Check the requirement for your task

Northstar example — confirm local requirements before use

This fictional Northstar example shows how a PPE guide can be organized. PPE requirements depend on the work, hazards, location, and approved procedures; the examples below are not confirmed requirements for any Northstar site.

Before starting work, check the current, site-specific guidance in the Safety Hub app. Follow posted local instructions and your supervisor’s direction. If the requirement is unclear, do not guess—ask your supervisor before beginning the task.

Illustrative PPE by area or task

Fictional examples only. Replace every row with requirements confirmed for the specific location and task.

Example area or task Illustrative PPE example Before use
Office: walking through a marked warehouse route High-visibility vest may be specified for the route Check the Safety Hub for the route’s local rule; wear only the required, serviceable equipment.
Receiving: handling cartons with sharp edges Cut-resistant gloves may be specified for the handling task Confirm the glove type and task limits in the approved local guidance; inspect for tears or damage.
Facilities: using an approved eye-splash task procedure Safety glasses or goggles may be specified by the procedure Use the eye protection specified for the task and check that it is clean, intact, and secure.
Office: desk work in a general office area No special PPE is illustrated for ordinary desk work This example does not establish a company-wide rule; check local instructions before entering work areas.

Before you begin

Use this as a general check sequence; follow the approved procedure for your task.

  1. 1

    Check the task requirement

    Open the Safety Hub app and find the current guidance for your location and task. Check posted instructions where you work.

  2. 2

    Inspect the equipment

    Look for visible damage, contamination, missing parts, expired service life, or other conditions that the manufacturer or approved procedure says make it unsuitable.

  3. 3

    Confirm fit and function

    Use the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and any Northstar-approved fit-check procedure. Make sure the equipment is secure and does not prevent the task from being performed safely.

  4. 4

    Pause and ask if it is unsuitable

    Do not start or continue a task that requires PPE if the equipment is missing, damaged, or does not fit. Tell your supervisor and follow the local escalation instructions in the Safety Hub.

Fit, care, and storage

Illustrative guidance only. Use the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and Northstar-approved procedures for each PPE item.

Fit

Choose the approved size and model for the task. Adjust equipment as instructed, check that it stays in place during normal movement, and ask a supervisor if you cannot achieve a suitable fit.

  • Do not modify equipment or combine items in a way the manufacturer or approved procedure does not allow.
  • Use any required fit test or user seal check only as described in the applicable approved procedure.

Inspect and clean

Check equipment before use and after use when the applicable procedure requires it. Clean it only with approved methods and products; some cleaners can damage protective materials.

  • Remove equipment from use and report it if it has visible damage or fails a check in the approved procedure.
  • Do not share items intended for individual use unless the approved hygiene and cleaning procedure allows it.

Store and replace

Store equipment in the location and conditions specified by the manufacturer or approved procedure. Replace it when it reaches its stated service limit or fails an inspection criterion.

  • Keep equipment away from conditions that the manufacturer identifies as damaging.
  • Use the Safety Hub to find the confirmed replacement process; this page does not submit a request.

If equipment is missing, damaged, or does not fit

Do not proceed with a task that requires equipment you do not have or cannot use as intended. Tell your supervisor and follow the site’s approved instructions for pausing the work and escalating the issue.

Open the Safety Hub app for the current replacement process, local instructions, and escalation route. This reference page does not create a request or confirm that replacement stock is available.

Content owner and upkeep: The appropriate safety content owner should be identified when this page is installed. Review the guidance when task hazards, equipment, manufacturer instructions, or local requirements change, and correct any page content that no longer matches the approved source.