Free fillable worksheet
Apprentice Tools and PPE Cost Checklist
Sort each item before you spend: employer usually provides, buy yourself after the list is confirmed, or ask before buying. Keep the estimated price blank until you have a current instruction or quote.
Required PPE to confirm with the employer
Use these as questions, not as a promise about a specific site. Record the employer answer before changing your status.
Low-risk candidates after the list is confirmed
These are planning prompts, not a universal required list. Confirm site rules and avoid buying duplicates.
Items that depend on the employer, site or task
Do not select or use safety-sensitive equipment from this worksheet. Ask for the exact requirement, approved type and training first.
Add up your tools and PPE budget
Ask your employer which items they supply first, then fill in "You buy?".
| Item | Employer supplies it? | Estimated price (USD) | You buy? | Your cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer-required head protection | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Employer-required eye or face protection | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Employer-required hearing protection | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Employer-required fall protection or specialized protective equipment | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Notebook for dated instructions | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Pencil or approved marking tool | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Basic tape measure, if listed by the employer | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Small personal storage pouch, if permitted | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Work boots or safety-toe footwear | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Hand-tool set | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Meter, tester or diagnostic tool | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Bender or other specialty tool | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Power tools, ladders or access equipment | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Arc-rated clothing or other site-specific PPE | Yes / No / Ask | Check local price | Yes / No | |
| Total of the items you buy | ||||
Download your buying plan
Download the blank plan, fill in priorities, estimated prices, whether the employer provides each item and questions to confirm with the employer, then add up the estimates in your spreadsheet.
Download buying plan (CSV)Members get this step: Prepare the first-week assignment and safety questions.
Explore membershipClose the worksheet in three steps
1. Get the current list
Use the employer or program source and save the date.
2. Mark the tier
Move an item only when the responsible source confirms who provides it.
3. Add your estimate
Fill the blank price only after the exact item is confirmed. Keep the source with the estimate.
OSHA sources checked 2026-10-26. Tsai Electro does not approve PPE, replace employer training, submit an application or guarantee a job.
