Legally, Do I Have to Wear PPE ?
The answer to this question varies depending on where you work. Generally, the legal onus falls on your employer to ensure you’re properly using PPE.
For example, the United States Department of Labor mandates that employers must train each worker who is required to use PPE. They must know how to use each piece of necessary equipment, as well as the limitations of said equipment.
Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations also state that employers must:
Provide PPE and other protective devices
Make sure these resources are used as prescribed
Maintain these resources in usable conditions
The second point in the above list indicates that, legally, employers must ensure employees properly use PPE.
But if you flagrantly disregard workplace guidelines, your employer will likely determine the consequences.