Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes,
face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and
protective shield and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a
sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of
processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical
irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the
function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical
contact.


                                                                       
OSHA Regulation CFR29 1910.132 (a)