Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms:
- sharp edges
- falling objects
- flying sparks
- chemicals
- noise;
and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations.
PEOSH requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels. As of June 2008, the Standard explicitly states that New Jersey public employers are required to pay for the PPE necessary for compliance [pdf 68k].
PPE includes devices for protecting the eyes, face, head and extremities as well as protective clothing, protective shields and barriers.
Where respirators are required to protect worker health, public employers must comply with the PEOSH Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
Requirements for hearing protection are covered in the PEOSH Occupational Noise Standard.