Cal/OSHA’s revision is the addition of T8 CCR 3380(f) Hazard Assessment and Equipment Selection. 8 CCR 3380 now requires employers to assess workplaces to determine if hazards are present or are likely to be present for which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed. The following is a summary of the new requirements:
1. The assessment must be in writing, identify the area evaluated, person who performed the evaluation, and the date that it was conducted. Cal/OSHA developed a non-mandatory appendix to be used as a guideline to conduct the hazard assessment.
2. Employer must select and provide PPE that will protect employee from the hazards identified in the assessment, and communicate selection decisions to affected employees.
3. Provide training to employees that informs them on: when PPE is necessary; what PPE is necessary; how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; the limitations of the PPE; and the proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
4. Affected employees must demonstrate an understanding of the PPE training, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE. This can be accomplished through hands on training and an exam.
5. Employees must be retrained when they demonstrate that they do not understand or have the skill to use PPE are required to be retrained, or when changes to the workplace or types of PPE render the training obsolete.
Prior to this regulation, most employers were using the hazard assessment criteria called out in 8 CCR 3203 (Injury and Illness Prevention) to facilitate workplace assessment and selection of PPE. For most employers, a few updates to your site’s existing PPE policy will bring your facility into compliance with the revised regulations. If you have questions about your program, or would like additional guidance please contact us.
The full text of the approved revisions can be viewed at http://www.dir.ca.gov/oshsb/PPD_apprvdtxt.pdf.
