[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 29, Volume 5]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1910.138]
[Page 449-453]
TITLE 29--LABOR
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT
OF LABOR
PART 1910_OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--Table of Contents
Subpart I_Personal Protective Equipment
Sec. 1910.138 Hand protection.
(a) General requirements. Employers shall select and require
employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are
exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful
substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures;
chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.
(b) Selection. Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate
hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of
the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions
present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards
identified.
[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994; 59 FR 33911, July 1, 1994]
Appendix A to Subpart I of Part 1910--References for Further Information
(Non-mandatory)
The documents in appendix A provide information which may be helpful
in understanding and implementing the standards in Subpart I.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving Eye
Injuries.'' Report 597, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving Face
Injuries.'' Report 604, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
[[Page 450]]
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving Head
Injuries.'' Report 605, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving Foot
Injuries.'' Report 626, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1981.
5. National Safety Council. ``Accident Facts'', Annual edition,
Chicago, IL: 1981.
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Occupational Injuries and
Illnesses in the United States by Industry,'' Annual edition,
Washington, D.C.: BLS.
7. National Society to Prevent Blindness. ``A Guide for Controlling
Eye Injuries in Industry,'' Chicago, Il: 1982.
[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994]
Appendix B to Subpart I to Part 1910--Non-mandatory Compliance
Guidelines for Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment
Selection
This appendix is intended to provide compliance assistance for
employers and employees in implementing requirements for a hazard
assessment and the selection of personal protective equipment.
1. Controlling hazards. PPE devices alone should not be relied on to
provide protection against hazards, but should be used in conjunction
with guards, engineering controls, and sound manufacturing practices.
2. Assessment and selection. It is necessary to consider certain
general guidelines for assessing the foot, head, eye and face, and hand
hazard situations that exist in an occupational or educational operation
or process, and to match the protective devices to the particular
hazard. It should be the responsibility of the safety officer to
exercise common sense and appropriate expertise to accomplish these
tasks.
3. Assessment guidelines. In order to assess the need for PPE the
following steps should be taken:
a. Survey. Conduct a walk-through survey of the areas in question.
The purpose of the survey is to identify sources of hazards to workers
and co-workers. Consideration should be given to the basic hazard
categories:
(a) Impact
(b) Penetration
(c) Compression (roll-over)
(d) Chemical
(e) Heat
(f) Harmful dust
(g) Light (optical) radiation
b. Sources. During the walk-through survey the safety officer should
observe: (a) sources of motion; i.e., machinery or processes where any
movement of tools, machine elements or particles could exist, or
movement of personnel that could result in collision with stationary
objects; (b) sources of high temperatures that could result in burns,
eye injury or ignition of protective equipment, etc.; (c) types of
chemical exposures; (d) sources of harmful dust; (e) sources of light
radiation, i.e., welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating,
high intensity lights, etc.; (f) sources of falling objects or potential
for dropping objects; (g) sources of sharp objects which might pierce
the feet or cut the hands; (h) sources of rolling or pinching objects
which could crush the feet; (i) layout of workplace and location of co-
workers; and (j) any electrical hazards. In addition, injury/accident
data should be reviewed to help identify problem areas.
c. Organize data. Following the walk-through survey, it is necessary
to organize the data and information for use in the assessment of
hazards. The objective is to prepare for an analysis of the hazards in
the environment to enable proper selection of protective equipment.
d. Analyze data. Having gathered and organized data on a workplace,
an estimate of the potential for injuries should be made. Each of the
basic hazards (paragraph 3.a.) should be reviewed and a determination
made as to the type, level of risk, and seriousness of potential injury
from each of the hazards found in the area. The possibility of exposure
to several hazards simultaneously should be considered.
4. Selection guidelines. After completion of the procedures in
paragraph 3, the general procedure for selection of protective equipment
is to: a) Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of
protective equipment that is available, and what it can do; i.e., splash
protection, impact protection, etc.; b) compare the hazards associated
with the environment; i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape,
radiation intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective
equipment; c) select the protective equipment which ensures a level of
protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from
the hazards; and d) fit the user with the protective device and give
instructions on care and use of the PPE. It is very important that end
users be made aware of all warning labels for and limitations of their
PPE.
