FactSheet

• Designing a way around a hazard is always

the preferred control method. For example,

installing a guardrail to prevent a fall from

occurring is better than relying on a safety

harness and lanyard to catch the worker

after a fall occurs. However, in many cases

personal protective equipment (PPE) may be

Disaster Cleanup and Recovery PPE Matrix

Workers engaged in disaster cleanup and recovery activities may be exposed to 

a variety of hazards. A comprehensive list of potential hazards and controls, 

sorted by common tasks, can be found in OSHA’s Hurricane eMatrix. 

Specialized operations, such as electrical power restoration, hazardous 

materials response, or confined space entry require controls specified in the 

applicable OSHA standards.

the only practical control method. All PPE 

has limitations and is the control method of 

last resort.

• The suggested PPE Matrix is provided to

assist employers in determining the PPE

needed for a specific task. Respiratory

protection is addressed below the matrix.

PPE

Normal 

Cleanup 

Activities

Working 

in Wet 

Conditions

Working 

with Chain 

Saws

Working 

Near/Over 

Water

Working 

at Heights 

Over 6 ft.

Working 

Near Loud 

Noise

Head Hard Hat X X X X X X

Eyes

Safety Glasses X X X X X

Safety Goggles X

Face Face Shield X

Ears Hearing Protection X X

Hands

Work Gloves X X X X X

Latex/Rubber 

Gloves X

Body

Hi-Visibility Garment X X X X X X

Impervious Body 

Suit X

PFD and Life Ring X

Chaps X

Fall Protection X

Feet

Steel Toe Boots X X X X X

Waterproof Boots X

Other 

PPE Workboat/Skiff X

Task
DTSEM FS-3898 10/2016

Respiratory Protection: The employer must assess site-specific conditions for potential 

respiratory contaminants and protection.

• In many cases, N-95 filtering facepiece

respirators may be adequate for dust or other

particulates.

• Where mold is known to be or potentially

may be present, use an approved respirator.

See the OSHA fact sheet on Mold Hazards

during Disaster Cleanup (OSHA FS-3713) for 

further guidance.

• Where asbestos is known to be or potentially

may be present and disturbed, higher

levels of protection are required (e.g., P100

particulate filter respirator).

° In addition, the requirements of OSHA’s 

Asbestos standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001, also 

need to be followed.

• Where chemical contaminants are present,

such as organic chemicals, different

cartridges or filters are required depending

on the chemical.

• Common respirators do not protect workers

from carbon monoxide (CO), which is present

in the exhaust from generators and other 

internal combustion engines.

• Respirator selection and use is regulated due

to the potential risk to workers.

° Employers who provide N-95 filtering

facepiece respirators for voluntary use 

by their employees need to provide their 

workers with Appendix D of OSHA’s 

Respiratory Protection standard, 29 CFR 

1910.134. Appendix D provides precautions 

that workers should take to ensure that the 

respirator does not present a hazard.

° Where employers mandate the use of 

respirators, additional requirements of the 

Standard apply, including fit testing and 

medical evaluation.

• Training regarding the limitations of

respirators, proper fitting, when they should

be replaced, and medical considerations for

the user is essential.

Sanitation and Hygiene: In addition to PPE, proper sanitation and hygiene are essential for 

minimizing the spread of contaminants and disease. Handwashing is a critical component of good 

hygiene. In the absence of suitable facilities, workers should be provided with hand sanitizer.

• It is essential that employers assess each site

and operation individually to determine the

actual or potential hazards based on sitespecific conditions. Employees must always

be trained to recognize hazards and take

necessary precautions.

• Workers relying on PPE must be trained to

recognize these limitations, as well as the safe

ways to put on and remove PPE, properly

store it, take care of it, and when it’s time to

replace it.

Additional guidance, Fact Sheets, and other information can be found on OSHA’s Hurricane 

webpage. Another source of information is the resource webpage maintained by the National 

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies, or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.