Choosing Correct PPE for Chemical Spills

One of the most common industrial hazards during spill cleanup is the accidental exposure to dangerous chemicals. This is where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comes in. Choosing and using the right PPE for chemical spills in the workplace can help keep employees safe and protected while cleaning up a potentially dangerous spill.

Let’s start by looking at the proper process for choosing PPE before we move on to head-to-toe PPE for emergency or hazardous spills.

Questions to Ask When Choosing PPE

When selecting PPE for chemical spills in the workplace, several factors need to be taken into consideration. The primary things to consider are:

1. What chemical and chemical concentration will be in contact with the PPE?
2. How long will the PPE be exposed to this chemical?
3. What is the exposure level to the chemical (mist, spray, drench, etc.)?
4. Which parts of the body will get the most exposure (face, arms, legs, or torso)?

The PPE selected will be based on the answers to these questions as well as each unique situation.

Ultimately, it’s the employer’s responsibility to select and provide the appropriate PPE for employees (1910.132(d)(1) / 1910.132(h)(1)). There are certain exemptions where the employer isn’t responsible for providing PPE, though. These exemptions can be found in the OSHA 1910.132(h)(1) standards. Employers are also responsible for training employees on the proper use of PPE (1910.132(f)(1)).

Below is one process for choosing the correct PPE.

Assessing the Workplace for Hazards

To determine if there’s a need for PPE, employers should ask these questions (1910.132(d)(1) (I) through (III)):

1. Are there hazards present in the workplace?
2. Is it likely that workplace conditions could create new hazards in the future?
3. Do those current and potential future hazards create a need for the use of PPE?

Choosing PPE for the Workplace

If the assessment finds hazards, the employer should take the following actions:

• Select PPE to protect affected employees from the hazards in the assessment and make sure affected employees use that PPE
• Communicate these PPE decisions to each employee who will need to use it
• Make sure PPE fits each affected employee properly

Training on Use of PPE

Employees who are required to use PPE need to be trained on using it (1910.132(f)(1) (I) through (V)).

Here’s what the training should entail:

• When PPE is necessary
• What PPE is required
• How to properly use PPE, including:
  o Donning
  o Doffing
  o Adjusting
  o Wearing
• The PPE’s limitations
• How to properly care for, maintain and dispose of the PPE
• Determining when PPE has met the end of its useful life

Let’s take a look at the types of PPE that can help protect responders facing chemical spills in the workplace – from head to toe.