5. Fitting the device. Careful consideration must be given to
comfort and fit. PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary
protection. Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits
the wearer comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a
variety of sizes. Care should be taken to ensure that the right size is
selected.
6. Devices with adjustable features. Adjustments should be made on
an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the
protective device in the proper position. Particular care should be
taken in fitting devices for eye protection against dust and chemical
splash to ensure that the devices
[[Page 451]]
are sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets is
important to ensure that it will not fall off during work operations. In
some cases a chin strap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an
employee's head. (Chin straps should break at a reasonably low force,
however, so as to prevent a strangulation hazard). Where manufacturer's
instructions are available, they should be followed carefully.
7. Reassessment of hazards. It is the responsibility of the safety
officer to reassess the workplace hazard situation as necessary, by
identifying and evaluating new equipment and processes, reviewing
accident records, and reevaluating the suitability of previously
selected PPE.
8. Selection chart guidelines for eye and face protection. Some
occupations (not a complete list) for which eye protection should be
routinely considered are: carpenters, electricians, machinists,
mechanics and repairers, millwrights, plumbers and pipe fitters, sheet
metal workers and tinsmiths, assemblers, sanders, grinding machine
operators, lathe and milling machine operators, sawyers, welders,
laborers, chemical process operators and handlers, and timber cutting
and logging workers. The following chart provides general guidance for
the proper selection of eye and face protection to protect against
hazards associated with the listed hazard ``source'' operations.
Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assessment of
Source Hazard Protection
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPACT--Chipping, grinding Flying fragments, Spectacles with side
machining, masonry work, objects, large protection,
woodworking, sawing, drilling, chips, particles goggles, face
chiseling, powered fastening, sand, dirt, etc. shields. See notes
riveting, and sanding. (1), (3), (5), (6),
(10). For severe
exposure, use
faceshield.
HEAT--Furnace operations, Hot sparks....... Faceshields,
pouring, casting, hot dipping, goggles, spectacles
and welding. with side
protection. For
severe exposure use
faceshield. See
notes (1), (2),
(3).
Splash from Faceshields worn
molten metals. over goggles. See
notes (1), (2),
(3).
High temperature Screen face shields,
exposure. reflective face
shields. See notes
(1), (2), (3).
CHEMICALS--Acid and chemicals Splash........... Goggles, eyecup and
handling, degreasing plating. cover types. For
severe exposure,
use face shield.
See notes (3),
(11).
Irritating mists. Special-purpose
goggles.
DUST--Woodworking, buffing, Nuisance dust.... Goggles, eyecup and
general dusty conditions. cover types. See
note (8).
LIGHT and/or RADIATION--.......
Welding: Electric arc Optical radiation Welding helmets or
welding shields.
Typical shades: 10-
14. See notes (9),
(12)
Welding: Gas Optical radiation Welding goggles or
welding face
shield. Typical
shades: gas welding
4-8, cutting 3-6,
brazing 3-4. See
note (9)
Cutting, Torch brazing, Torch Optical radiation Spectacles or
soldering welding face-
shield. Typical
shades, 1.5-3. See
notes (3), (9)
Glare Poor vision...... Spectacles with
shaded or special-
purpose lenses, as
suitable. See notes
(9), (10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart:
(1) Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and
simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Adequate protection
against the highest level of each of the hazards should be provided.
Protective devices do not provide unlimited protection.
(2) Operations involving heat may also involve light radiation. As
required by the standard, protection from both hazards must be
provided.
(3) Faceshields should only be worn over primary eye protection
(spectacles or goggles).
(4) As required by the standard, filter lenses must meet the
requirements for shade designations in Sec. 1910.133(a)(5). Tinted
and shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are marked or
identified as such.
(5) As required by the standard, persons whose vision requires the use
of prescription (Rx) lenses must wear either protective devices fitted
with prescription (Rx) lenses or protective devices designed to be
worn over regular prescription (Rx) eyewear.
(6) Wearers of contact lenses must also wear appropriate eye and face
protection devices in a hazardous environment. It should be recognized
that dusty and/or chemical environments may represent an additional
hazard to contact lens wearers.
(7) Caution should be exercised in the use of metal frame protective
devices in electrical hazard areas.
