**The following is an excerpt from the LWG Safety Manual Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) section.**
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
All team members must wear PPE appropriate to their duties and hazard exposure. Proper PPE use is critical for safety, injury prevention, and compliance with OSHA regulations. Supervisors must enforce PPE standards and ensure availability, while team members are responsible for using PPE correctly at all times. Always refer to the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each specific product used.
General PPE Guidelines
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Mandatory Use: PPE must be worn consistently and correctly based on job-specific hazards.
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Inspect Before Use: PPE must be checked for damage, wear, or missing parts before each use.
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Do Not Use Damaged PPE: Compromised PPE must not be used under any circumstances.
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Report Issues Immediately: Notify your supervisor if PPE is damaged or needs replacement.
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Clean & Store Properly: PPE must be cleaned and stored per the manufacturer's instructions.
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Supervisor Responsibilities: Supervisors must ensure PPE is available and in good condition.
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Team Member Responsibilities: Team members must use PPE correctly and report hazards, damage, or PPE needs to maintain their personal safety and the safety of others.
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Visitor PPE: All visitors entering operational areas must wear company-issued PPE appropriate to their access level and activity.
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Accommodation Requests: Team members who require PPE accommodations for religious, medical, or other reasons should contact HR to request an approved adjustment. Supervisors must consult with HR before granting, denying, or modifying any PPE-related accommodation request.
Quick Reference Table: Mandatory PPE by Task Type
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Task |
Required PPE |
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General Shop Work |
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Chemical Handling (e.g., brake cleaner, solvents, degreasers) |
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Battery Service |
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Grinding, Cutting, Wire Brushing |
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Welding (MIG, TIG, Spot) |
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Tire Work, Lifting, Kneeling |
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Brake Jobs |
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Refer to the Mandatory PPE By Chemical quick reference table in the LWG Safety Manual for detailed PPE requirements by chemical type.
Eye Protection
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Safety Glasses: ANSI Z87.1-compliant safety glasses must be worn at all times in shop areas to protect against flying debris, impact, or particles.
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Goggles: Must be worn when handling corrosive or irritating substances (e.g., battery acid, brake fluid, degreasers).
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Face Shields: Must be worn over safety glasses or goggles during grinding, cutting, battery servicing, or any task with risk of splatter or high-velocity impact.
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Welding Helmets: Must meet ANSI Z87.1 with appropriate lens shade for arc welding. Face and eye protection must extend to prevent UV and infrared light exposure.
Hand Protection
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General Maintenance Gloves: Required when handling tools, equipment, or vehicle parts to prevent cuts, burns, and abrasions.
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Chemical-Resistant Gloves: Nitrile, neoprene, or rubber gloves must be worn when handling hazardous liquids, including solvents, coolants, cleaners, and battery acid.
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Cut-Resistant Gloves: Required during sharp-edge work (e.g., glass cleanup, bodywork, or metal fabrication).
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Heat-Resistant Gloves: Required when handling hot parts such as rotors, exhausts, or turbo components.
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Disposable Gloves: Must be used for tasks requiring contamination prevention. Dispose of single-use gloves immediately after exposure.
Foot Protection
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Required Footwear: ANSI Z41-compliant steel-toe or composite-toe boots with oil-resistant, slip-resistant soles are mandatory for all shop-exposed team members.
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Prohibited Footwear: Open-toe shoes, athletic sneakers, or non-compliant footwear are not allowed in shop areas under any circumstances.
Hearing Protection
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When Required: Hearing protection must be worn when noise levels exceed 85 dB, such as when using grinders, impact tools, or air compressors.
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Acceptable Types: Includes disposable foam earplugs or over-the-ear earmuffs rated for the noise hazard present.
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Storage & Reuse: Reusable hearing protection must be kept clean and replaced when degraded or damaged.
Welding & Hot Work Protection
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Welding Helmets & Face Shields: Must meet ANSI Z87.1 and provide the correct level of shade and arc protection.
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Welding Gloves: Flame and heat-resistant gloves must be worn when performing welding or cutting.
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Flame-Resistant Clothing: Required for hot work and must comply with NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506 standards.
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Protective Curtains: Use welding curtains or screens to protect surrounding team members and flammable materials.
Body Protection & Clothing
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Flame-Resistant Outerwear: Must be worn during welding, grinding, or when handling flammable liquids.
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Coveralls or Aprons: Required for fluid handling, battery work, or work involving corrosive or staining materials.
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Contaminated Clothing: Must be changed immediately. Never take contaminated clothing home; use approved laundering services.
Additional PPE Considerations
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Knee Pads: Must be used during prolonged kneeling tasks, such as tire or brake installation, to prevent injury and reduce strain.
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Barrier Creams: Recommended for tasks involving repeated glove use or contact with irritants to help prevent dermatitis.
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Fall Protection: Required when working at heights over 4 feet (e.g., ladder use, mezzanines). Use harnesses and anchor points as required.
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Battery Handling PPE: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and aprons when servicing batteries or cleaning up acid spills.
