Question
May an employee refuse to use required safety equipment (e.g., protective equipment or decontamination stations) provided by the agency?
Answer
When an agency requires employees to follow certain safety procedures, such as using protective equipment or going through a decontamination station, it is to protect the safety and health of its employees. As with any other agency policy, employees are expected to comply with agency safety and health policies. Employees who refuse to comply may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.