Torso Protection

Many hazards can threaten the torso:

• Heat,
• Splashes from hot metals and liquids,
• Impacts and cuts,
• Acids, and
• Radiation.

A variety of protective clothing is available, including vests, jackets, aprons, coveralls, and full body suits.

Selection

Wool and specially treated cotton are two natural fibers which are fire-resistant and comfortable since they adapt well to changing workplace temperatures.

Duck, a closely-woven cotton fabric, is good for light duty protective clothing. It can protect against cuts and bruises on jobs where employees handle heavy, sharp, or rough material.

Heat-reflecting clothing such as leather is often used to guard against dry heat and flame. Rubber and rubberized fabrics, neoprene, and plastics give protection against some acids and chemicals.

Disposable suits of paper-like material are particularly important for protection from dusty materials or materials that can splash. If the substance is extremely toxic, a completely enclosed suit may be necessary. The clothing should be inspected to assure proper fit and function for continued protection.

Hearing Protection

§1910.95

Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss or impairment. It can create physical and psychological stress. There is no cure for noise-induced hearing loss, so the prevention of excessive noise expossure is the only way to avoid hearing damage. Specifically designed protection is required, depending on the type of noise encountered.

Preformed or molded ear plugs should be individually fitted by a professional. Waxed cotton, foam, or fiberglass wool earplugs are self-forming. When properly inserted, they work as well as most molded earplugs.

Some earplugs are disposable, to be used one time and then thrown away. The non-disposable type should be cleaned after each use for proper protection. Plain cotton is ineffective as protection against hazardous noise.

Earmuffs need to make a perfect seal around the ear to be effective. Glasses, long sideburns, long hair, and facial movements, such as chewing, can reduce protection. Special equipment is available for use with glasses or beards.

For extremely noisy situations, earplugs should be worn in addition to earmuffs. When used together ear-plugs and earmuffs change the nature of sounds; all sounds are reduced including one’s own voice, but other voices or warning signals are easier to hear.

Maintenance

Disposable and reusable earplugs:

• Wash hands and inspect plugs before insertion;
• Wash reusable plugs daily and store in a clean case;
• Replace plugs that are hard or discolored as soon as possible;
• Make sure the plug fits properly inside the ear canal. If done correctly, the wearer’s voice will sound louder to him/her; and
• With headband plugs, do not bend or twist the band.

Earmuffs:

• Check cushions with each use and wash them as needed; and
• Ensure that there is a tight fit as loose muffs will not reduce the noise.

Inspection and maintenance | Eye and Face Protection

It is essential that the lenses of eye protectors be kept clean. Continuous vision through dirty lenses can cause eye strain — often an excuse for not wearing the eye protectors. Daily inspection and cleaning of the eye protector with soap and hot water, or with a cleaning solution and tissue, is recommended.

Pitted lenses, like dirty lenses, can be a source of reduced vision and should be replaced. Deep scratches or excessively pitted lenses are apt to break more readily.

Slack, worn-out, sweat-soaked, or twisted headbands do not hold the eye protector in proper position. Visual inspection can determine when the headband elasticity is reduced to a point beyond proper function.

Goggles should be kept in a case when not in use. Spectacles, in particular, should be given the same care as one’s own glasses, since the frame, nose pads, and temples can be damaged by rough usage.

Personal protective equipment which has been previously used should be disinfected before being issued to another employee. Even when each employee is assigned protective equipment for extended periods, it is recommended that such equipment be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Several methods for disinfecting eye-protective equipment are acceptable. The most effective method is to disassemble the goggles or spectacles and thoroughly clean all parts with soap and warm water. Carefully rinse all traces of soap, and replace defective parts with new ones.

Swab thoroughly or completely immerse all parts for 10 minutes in a solution of germicidal deodorant fungicide. Remove parts from solution and suspend in a clean place for air drying at room temperature or with heated air. Do not rinse after removing parts from the solution because this will remove the germicidal residue which retains its effectiveness after drying.

The dry parts or items should be placed in a clean, dust-proof container, such as a box, bag, or plastic envelope, to protect them until reissue.

Eye and face protection selection chart 

Source	Assessment of hazard	Protection
Impact — Chipping, grinding machining, masonry work, woodworking, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, and sanding.	Flying fragments, objects, large chips, particles sand, dirt, etc	Spectacles with side protection, goggles, face shields. See notes [(1)], [(3)], [(5)], [(6)], [(10)]. For severe exposure, use faceshield.
Heat — Furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding.	Hot sparks	Faceshields, goggles, spectacles with side protection. For severe exposure use faceshield. See notes [(1)], [(2)], [(3)].
	Splash from molten metals	Faceshields worn over goggles. See notes [(1)], [(2)], [(3)].
	High temperature exposure	Screen face shields, reflective face shields. See notes [(1)], [(2)],[(3)].
Chemicals — Acid and chemicals handling, degreasing plating.	Splash	Goggles, eyecup and cover types. For severe exposure, use face shield. See notes [(3)], [(11)].
	Irritating mists	Special-purpose goggles.
Dust — Woodworking, buffing, general dusty conditions.	Nuisance dust	Goggles, eyecup and cover types. See note [(8)].
Light and/or radiation —
Welding: Electric arc	Optical radiation	Welding helmets or welding shields. Typical shades: 10–14. See notes [(9)], [(12)].
Welding: Gas	Optical radiation	Welding goggles or welding faceshield. Typical shades: gas welding 4–8, cutting 3– 6, brazing 3–4. See note [(9)].
Cutting, torch brazing, torch soldering	Optical radiation	Spectacles or welding faceshield. Typical shades, 1.5–3. See notes [(3)], [(9)].
Glare	Poor vision	Spectacles with shaded or special-purpose lenses, as suitable. See notes [(9)], [(10)].
Notes to eye and face protection selection chart: