This document dispels several myths about personal protective equipment (PPE). It explains that as a manager, you can require employees to wear proper PPE. It also notes that while PPE provides protection, it has limitations and worn incorrectly or in the wrong situation may not ensure safety. Only trained professionals should make decisions about proper PPE for employees.

1. MYTH: MANAGER CAN’T MAKE EMPLOYEES WEAR PPE
SHOW UP AT
9AM!
WEAR PANTS!
WEAR YOUR
PPE!
Fact: As a manager, you can require your employees to wear proper PPE.

2. MYTH: MICROBES CAN “WALK” THROUGH RESPIRATOR FILTERS
Fact: Microbes act like particles and get collected by filter media

3. MYTH: ONCE PPE IS ON, YOU’RE SAFE.
Fact: PPE has limitations – Your rash guard won’t protect you
from being eaten by a shark

4. MYTH: SUGICAL MASKS AND N95 RESPIRATORS PROVIDE
THE SAME LEVEL OF PROTECTION
Fact: Surgical masks DO NOT provide respiratory protection

5. MYTH: ANYONE CAN MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING PROPER PPE
Fact: Only trained professionals should be making decisions regarding
proper PPE for employees.
This face
shield
should do.

6. ENSEMBLES (RESPIRATORS, SUITS, MASKS) DON’T
NEED TO BE WORN DURING FIT TESTING

7. RESPIRATORS DON’T NEED TO BE FIT TESTED

8. FLAME RETARDANT CLOTHING IS ALL THE SAME
• Flame Resistant
• Flame Proof
• Lots of different levels, doesn’t mean you’re safe if you have one on. Only safe at certain voltages