{"id":42884,"date":"2018-11-19T13:33:54","date_gmt":"2018-11-19T18:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=42884"},"modified":"2025-11-08T21:01:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T02:01:11","slug":"ppe-use-job-conducting-hazard-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/ppe-use-job-conducting-hazard-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"What PPE should I use for the job? &#8211; Conducting a Hazard Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><\/h1>\n<h1><b>What is PPE?<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PPE otherwise known as <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Personal_protective_equipment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Protective Equipment<\/a> is the safety equipment worn to minimize the risk of exposure to hazards or injuries on the job site. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Personal Protective Equipment can include:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Head Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hard Hat (Class A, Class B, Class C), Bump Hat<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Hearing Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earmuffs, Single-use Earplugs, Molded or Pre-formed Earplugs<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Eye Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goggles, Laser Safety Goggles, Welding Shields, Safety Spectacles, Face Shields<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Respiratory Protection &#8211; A<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ir-line, Half Face, Full Face, Disposable<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Body Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aprons, Bodysuits,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vests,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treated Wool and Cotton, Duck, Disposable Suits, Leather, Neoprene, Rubber Fabrics, Plastic<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Hand and Arm Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gloves (synthetic, fabric, coated fabric, leather, nitrile, aramid, butyl, aluminized, neoprene, and latex)<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Foot and Leg Protection &#8211; <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leggings, Safety Shoes, Foundry Shoes, Electrically Conductive Shoes, Electrical Hazard Safety Toe Shoes, Combination Foot and Shin Guards, Metatarsal Guards, Toe Guards<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PPE is used to provide protection against workplace hazards and should be used simultaneously with <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Administrative_controls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">administrative controls<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Engineering_controls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">engineering controls<\/a>, and workplace safety practices. Employers and employees should not solely depend on PPE for protection, good work practices will decrease incidents and near-misses.<\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/course\/ppe-are-you-covered-training-course\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-42897\" src=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3-300x103.png\" alt=\"An Ad for Atlantic Training's PPE: Are You Covered safety program. Get employees compliant today!\" width=\"1027\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3-1024x351.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3-768x264.png 768w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3-1536x527.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-11-19-at-12.13.55-PM-3.png 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1027px) 100vw, 1027px\" \/><\/a>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2><h2><b>Job Site Hazard Assessment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s up to the employer to conduct a \u201chazard assessment\u201d of the work environment to determine the right type of PPE for the job. This crucial step will identify the potential physical or health-related hazards that are present in the workplace. A hazard assessment must be completed for each work area and certified in writing. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3><h3>Getting Employees Involved<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s imperative to involve employees when conducting the hazard assessment survey. Any employee that is affected in each work area should understand what the survey is, why it\u2019s being carried out and what procedures are being evaluated. In turn, employees can help review the survey and identify any missing tasks.<\/span><\/p><h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Reviewing Past Data<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any prior illnesses, injuries, and even near-misses from workplace reports should be reviewed. That documented data is beneficial in understanding what procedures should be reevaluated and what areas can use improvement. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When reviewing these reports, pay attention to any trends.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a work area that seems to have a higher rate for accidents?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a type of injury that occurs more often than others?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Starting the Workplace Walkthrough<\/h3>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-42890\" src=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/PPEConstruction-2-300x155.png\" alt=\"Safety survey being done on a construction site. A safety manager is watching an employee cut a steel pipe\" width=\"700\" height=\"362\" \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A walkthrough survey will be an up-close observation of each work process in action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The employer will take notes and observe:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The layout of the workplace<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location of the employees during their work process<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work operations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential hazards during operations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What PPE is being used and the location of use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What devices or equipment is being used that requires PPE<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the walkthrough survey, employers will also develop a list of potential hazards that occur during job performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>The following are the basic workplace hazard categories:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic &#8211; bodily fluids, bacteria, molds, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemical &#8211; gases, vapors, liquids, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impact &#8211; falling\/flying objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compression &#8211; roll-over or pinching objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harmful Dust &#8211; grinding, sanding, chipping etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penetration &#8211; sharp objects that could pierce<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat\/Cold &#8211; extreme temperature changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light (optical) radiation &#8211; welding brazing, UV\/IR\/light, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to recognize what a potential workplace hazard looks like. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>The hazard assessment survey will have you look out for:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources of electricity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of chemicals used<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharp objects that could poke, puncture, stab, or cut<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The potential for falling or dropping objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic hazards (blood or other infected material)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High temperatures that could result in burns, eye injuries, or fire<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources of harmful dust<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources of motion (machines or processes where movement may exist that could result in impact between personnel and equipment)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources of light radiation (welding, cutting, brazing, heat treating, furnaces, high-intensity lights, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the site survey is completed the results are analyzed to understand what corrective measures need to be taken for each area and if new PPE should be required. When selecting PPE, it\u2019s best practice to select equipment that has a greater level of protection than the minimum required. <\/span><\/p><h2><b>Job Site Hazard Reassessment<\/b><\/h2>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-42893\" src=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2-300x161.png\" alt=\"Two employers doing a safety walkthrough of their workplace facility. Both are looking at a checklist and discussing the contents of the checklist. \" width=\"701\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2-300x161.png 300w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2-1024x549.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2-768x412.png 768w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2-1536x824.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-9.13.59-AM-2.png 1842w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px\" \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hazard reassessment is done periodically when there are changes in workplace conditions, equipment, or operating procedures that can affect occupational hazards. The employer is responsible for keeping all hazard assessment records up-to-date and readily accessible for all employees. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reassessment should include recorded injury or illness reports to isolate any areas that need improvement. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Documentation is required through a written certification that has the following information:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Name of the person certifying the reassessment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date of the reassessment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identification of the workplace evaluated<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identification of the document certifying completion of the hazard assessment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the survey, if there is a change in the type of PPE being used for that area then the employer is required to train employees again. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Employees should be trained on:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When PPE is necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What PPE is necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to properly wear and adjust PPE<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The limitations of the PPE<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The proper care, maintenance, and disposal of the PPE<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trained employees must demonstrate an understanding of the training and the PPE they need to use to perform their job functions. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need a little help with training? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/course\/ppe-are-you-covered-training-course\">PPE: Are You Covered<\/a> will help train employees on OSHA 1910.132. This covers the general knowledge that employees are required to know and understand about PPE and its uses. \u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/course\/ppe-are-you-covered-training-course\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a look at PPE: Are You Covered Here<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/share.hsforms.com\/17MKbJADEQsOCFfMbpBL5NA39lf6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-45986 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/BLOG-CTA2-2.png\" alt=\"Create your own\" width=\"800\" height=\"260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/BLOG-CTA2-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/BLOG-CTA2-2-300x98.png 300w, https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/BLOG-CTA2-2-768x250.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is PPE? PPE otherwise known as Personal Protective Equipment is the safety equipment worn to minimize the risk of exposure to hazards or injuries on the job site. Personal Protective Equipment can include: Head Protection &#8211; Hard Hat (Class A, Class B, Class C), Bump Hat Hearing Protection &#8211; Earmuffs, Single-use Earplugs, Molded or &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":42889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[83,1305],"tags":[801,1178,1971,2026,2028],"class_list":["post-42884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safety-training","category-featured","tag-employee-workplace-safety","tag-hazard-assessment","tag-personal-protective-equipment","tag-ppe","tag-ppe-safety"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42884"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57734,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42884\/revisions\/57734"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}