Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eyes, Hands, Feet, Ears

Eye and face protection (the big one)

PPE is the front line of protection from hazards. The Safety Manual is precise about ratings: all PPE must be ANSI-approved, UL Listed, CE EN166-rated, AS/NZS-certified, or CSA-rated, as applicable. For eyewear, safety-rated glasses, side shields, and frames are identified by markings stating the standard — for example Z87.1 (the ANSI/ISEA standard, current edition Z87.1-2025) etched on the lens or frame; the Canadian equivalent is CSA Z94.3 and the Australia/New Zealand standard is AS/NZS 1337.

Wear eye protection:

• When performing any work on the robot — grinding, drilling, soldering, cutting, welding, etc.
• When there is any risk of flying particles or chemical exposure (splashes, splatters, sprays).
• At events: anywhere in the pit area (including walkways and team pits), near the arena/playing field, on the practice field, and in any area posted requiring eye protection (such as a machine shop).

Two rules people forget: reflective lenses are prohibited (your eyes must be clearly visible to others), but lightly tinted safety glasses are allowed for general use without special accommodation. If you wear prescription glasses without a safety rating, you must wear rated safety goggles over them; if your prescription glasses are safety-rated, you may add rated side shields.

Hand protection

Gloves protect against heat, electrical, chemical, laceration, and mechanical hazards — but the right glove matters. Work with a mentor to pick the correct glove for each task: wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling chemicals, but avoid gloves entirely around rotating power tools like drill presses, where a glove can be caught and pull your hand in. Always inspect gloves for proper size, no cracks or holes, and good flexibility and grip before wearing.

Foot protection

When engaged in FIRST activities, participants must wear shoes that completely cover the entire foot — substantial, closed-toe and closed-heel. Flip-flops, sandals, mules, Crocs, and lightweight slippers are not acceptable when working on or near the robot. Where heavy objects can fall, use safety shoes or toe guards. Spectators follow the same rule; loose sandals or bare feet are never permitted in the pit area.

Hearing protection

Make hearing protection (such as earplugs) available where sound levels are objectionable or questionable. It is often available at Pit Administration, and a mentor can help evaluate high-noise tasks.

Other preventatives

Secure or remove all loose articles — dangling jewelry, baggy or loose clothing, lanyards, and long hair (tie it back) — when near or working on moving or rotating machinery, so nothing can be drawn into rotating parts. Inspect every piece of PPE for damage each time you wear it; discard and replace defective PPE.