Question

When analyzing situations where PPE is going to be required, the employer is obligated to ____________________

a) Minimize the use of PPE
b) Provide PPE at employee cost
c) Implement engineering controls first
d) Only consider administrative controls

Answer 1

The employer is required to implement engineering controls before relying on PPE to ensure a safe work environment, following OSHA standards. Methods to reduce risk include safer chemicals, process enclosure, and ventilation. Additionally, employers must inform workers of chemical hazards.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing situations where PPE is going to be required, the employer is obligated to c) Implement engineering controls first. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe work environment, which includes following all OSHA safety and health standards. According to OSHA, employers must prioritize eliminating or reducing hazards by making changes in working conditions over relying on personal protective equipment (PPE). Examples of these changes might include switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes, or using ventilation systems to clean the air.

Employers are also required to inform workers about chemical hazards through various means such as training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, and chemical information sheets. These methods go along with providing a safe work environment and ensuring that PPE is used as a last resort when other controls are not sufficient to mitigate the risks.