Procedure for Sharing PPE

OSHA/PESH does not indicate circumstances where PPE can/cannot be shared. However, personal hygiene is one of the major problems with shared PPE. Another, which is often overlooked, is that the item may sustain unreported damage while being worn. For example, if a hard hat suffers an impact, it should be disposed of. If items are issued that can be worn by more than one person, it needs to be made clear that damaged items must be reported.

When dealing with personal hygiene issues, work to the principle that if an item is likely to be contaminated and not easily cleaned and sanitized after its use, it shouldn’t be shared. This usually rules out any item that’s worn for a prolonged period.

Any PPE that is disposable (such as N95 respirators, disposable gloves etc.) should never be shared.

Rather than having rules that are set in stone, the best option is to exercise discretion. For example, if an item is returned undamaged and in good condition, it can be re-issued as long as the item has not suffered contamination and/or can be washed and sanitized (example, safety goggles, and safety glasses, hard hats without cloth headbands etc.).