Wearing and using personal protective equipment (PPE) — properly — is more than just a good idea; it’s an OSHA requirement. Yet, 85 percent of safety professionals surveyed at the 2006 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress said they had observed people in their organization failing to wear PPE when they should have been.

Choosing the most appropriate protective apparel can be quite a job. From assessing workplace risks and the likelihood for hazard exposures, to understanding how to apply performance data, garment ratings and international standards, the process may seem daunting to some.