What PPE training does OSHA require?
Updated October 16, 2026
29 CFR 1910.132(f) requires employers to train each employee who must use PPE on when and what PPE is needed, how to don, doff, adjust and wear it, its limitations, and its care and disposal. Employees must demonstrate understanding before working, and must be retrained when changes or gaps make prior training obsolete.
What the training must cover
Under 1910.132(f)(1), the employer must train each employee required by the section to use PPE. Each employee must know at least: when PPE is necessary; what PPE is necessary; how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; the limitations of the PPE; and the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.
Training follows the hazard assessment in 1910.132(d), which determines what PPE each job requires. The employer must verify that assessment through a written certification identifying the workplace evaluated, the person certifying it, and the date(s) of the assessment ((d)(2)).
Demonstrating understanding
1910.132(f)(2) requires each affected employee to demonstrate an understanding of the training, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring PPE. The standard does not specify how the demonstration is done. A hands-on check of donning, doffing, and adjustment is one way to show the ability to use PPE; a knowledge check alone may not show it.
When retraining is required
Under 1910.132(f)(3), the employer must retrain any trained employee it has reason to believe lacks the required understanding and skill. Situations requiring retraining include, but are not limited to: changes in the workplace that render previous training obsolete; changes in the types of PPE to be used that render previous training obsolete; and inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of assigned PPE showing the employee has not retained the required understanding or skill.
The paragraph sets no annual or other fixed retraining interval.
Which PPE this covers
1910.132(g) states that paragraphs (d) and (f) apply only to 1910.133 (eye and face), 1910.135 (head), 1910.136 (foot), 1910.138 (hand), and 1910.140 (personal fall protection systems). They do not apply to 1910.134 (respiratory protection) or 1910.137 (electrical protective equipment), which have their own requirements.
Under 1910.132(h)(1), PPE used to comply with Part 1910 must generally be provided at no cost to employees, with the exceptions listed in (h)(2) through (h)(6).