(8) Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the
protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may be
necessary.
(9) Welding helmets or faceshields should be used only over primary eye
protection (spectacles or goggles).
(10) Non-sideshield spectacles are available for frontal protection
only, but are not acceptable eye protection for the sources and
operations listed for ``impact.''
(11) Ventilation should be adequate, but well protected from splash
entry. Eye and face protection should be designed and used so that it
provides both adequate ventilation and protects the wearer from splash
entry.
(12) Protection from light radiation is directly related to filter lens
density. See note (4) . Select the darkest shade that allows task
performance.
[[Page 452]]
9. Selection guidelines for head protection. All head protection
(helmets) is designed to provide protection from impact and penetration
hazards caused by falling objects. Head protection is also available
which provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting
head protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important.
Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance,
provide electrical protection from low-voltage conductors (they are
proof tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and
penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage
conductors (they are proof tested to 20,000 volts). Class C helmets
provide impact and penetration resistance (they are usually made of
aluminum which conducts electricity), and should not be used around
electrical hazards.
Where falling object hazards are present, helmets must be worn. Some
examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and
materials which could fall; working around or under conveyor belts which
are carrying parts or materials; working below machinery or processes
which might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed
energized conductors.
Some examples of occupations for which head protection should be
routinely considered are: carpenters, electricians, linemen, mechanics
and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, assemblers, packers, wrappers,
sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, timber cutting and
logging, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.
10. Selection guidelines for foot protection. Safety shoes and boots
which meet the ANSI Z41-1991 Standard provide both impact and
compression protection. Where necessary, safety shoes can be obtained
which provide puncture protection. In some work situations, metatarsal
protection should be provided, and in other special situations
electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be appropriate.
Safety shoes or boots with impact protection would be required for
carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts or heavy
tools, which could be dropped; and, for other activities where objects
might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with compression
protection would be required for work activities involving skid trucks
(manual material handling carts) around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls)
and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an
employee's feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection would be
required where sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large
staples, scrap metal etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a
foot injury.
Some occupations (not a complete list) for which foot protection
should be routinely considered are: shipping and receiving clerks, stock
clerks, carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics and repairers,
plumbers and pipe fitters, structural metal workers, assemblers, drywall
installers and lathers, packers, wrappers, craters, punch and stamping
press operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, gardeners
and grounds-keepers, timber cutting and logging workers, stock handlers
and warehouse laborers.
11. Selection guidelines for hand protection. Gloves are often
relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with
chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects
following dermal exposure. OSHA is unaware of any gloves that provide
protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available
glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals.
Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a
particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and
whether it can be reused.
It is also important to know the performance characteristics of
gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated; e.g., chemical
hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. These performance
characteristics should be assessed by using standard test procedures.
Before purchasing gloves, the employer should request documentation from
the manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s)
for the hazard(s) anticipated.
Other factors to be considered for glove selection in general
include:
(A) As long as the performance characteristics are acceptable, in
certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to regularly change
cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types; and,
(B) The work activities of the employee should be studied to
determine the degree of dexterity required, the duration, frequency, and
degree of exposure of the hazard, and the physical stresses that will be
applied.
With respect to selection of gloves for protection against chemical
hazards:
(A) The toxic properties of the chemical(s) must be determined; in
particular, the ability of the chemical to cause local effects on the
skin and /or to pass through the skin and cause systemic effects;
(B) Generally, any ``chemical resistant'' glove can be used for dry
powders;
(C) For mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data
are available), a glove should be selected on the basis of the chemical
component with the shortest breakthrough time, since it is possible for
solvents to carry active ingredients through polymeric materials; and,
(D) Employees must be able to remove the gloves in such a manner as
to prevent skin contamination.
[[Page 453]]
12. Cleaning and maintenance. It is important that all PPE be kept
clean and properly maintained. Cleaning is particularly important for
eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses could impair
vision.
For the purposes of compliance with Sec. 1910.132 (a) and (b), PPE
should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at regular intervals so
that the PPE provides the requisite protection.
It is also important to ensure that contaminated PPE which cannot be
decontaminated is disposed of in a manner that protects employees from
exposure to hazards.
[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994]
