Personal Protective Equipment – 29 CFR 1910.132 Do I need to provide personal protective equipment training? Most employers require employees to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during at least some operations. Additionally, employees may voluntarily choose to wear PPE for comfort. When PPE is used in the workplace, PPE training must be provided. Our discussion will revolve around general PPE training requirements, but there is a separate set of training requirements for respiratory PPE which will be discussed separately. What is required for personal protective equipment training? Employees who use PPE are to be trained in the procedures for appropriately using PPE. This includes: when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly use PPE, the limitations of the PPE, and how to care for the PPE. Discussing the limitations of the PPE is often overlooked in training. It is vital that employees understand which hazards the PPE protects them from, and which it does not. Overestimation of PPE capabilities can lead to injury. Further, hands-on instruction in the use of PPE ensures that employees know how to properly use their PPE. There is a requirement that employees who use PPE be able to demonstrate an understanding of training before being assigned to tasks that require use of the PPE. In order to prove compliance with this requirement, it is recommended that the employer incorporate an exam or skills test in the training. The results of the exam or skills test should be documented and maintained. How often must I offer personal protective equipment training? Employees must be trained in the use of PPE before assignment to job duties. Re-training is required when new PPE is utilized or new hazards requiring PPE are introduced. There is no requirement for intervallic re-training, but many employers choose to conduct training annually to ensure employees retain pertinent information.