Subpart I provides the standards for personal protective equipment for eye and face protection, head protection, foot protection, hand protection, electrical protective devices, respiratory protection and personal fall protection devices.

Do you have hazards involving processes or the environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants that are capable of causing injury or impairment to any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact? If yes, then you need to comply with subpart I.

The general requirements standard covers all personal protective equipment (PPE). According to the general requirements, protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact. To identify what the hazards are and what PPE is required to protect employees from them, this standard requires that the employer conduct a PPE hazard assessment. Once the assessment is completed, you will know which PPE standards you need to comply with in addition to the general requirements standard. Reference appendix B on non-mandatory compliance guidelines for hazard assessment and personal protective equipment selection. It also provides requirements for training and payment of PPE.

Learn more about the standards within Subpart I that have "Special Requirements" including programs and plans, training and other forms of communication, procedures and controls, signs and markings, qualified and competent persons, inspections and tests, recordkeeping and documentation, personal protective equipment, and references to other standards.

Additional resources and information can be found on the safety and health topics pages for personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, noise, fall prevention (scan QR code), hazard identification and control, employee safe work practices - English and Spanish (scan QR code), new employee orientation and training, QR codes – OSH division resources (scan QR code). and fall protection. Also reference CPL 02-01-050 - Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry and OPN 136 regarding state-specific rule 13 NCAC 07F.0202. 

To identify what other PPE standards apply to you, click on the applicable tab below. 

Note: Occupational noise exposure (i.e., hearing protection) is located under 29 CFR 1910 Subpart G  - Occupational Health and Environmental Control.