PPE BUYING DECISION

OSHA requires PPE but employers are on their own when it comes to trying to decide between the many brands on the market. An appendix to the OSHA Rule lays out a process for selecting PPE. Assess hazards; determine appropriate PPE for the hazards; evaluate what PPE is available; select the most appropriate type, style and brand; train all employees in its use and maintenance. Sounds good. But how do you implement it?



For example, you determine a welding helmet, rather than a faceshield or goggles, is most appropriate for your hazards. You look at all major brands of welding helmets. But how do you tell the difference? What does a good welding helmet look like? What does it consist of? What features and benefits are "must haves"? What determines quality? Unless and until you know the answers to those questions, you cannot possibly select the "most appropriate" welding helmet for your hazards. If you can't tell the difference, often you will buy the cheapest and that could turn out to actually be the most expensive if it does not provide the protective performance you need.