Toolbox Talk: PPE Basics

Use this talk when: starting a new crew, a new phase, or any time you're seeing PPE get sloppy — glasses pushed up, gloves off, plugs out.

Why this matters

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense. We control hazards first by eliminating them, then with engineering and work practices — but when a hazard still reaches the worker, PPE is what stands between them and an injury. It only works if it's the right gear, worn right, in good condition, every time.

The hazards PPE guards against

• Head — falling and swinging objects, bumps, electrical contact.
• Eyes and face — flying particles, dust, splashes, sparks, welding flash.
• Hands — cuts, punctures, abrasion, chemicals, heat.
• Feet — crushing, punctures, slips.
• Hearing — noise that permanently damages hearing over time.
• Lungs — dust, silica, fumes, vapors (covered in its own respirator talk).

Key points to cover

1. Hard hats: inspect and date them. Check the shell for cracks and the suspension for wear. Replace after any impact, and don't wear it backward unless it's rated for it. Most have a service life — know yours.
2. Eye protection is the cheapest injury you'll ever prevent. Safety glasses with side shields as a minimum; goggles or a face shield for grinding, cutting, and chipping. Thousands of eye injuries a day happen to people who "just weren't wearing them for a second."
3. Match the glove to the task. Cut-resistant for blades and sheet metal, chemical gloves for chemicals, leather for rough handling. The wrong glove is sometimes worse than none near rotating equipment.
4. Foot protection. Safety-toe boots in good shape; watch for worn soles that slip.
5. Hearing protection. If you have to raise your voice to be heard an arm's length away, it's loud enough to damage hearing. Plugs or muffs — and they only work if they're in.
6. Hi-vis where there's traffic or equipment. Be seen by operators and drivers.
7. Inspect and replace. Damaged PPE isn't PPE. Check it before the shift and swap anything worn or broken.

Discussion questions

• Look at the work today — what PPE does each task actually require?
• Is anyone missing something, or wearing something that's damaged?
• Where do we get replacements when gear wears out?

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General safety information, not a substitute for a hazard assessment or OSHA-compliant training.

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