ESTABLISH CHOICE CRITERIA

A lot of PPE is similar in appearance. Even the most conscientious buying decision maker has difficulty sorting it all out. What should you look for? How do you tell the difference? What is the value of the differences, if any? If you follow the OSHA guide lines, once you determine the "type" of PPE for your hazards, the next step is to learn as much as you can about what is available in that type of protection.

Trade journal advertising and Directories, the Internet, your sources of supply will all make you aware of the manufacturers of each type of PPE. Their literature will give you a general idea about the features, benefits and value of their brands, but spending the time to sit down and talk with the producers and distributors of the brands you are interested in is critical to the process.

Although different brands of PPE products may seem alike, there are significant differences in design, material, comfort and performance. Have each potential source tell you their "story". If they don't have a "story", dismiss them out of hand. If all they can offer is a "deal" or a lower purchase price, scratch them off of your list. Your PPE budget is not a savings account. It is an investment in reducing injuries and injury costs and only top performing products can produce a return on that investment.

As you listen to each "brand story", you will become aware of various features that are "must have's" and "would be nice to have" for your operation. Those things eventually become the "buying decision choice criteria" you specify. Once your choice criteria are set, instead of specifying a specific brand, you can state to your buying department that "no matter what brand it is, it MUST have this set of features, benefits and values." And don't forget to add "No substitutes" to your requisitions.