A critical element of laboratory safety is personal protective equipment ("PPE"). OSHA standards addressing various types of PPE are set forth at 29 C.F.R. §§ 1910.132-139, and cover:

• Eye and face protection

• Respiratory protection

• Head protection

• Occupational foot protection

• Electrical protective devices

• Hand protection

• Respiratory protection for M. tuberculosis

The general requirement for PPE, set forth at 29 C.F.R. § 132(a), provides that:

Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact.

For most varieties of protective equipment, employers are required to assess the potential workplace hazards and select appropriate PPE. Likewise, employers are required to provide training that addresses:

• When PPE should be used

• What PPE is necessary

• How to properly put PPE on, take it off and wear it

• The limitations of the PPE

• The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE