PPE Hazard Assessment

When engineering controls, work practices and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment.  Departments are responsible for assessing the workplace to identify hazards requiring the use of PPE, ensuring the adequacy of the PPE and ensuring that PPE is properly worn and maintained. The Princeton University PPE Worksheet.pdf is designed to help departments complete the OSHA-required PPE hazard assessment.

PPE Training

Training should be provided to all employees required to use PPE.  The training should cover the following topics:

• How to properly wear PPE
• What types of PPE provide protection against the hazards identified during the assessment
• When PPE must be used
• The proper care and useful life of PPE
• The limitations of PPE
• Proper disposal of damaged PPE

Assistance in selecting the proper PPE and training of affected employees is available through EHS.

Selection of PPE

PPE should be selected based primarily on the hazards identified during the assessment.  However, employers should also take the fit and comfort of PPE into consideration when selecting appropriate items for each employee.  PPE that fits well and is comfortable to wear will encourage employee use of PPE.  Most protective devices are available in multiple sizes and care should be taken to select the proper size for each employee.