A change in 29 CFR 1910.132, Subpart I,
requires that all employers assess the workplace for hazards. This requirement became
effective on April 6, 1994.
1910.132
is given for reference to assist each department in completing this hazard assessment
immediately. A summary is provided here regarding site assessment, personal protective
equipment (PPE) selection and employee training requirements.
1910.132
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Application
"Personal protective equipment shall be
provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever it is
necessary by reason of hazards,of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological
hazards or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or
impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or
physical contact." Final PPE requirements are determined after all feasible
administrative and engineering controls are in place. During the evaluation and
installation of those controls additional or different PPE may be required.
Employee
Owned Equipment
Where employees provide their own protective
equipment, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper
maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment.
Design
Hazard
Assessment and Equipment Selection
1.
The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely
to be present, which necessitate the use of PPE. If so;
a.
Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the
affected employee from the hazards identified by the assessment.
b.
Communicate the selection decisions to each affected employee.
c.
Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.
2.
The employer shall document that hazard assessment has been performed, identify each area,
identify the date performed, and identify the person certifying the evaluation has been
performed. Reassessment must be performed anytime the process or methods change.
Defective
and Damaged Equipment
Training
1.
The employer must provide training to each employee required to use PPE. Training will
consist of at least the following elements:
a.
When PPE is necessary.
b.
What PPE is necessary.
c.
How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE.
d.
The limitations of the PPE.
e.
The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
f.
Consult your Hazard Communication Program and Chemical Hygiene Program.
2.
Employees shall demonstrate an understanding of the training provided by the employer
before being allowed to perform the work requiring the PPE.
3.
Employees shall be retrained whenever:
a.
Employer has reason to believe the employee has an inadequate understanding or skill to
properly use the PPE.
b.
Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete.
c.
Changes in types of PPE utilized render previous training obsolete.
d.
Any time the employee's retention of the training is inadequate.
4.
The employer shall maintain written certification of the training provided each employee
specifying the subject , date and individual name.
1910.132
HAZARD ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
(also see Non-routine
Work & Prior
Approval Evaluation)
Review
all hazards associated with the workplace, each task, process or operating procedure.
Evaluate for all potential hazards including byproducts and unexpected situations.
1.
Organize and review the information collected.
2.
Determine all engineering and administrative controls that will control or help control
worker exposure.
3.
Select the appropriate eye, face, or other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required
for each task.
4.
Identify the proper hazard protection for all work areas.
5.
Post the correct signs in each area to notify workers and visitors of PPE requirements.
6.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to insure all methods, procedures and
processes are conducted properly.
7.
Develop training program for each hazard identified.
8.
Define training requirements for all (PPE) that will be used.
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