OSHA construction personal protective equipment study guide
Subpart E of OSHA's construction rules (29 CFR 1926.95 to 1926.107) covers personal protective and life saving equipment. This guide sets out what the rule text states on when PPE is required, who pays for it, head, foot, eye, face and hearing protection, rubber insulating equipment, safety belts and lifelines, safety nets and work over water. Consensus standards the rule incorporates (such as ANSI Z89.1 and Z87.1) are only named here, not summarized. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Criteria for PPE
Protective equipment (for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers) must be provided, used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary because of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a way capable of causing injury or impairment of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.
“shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.”
When employees bring their own protective equipment, the employer is still responsible for making sure it is adequate, including its maintenance and sanitation.
“Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment.”
Employers must ensure all PPE is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed, and is selected so that it properly fits each affected employee.
“Employers must ensure that all personal protective equipment: (1) Is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed; and (2) Is selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.”
Paying for PPE
Except as provided in paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(6) of 1926.95, protective equipment, including PPE, used to comply with Part 1926 must be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.
“Except as provided by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.”
The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits these items to be worn off the job site.
“The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.”
When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for those shoes or boots.
“When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.”
The employer is not required to pay for everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes and normal work boots.
“Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots;”
The employer is also not required to pay for ordinary clothing, skin creams or other items used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses and sunscreen.
“Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.”
The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.
“The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.”
Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns (under 1926.95(b)), the employer may allow its use and is not required to reimburse the employee for it. The employer may not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(5).
“Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(5) of this section.”
The section became effective on February 13, 2008, and employers had to implement the PPE payment requirements no later than May 15, 2008.
“This section shall become effective on February 13, 2008. Employers must implement the PPE payment requirements no later than May 15, 2008.”
A note to 1926.95(d) states that when another OSHA standard specifies whether or not the employer must pay for specific equipment, that standard's payment provisions prevail.
“When the provisions of another OSHA standard specify whether or not the employer must pay for specific equipment, the payment provisions of that standard shall prevail.”
Head and foot protection
Employees working where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock and burns must be protected by protective helmets.
“Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.”
The employer must provide each employee with head protection that meets the specifications in any of the consensus standards listed in 1926.100(b)(1): ANSI Z89.1-2009, Z89.1-2003 or Z89.1-1997.
“The employer must provide each employee with head protection that meets the specifications contained in any of the following consensus standards:”
For each employee exposed to high-voltage electric shock and burns, the head protection must also meet Section 9.7 ("Electrical Insulation") of one of those consensus standards.
“also meets the specifications contained in Section 9.7 ("Electrical Insulation") of any of the consensus standards identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.”
OSHA will deem a head protection device to comply if the employer demonstrates it is at least as effective as one constructed in accordance with one of the listed consensus standards.
“OSHA will deem any head protection device that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as a head protection device constructed in accordance with one of the consensus standards identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.”
Safety-toe footwear for employees must meet the American National Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967, which the rule names.
“Safety-toe footwear for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications in American National Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967.”
Electrical protective equipment
For rubber insulating blankets, covers, line hose, gloves and sleeves, insulating equipment must be inspected for damage before each day's use and immediately after any incident that can reasonably be suspected of causing damage.
“The following specific requirements apply to rubber insulating blankets, rubber insulating covers, rubber insulating line hose, rubber insulating gloves, and rubber insulating sleeves: (i) Maximum use voltages shall conform to those listed in Table E-4. (ii) Insulating equipment shall be inspected for damage before each day's use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of causing damage.”
Under 1926.97(c)(2)(ii), insulating gloves must be given an air test, along with the inspection.
“Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection.”
Under Table E-5, rubber insulating gloves are tested before first issue and every 6 months thereafter, upon indication that insulating value is suspect, after repair, and after use without protectors.
“Before first issue and every 6 months thereafter;1 upon indication that insulating value is suspect; after repair; and after use without protectors.”
Under Table E-5, rubber insulating blankets and rubber insulating sleeves are tested before first issue and every 12 months thereafter, upon indication that insulating value is suspect, and after repair.
“Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter;1 upon indication that insulating value is suspect; and after repair.”
Footnote 1 to Table E-5 (which applies to the 6-month and 12-month test intervals) says insulating equipment that has been electrically tested but not issued for service may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.
“If the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, the insulating equipment may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.”
Hearing protection
Wherever it is not feasible to reduce noise levels or exposure duration to those in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in 1926.52, ear protective devices must be provided and used.
“Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in § 1926.52, ear protective devices shall be provided and used.”
Ear protective devices inserted in the ear must be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.
“Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.”
Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.
“Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.”
Eye and face protection
The employer must ensure each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
“when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”
When there is a hazard from flying objects, the employer must ensure each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection. Detachable side protectors (such as clip-on or slide-on side shields) that meet the pertinent requirements of 1926.102 are acceptable.
“uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.”
An employee who wears prescription lenses in operations with eye hazards must wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription, or eye protection that fits over the prescription lenses without disturbing the position of either lens.
“wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.”
Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the consensus standards listed in 1926.102(b)(1): ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, ANSI Z87.1-2003 or ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998).
“Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards:”
Eye and face protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as devices constructed in accordance with one of those consensus standards are deemed to comply with 1926.102.
“Protective eye and face protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as protective eye and face protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.”
Table E-1 in 1926.102 must be used as a guide for selecting the proper shade numbers of filter lenses or plates used in welding; shades more dense than those listed may be used to suit the individual's needs.
