What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to protect workers who clean up after a fire or wildfire has damaged a facility or property?

OSHA requires employers to perform a hazard assessment to identify appropriate PPE per 1910.132(d). Employers should also ensure safety data sheets (SDSs) are referenced to determine proper PPE for and handling of any chemical encountered at a cleanup site. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PPE for fire cleanup typically includes:

• Hard hat,
• Safety glasses or goggles,
• Hearing protection,
• NIOSH-approved respiratory protection,
• Leather gloves,
• Safety boots, and
• Fire-retardant (FR) clothing, when appropriate.

If working near downed power lines, also consider rubber gloves, dielectric overshoes, and clothing compliant with NFPA standard 1500 as suggested by the CDC. (NOTE: CDC recommendations are voluntary only).