative controls, must wear appropriate body protection while performing their jobs. In addition to cuts and radiation, the following are examples of workplace hazards that could cause bodily injury:
Temperature extremes;
Hot splashes from molten metals and other hot liquids;
Potential impacts from tools, machinery and materials;
Hazardous chemicals.
There are many varieties of protective clothing available for specific hazards. Employers are required to ensure that their employees wear personal protective equipment only for the parts of the body exposed to possible injury. Examples of body protection include laboratory coats, coveralls, vests, jackets, aprons, surgical gowns and full body suits.
If a hazard assessment indicates a need for full body protection against toxic substances or harmful physical agents, the clothing should be carefully inspected before each use, it must fit each worker properly and it must function properly and for the purpose for which it is intended.
Protective clothing comes in a variety of materials, each effective against particular hazards, such as:
Paper-like fiber used for disposable suits provide protection against dust and splashes.
Treated wool and cotton adapts well to changing temperatures, is comfortable, and fire-resistant and protects against dust, abrasions and rough and irritating surfaces.
Duck is a closely woven cotton fabric that protects against cuts and bruises when handling heavy, sharp or rough materials.
Leather is often used to protect against dry heat and flames.
Rubber, rubberized fabrics, neoprene and plastics protect against certain chemicals and physical hazards. When chemical or physical hazards are present, check with the clothing manufacturer to ensure that the material selected will provide protection against the specific hazard.
Hard Hats
Hearing Protection