“Table E-1 shall be used as a guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers of filter lenses or plates used in welding. Shades more dense than those listed may be used to suit the individual's needs.”
Employees whose job requires exposure to laser beams must be furnished laser safety goggles that protect for the laser's specific wavelength, with an optical density adequate for the energy involved.
“shall be furnished suitable laser safety goggles which will protect for the specific wavelength of the laser and be of optical density (O.D.) adequate for the energy involved.”
Respiratory protection
Section 1926.103 consists of a note stating that the respiratory protection requirements for construction work under that section are identical to those in 29 CFR 1910.134.
“The requirements applicable to construction work under this section are identical to those set forth at 29 CFR 1910.134 of this chapter.”
Not covered here
The content of 29 CFR 1910.134 (respirator selection, fit testing, medical evaluation, written program). It is a general industry section and is not in the Part 1926 text this guide is built from. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Safety belts, lifelines and lanyards
Subpart M says 1926.502 (installation, construction and use of fall protection) does not apply to the erection of tanks and communication and broadcast towers, and notes that 1926.104 sets the criteria for body belts, lanyards and lifelines used for fall protection during that work.
“Section 1926.502 does not apply to the erection of tanks and communication and broadcast towers. (Note: Section 1926.104 sets the criteria for body belts, lanyards and lifelines used for fall protection during tank and communication and broadcast tower erection.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
Subpart M's definition of a personal fall arrest system (which applies to Subpart M) states that, as of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.
“As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
Lifelines, safety belts and lanyards may be used only for employee safeguarding. Any of them actually subjected to in-service loading (not static load testing) must be removed from service immediately and never used again for employee safeguarding.
“Lifelines, safety belts, and lanyards shall be used only for employee safeguarding. Any lifeline, safety belt, or lanyard actually subjected to in-service loading, as distinguished from static load testing, shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee safeguarding.”
Lifelines must be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds.
“Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds.”
Lifelines used on rock-scaling operations, or where the lifeline may be subjected to cutting or abrasion, must be at least 7/8-inch wire core manila rope. For all other lifeline applications, at least 3/4-inch manila or equivalent with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds must be used.
“Lifelines used on rock-scaling operations, or in areas where the lifeline may be subjected to cutting or abrasion, shall be a minimum of 7⁄8-inch wire core manila rope. For all other lifeline applications, a minimum of 3⁄4-inch manila or equivalent, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds, shall be used.”
A safety belt lanyard must be at least 1/2-inch nylon or equivalent, with a maximum length that allows a fall of no more than 6 feet, and a nominal breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.
“Safety belt lanyard shall be a minimum of 1⁄2-inch nylon, or equivalent, with a maximum length to provide for a fall of no greater than 6 feet. The rope shall have a nominal breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.”
Safety nets
Under 1926.105, safety nets must be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces, where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or safety belts is impractical.
“Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is impractical.”
Subpart M states that fall protection requirements for employees engaged in the erection of tanks and communication and broadcast towers are provided in 1926.105.
“Requirements relating to fall protection for employees engaged in the erection of tanks and communication and broadcast towers are provided in § 1926.105.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
Where safety net protection is required by Part 1926, operations may not start until the net is in place and has been tested.
“operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested.”
Nets must extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed, and be installed as close under the work surface as practical but never more than 25 feet below it.
“Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed and shall be installed as close under the work surface as practical but in no case more than 25 feet below such work surface.”
Net mesh may not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets must meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance, as determined and certified by the manufacturers, and bear a label of proof test. Edge ropes must provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
“The mesh size of nets shall not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturers, and shall bear a label of proof test. Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.”
Working over or near water
Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, must be provided with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests.
“Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work vests.”
Buoyant work vests or life preservers must be inspected before and after each use for defects that would alter their strength or buoyancy. Defective units may not be used.
“Prior to and after each use, the buoyant work vests or life preservers shall be inspected for defects which would alter their strength or buoyancy. Defective units shall not be used.”
Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line must be provided and readily available for emergency rescue, with no more than 200 feet between ring buoys.
“Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue operations. Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet.”
At least one lifesaving skiff must be immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent to water.
“At least one lifesaving skiff shall be immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent to water.”
Definitions
In Subpart E, a lanyard is a rope suitable for supporting one person, with one end fastened to a safety belt or harness and the other secured to a substantial object or a safety line.
“Lanyard means a rope, suitable for supporting one person. One end is fastened to a safety belt or harness and the other end is secured to a substantial object or a safety line.”
A lifeline is a rope suitable for supporting one person, to which a lanyard or safety belt (or harness) is attached.
“Lifeline means a rope, suitable for supporting one person, to which a lanyard or safety belt (or harness) is attached.”
Not covered here
Subpart M's own definitions (body belt, body harness, personal fall arrest system and others) and its fall protection rules, which have their own study guide. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.95, Criteria for personal protective equipment (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.100, Head protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.96, Occupational foot protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.97, Electrical protective equipment (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.101, Hearing protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.102, Eye and face protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.103, Respiratory protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.104, Safety belts, lifelines, and lanyards (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.105, Safety nets (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.106, Working over or near water (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.107, Definitions applicable to this subpart (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
Other OSHA Construction study guides: Introduction to OSHA, Fall protection, Scaffolds, Stairways and ladders, Electrical safety, Excavations, Health hazards, Hazard communication, Respirable crystalline silica, Welding and cutting, General safety and health