Green Roofs: Personal Protective Equipment-Related Hazards

Using personal protective equipment is often essential, but it is generally the last line of defense after engineering controls, work practices, and administrative controls. Engineering controls involve physically changing a machine or work environment. Work practices involve training workers how to perform tasks in ways that reduce their exposure to workplace hazards. Administrative controls involve changing how or when workers do their jobs, such as scheduling work and rotating workers to reduce exposures.

Green Roof employers must assess their workplace to determine if hazards are present that require the use of protective equipment. Green roof workers can be exposed to many hazards that may require the use of safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, respirators, or other personal protective equipment used to protect against injuries and illnesses. The Personal Protective Equipment Fact Sheet provides additional information on selection and use of protective equipment.

The following additional resources may be consulted:

• PPE Assessment Tool

• OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics Page on Eye and Face Protection