Final answer:
The use of protective equipment for an air compressor operator is regulated by OSHA, which provides guidance on Personal Protective Equipment through regulations and fact sheets that help maintain a safe working environment. OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to keep workplaces free of serious recognized hazards. Additional regulations may apply from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the EPA for hazardous materials handling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The publication that governs the use of protective equipment for an air compressor operator is primarily determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA provides extensive guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and health and safety standards that are applicable across various industries, including the use of air compressors.
OSHA's regulations and fact sheets are a resourceful guide for employers and workers to understand the requirements necessary for a safe working environment. Specifically, OSHA's guidelines on the use of respiratory protection and the prevention of hearing damage are crucial for air compressor operators who are exposed to the risks of high-pressure air and noise.
Furthermore, the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act mandates employers to maintain a workplace free of recognized, serious hazards and can be applied to situations where there is no exact OSHA standard for a particular hazard encountered by air compressor operators.
For specific operations that may involve hazardous materials, operators should also be aware of the regulations set by the United States Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).