Personal Protective Equipment (ppe)

PPE PROGRAM

The MacEwan University PPE Program actively promotes the elimination and control of hazards at their source or along the path between the source and the employee. PPE should be considered as the last level of protection when all other methods are not feasible.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is equipment worn by a worker to minimize exposure to specific hazards. Examples of PPE include medical masks, respirators, protective suits, as well as head, eye and foot protection. Using PPE is only one element in a complete hazard control program that would use a variety of strategies to maintain a safe and healthy environment. PPE does not reduce the hazard itself nor does it guarantee permanent or total protection.

When should PPE be used?

PPE is used to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact to injurious physical, chemical, ergonomic, or biological agents. Remember, a hazard is not “gone” when PPE is used, but the risk of injury may be reduced. For example, wearing hearing protection reduces the likelihood of hearing damage when the ear plugs or muffs are appropriate for the kind of noise exposure and when the PPE is used properly. However, using hearing protection does not eliminate the noise.

PPE should only be used:

  • as a short term measure before controls are implemented;

  • where other controls are not available or adequate;

  • during tasks such as maintenance, clean up, and repair where pre-contact controls are not feasible or effective;

  • during emergency situations.

At MacEwan a Hazard Assessment and Control Report for positions/tasks must be completed to determine the PPE that may be required.

Who provides and pays for PPE?

In Alberta, the employer is responsible for ensuring employees have the appropriate PPE to perform their tasks safely. This includes paying for certain PPE (such as respiratory protection) and ensuring that all PPE is in good condition for use. Employees must not bring their own personal PPE for use in the workplace; the exception to this is non-medical (cloth) masks, employees may chose to purchase and wear these at their own discretion. See Respiratory Protection for more information regarding the use of non-medical (cloth) masks.

How do I know if I am using PPE correctly?

It is the employers responsibility to provide instruction on proper use, care and selection of PPE in the workplace. Training must be provided to employees for appropriate use of PPE. Your area/department will have specific safe work instructions for the PPE you are required to use. In addition, you may refer to the HSE Respiratory Protection page and HSE PPE Information below.

PPE Training Resources

We strongly recommend reviewing the following Alberta Health Services (AHS) learning modules to ensure proper use of PPE. These are intended for non-employees of AHS.

PPE Information

The following will provide guidance on commonly used PPE.

ppe during covid

As per MacEwan COVID-19 Re-entry Guidelines PPE:

1. Will be procured, requested and distributed institutionally at no cost to individual areas/departments.

2. May be requested for faculty, staff and student MacEwan endorsed activities.

3. The employee and the manager must complete a Hazard Assessment and Control Report to determine eligibility to receive PPE.


Consider the following prior to requesting PPE:

  • Elimination and/or substitution control(s)

    • examples: working from home, staggered work schedules

  • Engineering control(s)

      • examples: placing barriers or partitions between employees and the hazard, enhanced ventilation

  • Administrative control(s)

      • examples: safe work instruction for physical distancing, signage including hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette


To request PPE for your area/department complete the following:

  1. Identify the PPE required, including brand/model using the Available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) document.

  2. Submit request for PPE directly through Facilities (FIMS).
    -- Log into the MacEwan portal.
    -- Go to Departments > Facilities > Submit a Facilities Request > Service Requests.

Important! Non-medical (cloth) masks are NOT considered PPE. If you are required to wear a medical mask while participating in MacEwan endorsed activities you must remove your mask and put on the medical mask provided to you for the duration of the activity.

Wearing a non-medical mask does not protect the person wearing it. However, it is helpful in protecting others around you.

See the Respiratory Protection page for more information about selection, care and use of non-medical masks.

Additional resources