HAtitle.bmp (2302 bytes)Employers are required by law to perform hazard assessment(s) and post a "certification of hazard assessment" in every work room where hazards occur that require PPE (personal protective equipment).  Prudent practice suggests that "other safety equipment" should also be included in the assessment.  Hazard assessments are the responsibility of the supervisor -- and the supervisor is permitted to have all assistance available.   The Purdue Personal Protective Equipment Policy details the requirements, and might make easier reading than the OSHA text.  (See definitions at PPE, supervisor, and employer.)

A helper template "HazAss helper" was created and distributed in paper and electronically (in Feb 2002), with instructions for supervisors to modify it; add and/or remove sections as appropriate to create appropriate PPE rules for a work area.
You must do this if you use it.  Do not post inappropriate rules; make your hazard assessment certification a document that represents the RULES for your work area.  As soon as it is posted, it's enforceable.
Other templates offered by REM are simpler, more suited to workplaces with a smaller number of hazards and/or hazardous tasks.
Single Task     [Word]    [PDF]
Position/Title    [Word]    [PDF]

And there's a new tool under development