If employees provide their own protective equipment, who must assure its adequacy, including maintenance and sanitation?

• A. Employer
• B. OSHA
• C. Employee
• D. Manufacturer

Answer: (A)

Even when employees provide their own protective equipment, the responsibility for making sure it is adequate and kept in good condition falls on the employer. The employer must assess the hazards, determine what PPE is appropriate, and establish a program that includes inspecting, cleaning or sanitizing, maintaining, storing, and replacing PPE as needed. This ensures every worker has protective gear that truly offers the intended level of protection and remains effective over time.

OSHA sets the regulations and expectations, but it’s the employer who must implement and oversee the PPE program and ensure the equipment meets standards and stays sanitary. The manufacturer provides the PPE, and employees are the ones who use it, report issues, and follow usage rules, but the ongoing duty to assure adequacy and maintenance rests with the employer.