How to Assess Worksite Hazards and Select Appropriate PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting workers from hazards in the workplace. Selecting the right PPE requires a thorough assessment of the worksite to identify potential hazards. This article provides a step-by-step guide on conducting a worksite hazard assessment and selecting suitable PPE.

Conduct a Worksite Walkthrough

The first step is to do a walkthrough of the entire worksite to identify hazards. Look for both health hazards (chemicals, noise, radiation) and safety hazards (slips, falls, sharp objects). Talk to employees to understand their tasks and exposures. Also, review any incident reports of previous injuries or near misses. A thorough walkthrough ensures all hazards are identified.

Review Applicable Safety Data Sheets

For chemical hazards, review the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which provide details on a chemical’s hazards and precautions. The SDS specifies which body parts need protection, such as eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Understanding a chemical’s routes of exposure is critical for proper PPE selection.

Evaluate Potential Hazard Levels

Determine the potential hazard level – mild, moderate or extreme. Consider hazard duration, exposure levels, and consequences of exposure. This hazard level approach helps determine the required protection level. For example, handling low concentration bleach periodically may require basic gloves and goggles, while working regularly with high concentration acids requires advanced PPE.

Identify Required PPE Types

Once major hazards are identified, determine the suitable PPE for each hazard according to regulatory standards. Common PPE includes:

• Head protection – Hard hats for falling objects or electrical hazards.
• Eye protection – Safety glasses, goggles or face shields for particles, splash or radiation.
• Hearing protection – Ear plugs or muffs for loud noise.
• Respiratory protection – Dust masks, respirators or fresh air supplies for hazardous airborne particles or gases.
• Hand protection – Gloves made of different materials like leather, latex, metal mesh etc. for chemical or physical hazards.
• Protective clothing – Aprons, suits, and jackets for body protection against specific hazards.
• Foot protection – Safety shoes or boots with toe protection, traction and chemical resistance.

Select Specific PPE Models/Styles

Within each PPE category, select the specific make and model suitable for the identified hazards and environment:

• Head – Cap style or full brim hard hats.
• Eyes – Goggles, glasses or full-face shield types.
• Respirator – Disposable or reusable respirator types.
• Gloves – Material type and thickness.
• Clothing – Vests, jackets, full body suits.
• Footwear – Construction boots, chemical boots, etc.

Consider Comfort and Compatibility

Choose PPE that offers both protection and reasonable comfort to encourage employee use. Also, ensure different types of PPE are compatible with each other and do not reduce protection levels.

Verify Regulatory Compliance

Confirm the selected PPE meets recognised regulatory standards like ANSI, EN or ISO standards. PPE must be certified as compliant for its intended use.

Inspect and Maintain PPE

Inspect PPE prior to use to confirm it is in serviceable condition and provides required protection. Create procedures for proper PPE maintenance, cleaning and storage to prevent damage. Replace worn or damaged PPE.

Train Employees on Proper Use

Provide training to employees on when and how to properly use each PPE type. Employees must understand what hazards the PPE protects against and how to inspect, maintain and wear it correctly. Refresh training periodically.

Conduct Hazard Assessments Regularly

Worksites change over time so review hazards and PPE selections regularly. Conduct assessments when adding new chemicals, processes or equipment. Effective PPE starts with a systematic worksite hazard analysis. Careful PPE selection and training ensure optimal employee protection. Stay safe!