Is the OSHA inspector required to bring their own PPE or must an employer provide it to them?

Inspectors will typically show up with the necessary equipment to complete their inspection. They can’t enter any area where special entrance restrictions apply until the required precautions are taken. This doesn’t mean that an employer can deny them entrance, it simply means that the inspection may be delayed until they can procure whatever materials and equipment is necessary to safely conduct their inspection.

There are instances in which some equipment or personal protective equipment (PPE) may need to be supplied to the inspector. For example, Appendix C of the permit-required confined space standard says that “Besides personal protective equipment normally issued to the officer, and officer who is conducting inspections involving entry of permit-required confined spaces must be given ready access to all equipment necessary for safe entry.”