The Importance of Properly Fitting PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Have you ever been given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that simply doesn't fit? PPE that is too large, too small, or otherwise poorly fitted may not provide the protection intended. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA’s) general industry PPE standard, 29 CFR 1910.132, requires employers to select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. Proper fit is therefore an important part of PPE selection.

The safest step for an employer is to assess the hazards that require the use of PPE and then develop a program that addresses the hazards, These hazards could be biological, chemical, or physical or a combination of these. For purposes of this discussion, we will focus on biological hazards and the PPE requirements that apply when employees have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

PPE and Biological Hazards

Biological hazards are a part of infection control and are addressed in OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030. Section (d)(3) of this standard covers PPE. It states that an employer shall provide it at no cost to the employee, and it must be appropriate for the hazard. It can include gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields or masks and eye protection, and mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices. OSHA considers it appropriate for this type of hazard if it “does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to or reach the employee's work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used.”

In this Standard OSHA also requires the employer to ensure that the PPE is provided in appropriate sizes and is readily accessible at the worksite. This PPE could include:

> Hand protection could include hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, powderless gloves, or other similar alternatives.

> Whenever contamination can be reasonably anticipated through splash, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials, OSHA requires the employer to provide PPE such as masks, eye protection, and face shields. All of these are available in varying sizes and types, therefore, the employer must determine the PPE to provide that will protect the eye, nose, or mouth from contamination.

> Protective clothing is also required to be worn in occupational exposure situations, therefore, the employer must provide the PPE such as gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments that will protect the worker in occupational exposure situations.

> OSHA also states in the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard that surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots shall be worn when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated.

Fit Is Part of PPE Selection

Proper fit is more than a comfort issue. OSHA's general industry PPE standard requires employers to select PPE that fits each affected employee properly. OSHA's guidance also recognizes that protective equipment is generally available in a variety of sizes and that employer should select the appropriate size for the employee and the task.

Employers should consider the people who will actually be wearing the PPE when selecting and purchasing it. Employees may have different body sizes, shapes, heights, and other characteristics that affect how PPE fits. Providing only one size, or assuming that a particular size will work for everyone, may leave employees without appropriately fitting protection.

The goal is not necessarily to purchase every size available. The goal is to provide an appropriate range of sizes and types so that each affected employee can use PPE that properly fits and provides the protection required for the hazard.

Training Matters Too

OSHA doesn't stop with just requiring the employer to provide the PPE. Employees must be trained on how to donn and doff the PPE, how to dispose of it, and when to replace it. This means that training must be conducted to ensure that the PPE fits the employee and the employee understands how to wear the PPE. It doesn't end there, however, for an employer. The employer must monitor the effectiveness and use of the PPE so improvements can be made as needed.

The Bottom Line

Don't create a greater hazard by providing PPE that doesn't fit.

Proper PPE selection starts with identifying the hazard, but it doesn't end there. Employers should make sure the PPE selected is appropriate for the hazard, available in appropriate sizes, properly fitted, and supported by appropriate employee training.

For healthcare and dental workplaces, this is especially important when employees may have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM. PPE should provide the protection required by OSHA while allowing employees to perform their work safely and effectively.

If you're not sure whether your PPE program is providing the right protection for every member of your team, SafeLink Consulting can help evaluate PPE selection, fit, training, and other OSHA requirements.

For dental practices, the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) also publishes PPE selection guidance specific to clinical settings, alongside OSHA's general industry requirements.

Discover more about proper removal of PPE for infection control.

And once your team is properly outfitted, make sure hand hygiene is closing the loop — see our guide to proper hand hygiene in dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for PPE? Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees.

Can an employee be required to bring their own PPE? No — OSHA requires the employer to supply PPE, including in appropriate sizes for each employee.

What counts as “appropriate” PPE under OSHA? PPE that prevents blood or other potentially infectious materials from reaching an employee's skin, eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or clothing under normal conditions of use.

Is your team's infection control training up to date? SafeLink's OSHA and CDC-aligned training helps your staff put PPE selection into practice — not just check a box. Explore Infection Control Training → 

Discover more about proper removal of PPE for infection control.

Learn about Dental OSHA Compliance.