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Chapter 3 - Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be considered the last line of defense in protecting laboratory personnel against chemical hazards. PPE is not a substitute for proper attire (long pants, full foot coverage shoes made of impermeable material and shirts with midriff, back and upper arm coverage), good engineering controls, administrative controls, or good work practices, and are to be used in conjunction with these controls to ensure the safety and health of university employees and students.  

The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment standard, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I has the following requirements: 

  • Hazard assessment and equipment selection
  • Employee training
  • Record keeping requirements
  • Guidelines for selecting PPE
  • Hazard assessment certification

EHS has developed a written Personal Protective Equipment Program in compliance with the OSHA standard. More information on PPE can be found in the OSHA Safety and Health topics page on Personal Protective Equipment. Use the OSHA Eye and Face Protection eTool along with the Cornell PPE Assessment Form found in these 2 links while conducting a hazard assessment.

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