Just Wear It
In some respects, PPE seems obvious: If you're using power equipment, wear gloves, protective eyewear and hearing protection. But PPE is often overlooked. Rose Mary Becker with Schiller-Pfieffer says when it comes to safety, that's probably the most common mistake made by rental customers.

To ensure adequate protection, a needs assessment should be done, says Becker. Most power equipment manufacturers recommend specific safety products that should be worn when using their equipment.

Customers then need to understand the value of wearing PPE.ANSI Z87.1

Customers might think their sunglasses provide adequate protection during power equipment use, but sunglasses aren't usually treated to prevent cracking. Customers need to wear safety glasses stamped saying they meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements.

Saying safety glasses aren't fashionable isn't a good excuse for not wearing them because it's not true. Today's protective eyewear is fashionable and comes in a variety of different frame and lens colors. Some safety glasses have side shields, some do not. A snug fit might provide adequate eye protection, depending on the application and whether or not a customer is behind a face shield.

Hearing protection for the future
The value of hearing protection also can be misunderstood. "Sometimes people are not aware that the longer you go without hearing protection when you're around noise, the more likely you are to suffer from noise-induced hearing loss," says Renee Bessette, marketing manager for Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection. "People also need to realize hearing loss is permanent. You can't fix it. Hearing aids will only restore hearing to a certain degree. Hearing protection is not just about protecting yourself from immediate noise, it's an investment in your future and your productivity."