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PPE Requirements Checklist for Livestock Work

| Activity | Footwear | Eye | Hearing | Gloves | Other |

RanchSafety Team January 20, 2026 5 min read

Purpose

This checklist helps ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is used for various livestock handling activities. Use it for pre-work checks, training new workers, and verifying that adequate PPE is available and in good condition.

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Quick Reference: PPE by Activity

ActivityFootwearEyeHearingGlovesOther
General handlingSafety toeRecommendedAs neededOptionalLong pants
Chute workSteel toeRequiredAs neededWork glovesLong sleeves
Chemical applicationWaterproofGogglesN/AChemical-resistantCoveralls, respirator
Welding/cuttingSafety toeWelding hoodPlugsWelding glovesLeather apron
FeedingSafety toeIf dustyIf loud equipmentOptionalN/A
Hoof workSteel toeRequiredN/AWork glovesChaps optional
Loading/unloadingSteel toeRequiredAs neededWork glovesLong sleeves
Veterinary proceduresSteel toeRequiredN/AExam or work glovesLong sleeves
Power equipmentSafety toeRequiredRequiredAs neededVaries by equipment
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Detailed PPE Specifications

Footwear

  • [ ] Slip-resistant sole
  • [ ] Ankle support (6-8 inch minimum)
  • [ ] Good condition (not worn out)
|---------|-------------|-------| | Toe Protection | ASTM F2413 rated | Steel or composite | | Slip Resistance | Rated sole | Check for wear | | Ankle Height | 6-8 inches minimum | Taller for wet conditions | | Condition | No holes, intact sole | Replace when worn |
  • [ ] Sole tread adequate (not smooth)
  • [ ] Ankle support firm
  • [ ] No holes or separation
  • [ ] Waterproof (if required)
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Eye Protection

  • [ ] Impact-resistant lenses
  • [ ] Side shields
  • [ ] Clean and unscratched
  • [ ] Sealed to face
  • [ ] Anti-fog coating or ventilation
  • [ ] Fits over prescription glasses if needed
  • [ ] Full face coverage
  • [ ] Used WITH safety glasses
  • [ ] No scratches that impair vision
  • [ ] Frames intact
  • [ ] Fit properly on face
  • [ ] Side shields present and attached
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Hearing Protection

  • [ ] Proper fit (know how to insert)
  • [ ] Adequate supply on hand
  • [ ] Clean condition
  • [ ] Cord attached if required
  • [ ] Cushions in good condition
  • [ ] Headband tension adequate
  • [ ] Compatible with other PPE
|-------------|----------|-------------------| | 85 dB | 8 hours | Required | | 90 dB | 4 hours | Required | | 100 dB | 15 minutes | Required | | 110+ dB | Any | Required + double protection |

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Hand Protection

  • [ ] Good fit (not too loose)
  • [ ] No holes or wear-through
  • [ ] Adequate grip
  • [ ] No holes or deterioration
  • [ ] Proper length (wrist or elbow)
  • [ ] Correct size
  • [ ] Proper size
  • [ ] Not expired
  • [ ] Adequate supply
|------|------------| | General handling | Leather work | | Rope work | Leather work | | Chemical mixing | Chemical-resistant | | Animal treatment | Exam/nitrile | | Welding | Welding gloves | | Electrical | Insulated |

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Body Protection

  • [ ] Required for veterinary procedures
  • [ ] Durable material
  • [ ] Durable material (denim or work pants)
  • [ ] Disposable or washable
  • [ ] Proper size
  • [ ] Available for hoof work if needed
  • [ ] Leather or ballistic material
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Respiratory Protection

  • [ ] Proper fit
  • [ ] Adequate supply
  • [ ] Not wet or damaged
  • [ ] Proper cartridge for hazard
  • [ ] Good seal on face
  • [ ] Cartridges not expired
|--------|------------| | Dusty hay/feed | N95 minimum | | Grain handling | N95 minimum | | Chemical spray | Appropriate respirator | | Confined space (manure) | Supplied air may be needed |

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Pre-Work PPE Verification

Individual Worker Check

ItemWorn/AvailableGood ConditionProper Fit
Safety footwearY/NY/NY/N
Eye protectionY/NY/NY/N
Hearing protectionY/NY/NY/N
GlovesY/NY/NY/N
Long sleevesY/NY/NN/A
Long pantsY/NY/NN/A
Other: __________Y/NY/NY/N
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PPE Inventory Management

Supply Inventory

ItemLocationQuantityReorder LevelSupplier
Foam earplugs
Safety glasses
Goggles
Work gloves
Nitrile gloves
N95 masks

Inventory Check Date: _____________

ItemCurrent QuantityAdequate?Order Needed?
Y/NY/N
Y/NY/N
Y/NY/N
Y/NY/N
Y/NY/N
Y/NY/N
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PPE Training Record

Training Documentation

Worker NameFootwearEyeHearingGlovesRespiratoryDateTrainer

Training Topics Covered

  • [ ] What hazards it protects against
  • [ ] How to select proper size/type
  • [ ] How to put on (don) correctly
  • [ ] How to remove (doff) correctly
  • [ ] How to check condition
  • [ ] When to replace
  • [ ] Where supplies are located
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Special Situations

Chemical Application

  • [ ] Chemical splash goggles
  • [ ] Long-sleeved shirt (or coveralls)
  • [ ] Long pants (or coveralls)
  • [ ] Chemical-resistant footwear
  • [ ] Respirator (if label requires)
  • [ ] Hat or head covering

Veterinary Procedures

  • [ ] Eye protection
  • [ ] Exam gloves (or work gloves)
  • [ ] Long sleeves
  • [ ] Long pants
  • [ ] Eye protection
  • [ ] Face mask (if respiratory risk)
  • [ ] Coveralls (disposable may be appropriate)

Working with Power Equipment

  • [ ] Eye protection (face shield for grinding)
  • [ ] Hearing protection
  • [ ] Gloves appropriate to task
  • [ ] Appropriate clothing (no loose items)
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PPE Maintenance

Daily Care

  • Clean and dry gloves
  • Wipe down earmuffs
  • Store properly

Weekly Check

  • [ ] Inspect all PPE for damage
  • [ ] Replace worn items
  • [ ] Restock disposables
  • [ ] Check storage conditions

Replacement Schedule

ItemReplace WhenNotes
Safety glassesScratched or damagedOr if fit deteriorates
Foam earplugsSingle useNever reuse disposables
Reusable plugsEvery 6-12 monthsSooner if damaged
Earmuff cushionsWhen cracked or hardUsually annually
Work glovesHoles or wear-throughAs needed
BootsSole worn, toe compromisedAs needed
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Non-Compliance Response

If Worker Arrives Without Proper PPE

  • Do not allow work without required PPE
  • Provide PPE from facility supplies if available
  • Document the occurrence
  • Review PPE requirements with worker
  • Repeated issues require formal counseling

Documentation

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Download at texasranchsafety.com/resources