Overall Hazard Assessment

Proper PPE depends on the workplace and its hazards. To determine what PPE is necessary, employers must conduct a workplace hazard assessment to determine if hazards are present. 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2) states that "The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment."

In Appendix B to 28 CFR 1910.120 - titled General Description and Discussion of the Levels of Protection and Protective Gear, the key factors of hazard assessment include identifying real or potential hazards to employees (through inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and eye or skin contact). After identifying hazards, the appendix suggests the following steps:

• Analyzing the PPE materials' ability to provide a barrier to these hazards
• Making sure the protection provided by PPE is material-hazard specific (ensuring that the PPE works against specifically identified workplace hazards, since each will pose its own threats and require its own specific PPE)
• Matching the PPE to the employee's work requirements and task-specific conditions
• Ensuring the durability of PPE materials, such as tear strength and seam strength
• Considering the effects of PPE in relation to heat stress and task duration
• Providing layers of PPE, when necessary, to provide sufficient protection or to protect expensive PPE inner garments, like suits or equipment

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