# Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in the shop. Use the PPE that fits the tool and the job every time, even for "just one quick cut".

<p class="callout warning">To be confirmed: what PPE the shop provides, where it is kept, and what members are expected to bring themselves.</p>

## The basics

- **Eye protection.** Wear safety glasses or goggles whenever you run a power tool or do anything that can throw chips, dust or sparks.
- **Hearing protection.** Saws, routers, planers, grinders and dust collectors are loud enough to damage hearing over time. Wear earplugs or earmuffs.
- **Respiratory protection.** Wear a suitable mask or respirator for fine dust, finishing products and fumes. See **Shop Safety: Air Quality**.
- **Clothing.** Tie back long hair, and avoid loose sleeves, dangling jewelry and lanyards around rotating tools.

## By area

- **Metal Shop:** PPE is required for welding and grinding. Welding needs a proper welding helmet, gloves and flame-resistant clothing; grinding needs eye and face protection.
- **Wood Shop:** eye and hearing protection at a minimum. The **Wood Shop: Radial Arm Saw** page calls out goggles and hearing protection specifically.
- **Paint and spray work (Flex Space):** respiratory protection suited to the product you are spraying. Check the product label.

Equipment SOP pages list any extra PPE a specific tool needs. If you are not sure what a tool needs, ask before you start.