A Safety Advocate’s Guide to OSHA PPE Standards
The heartbeat of any thriving workplace is a safety-first mindset. The real heroes? Employers who put safety at the core of their culture and employees who commit to it every day. PPE isn’t just gear—it’s the cape that empowers your team to face the day’s toughest challenges. From safety glasses to cut-resistant gloves, PPE is the everyday armor that keeps your crew safe, strong, and ready for whatever comes their way (of course, in conjunction with engineering and administrative controls).
OSHA’s regulations can seem like a mountain of rules, but you’re not in this alone. That’s where Triangle Safety Consulting LLC steps in as your trusty sidekick. We simplify the overwhelming standards into clear, actionable guides that help you stay compliant without breaking a sweat. While you lead your team to safety, we make sure you’ve got the support you need to focus on what matters most: protecting your people.
PPE isn’t just about following rules—it’s about building a culture of trust and protection, where safety is second nature. When employers invest in the right PPE, they’re showing their team that safety always comes first. And when employees suit up with pride, they become safety champions, protecting themselves, their coworkers, and the company.
PPE helps everyone get home safely at the end of the day, and at TSC, we can help tailor solutions that fit your workplace because no two worksites are alike. So let’s get right into it and if you have any questions or if you think your workplace could be even more compliant with PPE, don’t hesitate to reach out!
🛡 1910.132 – General OSHA Requirements: Start with the Basics
When you’re as passionate about Safety Culture in the workplace as we are at Triangle Safety Consulting LLC, it’s easy to get ahead of ourselves as we speak about PPE. Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, are universal heroes of the Safety Industry. It becomes not just part of the uniform, but an important tool in keeping employees safe.
Today, and over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive deep into the articles from OSHA on PPE to create for you an ultimate guidebook on OSHA standard of various PPE types. From staying safe around dangerous electricity to the right kind of respirator. So don’t forget to follow along!
Why is PPE so important anyway?
Imagine showing up to a battlefield alongside the Avengers with zero armor. Nope, not gonna happen! The same goes for your workplace. PPE is the ultimate shield, and by providing it, you're not just equipping your team—you're empowering them with confidence and ironclad protection. It's the cornerstone of a workplace that prioritizes safety above all else.
Here's a quick summary of 1910.132 to get you started:
Application (1910.132(a)): Employers must provide, use, and maintain PPE for eyes, face, head, extremities, as well as protective clothing and respiratory devices when necessary due to workplace hazards.
Employee-owned equipment (1910.132(b)): If employees provide their own PPE, employers are responsible for ensuring its adequacy, maintenance, and sanitation.
Design (1910.132(c)): All PPE must be safely designed and constructed for the work to be performed.
Hazard assessment and equipment selection (1910.132(d)): Employers must assess workplace hazards and select appropriate PPE based on this assessment.
Training (1910.132(f)): Employers must train employees on when and what PPE is necessary, how to use it properly, its limitations, and its care and maintenance.
Payment for protective equipment (1910.132(h)): Generally, employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees, with some exceptions for non-specialty items and certain types of clothing.
It’s important to be respectful of the PPE, and inspect for wear and tear before using it. By taking care of the PPE, the PPE can take care of you!
⚡ Brandy’s Fast Fact: Safety and style can go hand in hand! These anti-fog, blue-light blocking safety glasses are the perfect combo of protection and fashion. Plus, use my special link to grab a pair and save $10! Full disclosure: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and your purchase helps supports Triangle Safety Consulting’s mission of creating safer workplaces. Rest assured, we only recommend products we 💯 trust. Stay safe and look darn good doing it!
Do you need assistance completing your PPE Hazard Assessment? We can help!
This blog was written by Brandy Zadoorian, CSP, and Triangle Safety Consulting LLC's Owner and Principal Consultant.
She offers audits, expertise, resources, and guidance to help small to medium-sized manufacturing facilities improve their safety program, including compliance with OSHA Requirements.
She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) under the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
