When selecting or wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), it’s important to know the key North American workplace thermal protection regulations.
DuPont Protection Solutions works with companies, governments, academics and scientists, sharing our extensive experience and knowledge of thermal protection regulations and helping to develop garments and products that protect life. DuPont recognizes the important role governments play in overseeing worker and workplace safety at all levels.
Workplace thermal protection regulations in the form of acts, regulations, standards or codes are in place in all North American markets and industries. In general, local codes tend to be more stringent. Regulations are subject to change as incidents occur and technologies advance.
DuPont recognizes that both employers and employees have perspectives and needs when it comes to PPE testing and thermal protection regulations. The employer’s primary responsibility is to provide a safe worksite; protect employees from hazards that can create injury; ensure that tasks can be safely executed; and comply with applicable regulations. Employers should:
The employee’s primary responsibility is to comply with job safety requirements. Additionally, employees should inform employers of unsafe conditions and comply with applicable federal or local regulations. Employees should:
Where hazards or potential hazards exist, regulations state that, where possible, the employer is required to eliminate or control the source of the hazard. If the employer cannot remove the hazard, engineering controls such as work practice or tools are a secondary best practice. If removal of the source of the hazard or engineering controls are insufficient, PPE is the last line of defense to mitigate the hazard.
Usually focused on specific industries, industry consensus standards provide tools to recognize and manage hazards. Most standards establish minimum PPE requirements with the goal of reducing or eliminating worker injuries and fatalities. Additionally, these industry consensus standards provide criteria for selection of PPE and certification processes. Reviewed every five years, these consensus standards serve as guidance for regulatory compliance.
U.S. Regulations:
U.S. Government (OSHA)
Industrial Consensus Specification Standards
Canadian Government (Multiple Entities — OSH)
Industrial Consensus Specification Standards
Whatever your business, DuPont would like to remind you that acts, regulations and codes can differ from area to area, and that while federal levels usually establish the minimum criteria for compliance, PPE regulation is always evolving as knowledge, trends, technology and other developments promote change in the industrial workplace.