OSHA Updates Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule that updates the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in many industries, including construction and manufacturing.

The rule updates references in OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection Standards to recognize ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, while deleting the outdated 1986 edition of that same national standard. OSHA is also retaining the 2003 and 1989 (R-1998) versions of the ANSI standard already referenced in its standard.

In addition, the final rule updates the construction standard by deleting the 1968 version of the ANSI standard that was referenced. It now includes the three ANSI standards referenced above to ensure consistency among the agency’s standards.

According to OSHA, the final rule reflects current national consensus standards, and ensures that workers can use up-to-date eye and face protection.

The rule goes into effect April 25, 2016.