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OSHA Issues New Enformement Directive for PPE

In February, OSHA issued a new enforcement directive to provide general enforcement policy and guidance related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and to assist OSHA inspectors in conducting workplace inspections. The directive became effective Feb. 10.

The agency issued a final rule on Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment in November 2007. The rule required employers in general industry to provide most types of required PPE at no cost to the worker. The agency also issued a final rule in September 2009 updating its PPE standards so that they are more consistent with current consensus standards.

Changes in this directive include clarifying what type of PPE employers must provide at no cost to workers and when employers are required and not required to pay for PPE. The directive also provides guidance that allows employers to use PPE that complies with current consensus standards and updates PPE enforcement policies based on court and review commission decisions.

These personal protective equipment standards require employers to provide – at no cost to workers – protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields that fit properly without restricting vision; earplugs and earmuffs when they will reduce noise to acceptable levels and are less costly than administrative and engineering controls; and respirators to protect workers from exposure to air contaminants. The directive also lists PPE, other items exempted from the employer payment requirements, and includes questions and answers useful in clarifying PPE payment concerns.

To view OSHA’s PPE directive, visit http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02-01-050.pdf.

For more information on OSHA’s PPE requirements for metalcasting facilities, contact Fred Kohloff, AFS, at fhk@afsinc.org or 847/824-0181.