OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. For most industrial shops, that means comprehensive PPE compliance. Failing an OSHA inspection can result in fines, shutdowns, and worst of all — worker injuries.
Head Protection
Hard hats are required wherever there is a potential for head injury from falling objects or contact with electrical hazards. Type I hard hats protect against top impacts; Type II hard hats add side protection. Inspect hard hats regularly for cracks, dents, or UV damage — replace every 2-3 years even without visible damage.
Eye and Face Protection
ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses are mandatory when grinding, chipping, or using compressed air. For grinding, a full-face shield over safety glasses provides the best protection. Welding requires appropriate shade lenses — shade 10 for MIG welding, shade 11-12 for TIG, shade 3 for torch cutting.
Hearing Protection
When noise levels exceed 85 dB over an 8-hour time-weighted average, hearing protection is required. Most fabrication shops exceed this threshold. Over-ear muffs rated NRR 25+ are standard. Foam earplugs alone are often insufficient for sustained high-noise environments.
Hand and Arm Protection
Gloves must match the hazard — welding gloves for welding, cut-resistant gloves for material handling, chemical-resistant gloves for solvent work. Standard leather work gloves are inadequate for most fabrication tasks and can create entanglement hazards with rotating equipment.