Any protective equipment provided for use should be appropriate for the wearer and that it controls the risk. For the protective equipment to be fully effective, the wearer needs to be trained on its use. Protective equipment should be in a clean and hygienic condition for the wearer. This equipment should not be shared between wearers unless the equipment is deemed to be clean. Any protective equipment used should be stored and located in an appropriate place so that it remains clean and not exposed to the elements. Any storage areas for protective equipment should be clearly defined. Look for the manufacturer’s label for instruction on care and any special requirements. It is important to ensure the correct selection of personal protective equipment is made as not all safety equipment will meet the same performance requirements or provide the same protection. For example, not one type of glove provides adequate protection against all chemicals or a respirator designed to be effective against medium air levels of a chemical may not be effective against high levels of the same chemical.
When selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment, consideration should be given to elements such as: durability, permeability, abrasion resistance, burn resistance, insulation, cut resistance, size, comfort, and the ability to be cleaned.