PPE Assessment

Although personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered one of the last lines of defense against workplace hazards, it is essential to keep personnel safe. Use this PPE assessment to help determine what equipment is needed.

open task list

PPE Assessment

Use this tool to determine what PPE is appropriate for the job site.

Select the hazards that are present for each category, and review the recommended PPE.

Begin

Assess Hazards and Determine PPE

Before any job employers must perform an assessment to determine what hazards are present, and what PPE should be utilized.

Employers should take the following steps when hazards are identified.

  1. Identify what hazards are present on the job site.
  2. Select the appropriate PPE for each affected employee, in each category below, and ensure the equipments' availability.
  3. Communicate the PPE requirements to employee.
  4. Ensure PPE fits each employee properly. Provide properly fitted PPE.
  5. Conduct and document training.

Types of PPE

Eye and Face Protection

Eye or face hazards can include flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material or potentially harmful light radiation. Employers must ensure employees wear appropriate and properly fitted eye and face protection. Prescription lenses and contacts are not sufficient protection against most hazards.

Respiratory Protection

When employees must work in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present, they need respirators. These health hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death.

Head Protection

Hardhats fall within three categories. Class A provides impact, penetration, and voltage protection. Class B provides the highest electrical protection (up to 20,000 volts), along with impact and penetration protection. Class C provides the greatest comfort, but offers no electrical protection. Hardhats must fit properly and not bind, slip, fall off, or irritate the skin.

Foot and Leg Protection

Foot and leg protection should be employed when falling/rolling objects and crushing/penetrating materials are present. It should also be employed in the presence of hot, poisonous, or corrosive materials. Options for protection include leggings, metatarsal guards, toe guards, combination foot and shin guards, and safety shoes.

Hand and Arm Protection

Hazards affecting the hands and arms include skin absorption of harmful substances, chemical or thermal burns, electrical dangers, bruises, abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures and amputations. Protective equipment includes gloves, finger guards and arm coverings or elbow-length gloves.

Hearing Protection

Is required in the presence of loud and sustained noises. Protections include single-use earplugs, Pre-formed or molded earplugs, and earmuffs.

Hazard Assessment

OSHA mandates a Hazard Assessment to determine what PPE is necessary. When looking for hazards, consider both the workplace and the necessary tasks. Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. List potential hazard sources caused by:

  • Motion from moving machinery, machine parts or tools, or movement of workers that could result in collision.
  • High temperatures that can burn, injure eyes, or ignite PPE.
  • Chemical exposure that could result in burns
  • Chemical exposure that could create respiratory hazards.
  • Harmful dust that could scratch or burn the eyes or the lungs.
  • Light radiation that could burn skin or eyes, such as welding, brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating, or high intensity lights.
  • Falls from any height
  • Falling objects or objects that could be dropped
  • Overhead areas that could cause head bumps.
  • Sharp objects that could pierce hands, feet, or any part of the body.
  • Any machinery or object that could roll or pinch feet and body.
  • Any electrical hazards.
  • Biological hazards, including blood or potentially infected material.

Selecting PPE

Following a walkthrough, employers should organize and analyze the data. Consider the movement of workers. How do they interact with the hazards you have identified? Research the PPE options available and ensure that the selected PPE exceeds the minimum level of protection.

PPE Assessment
  • Each employee must be trained in the proper use of their ppe.
  • Employee's minimum knowledge of PPE should include
  • when it is necessary
  • which PPE is necessary for each process
  • how to wear and adjust PPE
  • Limitations of PPE
  • How to determine the condition of PPE.
  • How to replace PPE
  • How to care for PPE and dispose of it.