PPE Evaluation Form

What this process is

The PPE Evaluation Form walks you through a workplace assessment zone by zone, from the eyes down to the feet, and from falls and noise to respiratory hazards. For each zone you review hazard identification guidelines, record the specific hazards you identify, and set down the protection equipment required to control them. The aim is to reach a determined PPE selection for the tasks and conditions actually present, rather than issuing the same equipment to everyone by default.

Why it matters

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence when other controls cannot fully remove a hazard. It only works if it matches the hazard: the wrong glove, lens, or respirator leaves a gap that an injury can pass through. A structured evaluation helps you close those gaps by looking at each body zone separately and connecting every hazard you find to a specific piece of equipment. Carrying out the assessment also gives you a record of what was identified, what was decided, and who signed off on it.

What a good evaluation covers

A complete assessment covers each body zone and the hazards that are relevant to it: * **Eye and vision hazards** — the checklist includes hazards such as dust and flying debris, chemical exposure, UV and IR radiation, and electrical arc. * **Head, neck, and face hazards** — covering impact, impact and compression, and similar mechanisms. * **Foot and ankle hazards** — covering puncture, impact and compression, slippery and wet surfaces, and electrical shock. Foot hazards such as slippery and wet surfaces or electrical shock call for different footwear choices. * **Hand and arm hazards** — covering cuts and abrasions, chemical exposure, high heat and cold, and puncture. * **Body and torso hazards** — the checklist's available hazard options, such as chemical exposure, electrical arc, and high heat or cold, tell you what kinds of protection may be needed. * **Fall and height hazards** — the checklist allows you to record fall hazards and the fall protection equipment required to control them. Falls are among the most serious workplace hazards, and they frequently result in fatal injuries. * **Noise and acoustic hazards** — record noise exposure and set the hearing protection required. * **Respiratory hazards** — record dust particulates, chemical exposure, and other respiratory hazards, and set the respiratory protection required. The checklist's hazard options include chemical exposure, cuts and abrasions, dust and flying debris, dust particulates, electrical arc, electrical shock, fall hazard, high heat or cold, impact, impact or compression, UV and IR radiation, noise hazard, puncture, slippery or wet surfaces, and an 'other' option.

Frequently Asked Questions

The assessment is organised by hazard zone. For each zone you work through the same three steps: review the hazard identification guidelines, record the specific hazards you identify, and note the protection equipment required to control them.

The checklist covers eye and vision hazards; head, neck, and face hazards; foot and ankle hazards; hand and arm hazards; body and torso hazards; fall and height hazards; noise and acoustic hazards; and respiratory hazards.

The hazard options you can select from include chemical exposure, cuts and abrasions, dust and flying debris, dust particulates, electrical arc, electrical shock, fall hazard, high heat or cold, impact, impact or compression, UV and IR radiation, noise hazard, puncture, slippery or wet surfaces, and an 'other' option.

The form records when and where the assessment was conducted, who prepared it, a signature, and the real start and end dates of the inspection.

Written by

Arne Reis

Founder

Process optimizer with 25 years of expertise, focused on operational excellence in quality, maintenance, EHS, and commissioning. Emphasizes innovative solutions and top-quality standards.

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