When is protective clothing and personal protective equipment necessary?

Protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary primarily when machine hazards cannot be completely eliminated. This requirement ensures that workers are safeguarded against any potential risks that remain after all feasible engineering and administrative controls have been implemented to mitigate hazards. Using PPE helps in providing an additional layer of safety, protecting the worker from exposure to various risks such as chemical spills, mechanical hazards, or electrical hazards during their work process.

In situations where machines are operational, and hazards are present, relying solely on extreme conditions or the choice to operate machinery remotely without acknowledging the risks may not offer adequate safety. Wearing appropriate PPE is a proactive measure that supports worker safety principles consistently, regardless of the operational environment.