10 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
29 CFR 1926 Subpart E; 1926.95(c) as amended effective January 13, 2025
OSHA amended 29 CFR 1926.95(c) to require that all PPE in construction properly fit each affected employee. 'Universal fit' is no longer acceptable where it does not actually fit the worker — this especially affects women and workers with smaller or larger frames.
3F Construction stocks or orders PPE in a range of sizes, verifies fit at issue (harnesses, gloves, eye protection, hi-vis apparel, respirators), and replaces PPE that does not fit. Report ill-fitting PPE to your supervisor — it will be replaced at no cost to you.
10.1 Hazard Assessment and Selection
PPE is selected based on a documented hazard assessment of each project and task. PPE is the last line of defense and never a substitute for feasible engineering or administrative controls. Required PPE is provided at no cost to employees (except items excluded by 1926.95(d), such as everyday safety-toe footwear permitted off site).
10.2 Minimum Site PPE
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Hard hat (ANSI Z89.1) — at all times on active sites; inspect shell and suspension regularly
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Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1) — at all times; face shield over glasses for grinding, cutting, chipping
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Safety-toe footwear (ASTM F2413)
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High-visibility apparel near vehicles, equipment, or public traffic
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Work gloves appropriate to the task (cut-resistant for sharp materials; chemical-resistant per SDS)
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Hearing protection at 85 dBA TWA or where you must raise your voice to be heard at 3 feet
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Respirators when required by exposure assessment (silica, lead, dusts) — used under a written respiratory protection program (1926.103/1910.134) with medical evaluation, fit testing, and training
10.3 Care and Responsibility
Employees must wear the PPE required for their job as established through job instruction, keep it in good repair, and report damaged or ill-fitting equipment to their supervisor immediately. Damaged PPE is replaced before work continues. Abuse of PPE is a disciplinary violation.