PPE Hazard Assessments

Employers are required by OSHA to certify in writing that they have assessed the work area to determine if hazards that required the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are present or likely. A Hazard Assessment Form, has been developed to help departments meet this requirement. Hazard Assessment training is available online to provide guidance and understanding of what hazards to look for, and how to complete the form.

Conducting the Hazard Assessment

• Look at how your personnel are similar, or different, with respect to their work, their location, and their hazard exposures. If all personnel have similar exposures due to the type of work performed or the location of their work area, they may be evaluated as a group. If there are some personnel who have significantly different exposures, they may require a separate assessment. Mark the appropriate box on the Hazard Assessment Form and fill in the required information for locations, position numbers and titles.
• Perform a walk-through of the area or observe personnel performing tasks. Look for existing or potential hazards and enter them on the Hazard Assessment Form by checking "Yes" for exposure to a body part and describing what the hazard exposure is in general terms in the space provided. Interview employees or review accident data, if necessary, to help identify hazards. Also look for general hazards, such as:
  • Moving equipment/parts/processes/personnel that could result in collision, compression, or impact.
  • Potential for objects to fall or drop from above onto an employee.
  • Exposure to chemicals or potentially harmful dusts, mists, or fumes.
  • Rolling or pinching objects or machinery processes that could crush body parts, catch hair, or snag loose clothing.
  • Electrical hazards from equipment, wiring, or utilities.
  • Presence or use of sharp objects that could cut or pierce the body.
  • Hot or cold surfaces that could cause burns or freezing.
  • Light (optical) radiation from welding, cutting, brazing, lasers, or other sources.
  • Use of tools or equipment that may generate flying debris, harmful dusts, vibration, repetitive motion, or noise.
  • Processes involving mixing or pouring of hazardous liquids.
  • Work area layout or spacing that may create hazardous conditions, for example, chemical storage near electrical panels or welding/cutting in high-traffic areas.
  • Material handling involving pushing, pulling, or lifting on a regular basis.
• For each hazard identified and entered on the Hazard Assessment Form, indicate whether it will be controlled through engineering or administrative controls, or specify what type of PPE is required. The next section will help you evaluate these options.

PPE coordinators should consider the feasibility of implementing engineering and administrative controls whenever possible.

Engineering controls remove the hazard from the workplace or use a barrier to virtually eliminate worker exposure to a hazard. The hazard is controlled on a relatively permanent basis. Engineering controls are the most desirable and effective type of hazard control, but may not always be feasible due to time and money constraints. 

Administrative controls alter the way a procedure or task is performed and rely on employee actions/behaviors to control the hazard. The hazard and/or employee exposure is reduced to a safer level but still may require the use of PPE.

The following table, Hazard Controls, will give you some ideas of what engineering or administrative controls may be implemented. Review the options to see if any are feasible for your situation. If any of the controls listed are not an option or do not reduce the hazard to a safe level, then PPE must be selected.

Download the table below