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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to assess the workplace for hazards that may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Potential hazards may be physical or health-related and a comprehensive hazard assessment should identify hazards in both categories. Examples of physical hazards include moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high intensity lighting, rolling or pinching objects, electrical connections, and sharp edges. Examples of health hazards include overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals or radiation.
The PPE hazard assessment should begin with a walk-through survey of the facility to develop a list of potential hazards in the following basic hazard categories:
In addition to noting the basic layout of the facility and reviewing any history of occupational illnesses or injuries, things to look for during the walk-through survey include:
When the walk-through is complete, the employer should organize and analyze the data so that it may be efficiently used in determining the proper types of personal protective equipment (PPE) required at the worksite. The employer should become aware of the different types of PPE available, and the levels of protection offered. It is definitely a good idea to select PPE that will provide a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from hazards.
The workplace should be periodically reassessed for any changes in conditions, equipment or operating procedures that could affect occupational hazards. This periodic reassessment should also include a review of injury and illness records to spot any trends or areas of concern and taking appropriate corrective action. The suitability of existing PPE, including an evaluation of its condition and age, should be included in the reassessment.
Documentation of the hazard assessment is required through a written certification that includes the following information:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to assess the workplace for hazards that may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Potential hazards may be physical or health-related and a comprehensive hazard assessment should identify hazards in both categories. Examples of physical hazards include moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high intensity lighting, rolling or pinching objects, electrical connections, and sharp edges. Examples of health hazards include overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals or radiation.
The PPE hazard assessment should begin with a walk-through survey of the facility to develop a list of potential hazards in the following basic hazard categories:
In addition to noting the basic layout of the facility and reviewing any history of occupational illnesses or injuries, things to look for during the walk-through survey include:
When the walk-through is complete, the employer should organize and analyze the data so that it may be efficiently used in determining the proper types of personal protective equipment (PPE) required at the worksite. The employer should become aware of the different types of PPE available, and the levels of protection offered. It is definitely a good idea to select PPE that will provide a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from hazards.
The workplace should be periodically reassessed for any changes in conditions, equipment or operating procedures that could affect occupational hazards. This periodic reassessment should also include a review of injury and illness records to spot any trends or areas of concern and taking appropriate corrective action. The suitability of existing PPE, including an evaluation of its condition and age, should be included in the reassessment.
Documentation of the hazard assessment is required through a written certification that includes the following information: