PPE inspection and maintenance

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence in the work- place protection hierarchy. Keeping it in
good condition and performing regular checks is crucial. If equipment is in poor condition, the user will often choose not to wear it and they are then vulnerable. The best practice is to create a safety protocol that allows for regular equipment inspections. Conducting an annual survey of all your gear can help determine whether replacement is needed.

HOW OFTEN DOES PPE NEED TO BE REPLACED?

While replacing equipment is vital, it is also financially prudent to ensure that you only do so when necessary. Sticking to a rigid replacement schedule that does not allow for discretion means you risk disposing of equipment prematurely. One key determining factor dictates when PPE needs replacing. If it looks like it has done its job, then it needs to be changed. There are, of course, more formal identifiers that signal the need for
replacement.

THE CORRECT WAY TO DISPOSE OF PPE

If your equipment shows any of the signs detailed above, you must get rid of it. The correct disposal or phasing out of PPE is also essential. PPE taken out of circulation needs to be removed from the workplace entirely. There must be no risk of an employee making use of decommissioned equipment. Expensive equipment, such as respirators, can often be repaired or serviced to avoid incurring excess costs. However, you must replace hardhats or fall protection equipment after an impact or extended use. Hardhats and fall protection may not
show visible signs of damage but can still be compromised.

HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR PPE

Cutting corners and buying sub-par PPE is not only dangerous, but it can also be costly. Being savvy with spending is important but not at the risk of your employees’ safety. Buying quality equipment may be expensive initially, but it often lasts longer and offers better protection. Ensure that you appropriately train your employees to use their PPE correctly. Using gear in the wrong manner can be damaging. Store PPE away from direct sunlight in a clean and dry place. Exposure to sunlight can degrade the
equipment, as can mildew. Any stored PPE must be regularly checked and disposed of if necessary.
Keeping precise records of what equipment you have on-site is imperative. Equally important is keeping a clear description of when it is inspected and maintained. This allows you to keep track of
your PPE both in use and storage. It also ensures that you make the most of your equipment before it
expires. The Delta Health and Safety team is on hand for any assistance on how best to stock, inspect, andmaintain your PPE. We can offer advice on making the most of your PPE while properly protecting
your employees. PPE inspection and maintenance

WHEN TO REPLACE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• There is discolouration
• There are visible signs of wear and tear
• An item has perished
• There are cuts, rips, or tears
• An incident such as an impact or chemical exposure has occurred
• The manufacturer’s expiration date has passed
• An item has damaged components
• Parts of the equipment are failing

YOUR PPE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Delta Health and Safety recommends the following checklist to ensurethat your PPE is ready and right to keep your employees safe.
• Take stock of your workplace PPE, both in use and in storage
• Check clothing and gloves for any signs of soiling, stains, fabric
degradation or wear
• Check all safety boots for tears or other signs of compromise
• Check all hard hats and helmets for any sign of cracks or perished
material
• Check gloves for wear, chemical damage, cuts, rips and tears
• Dispose of any damaged, compromised, or expired PPE
• Service and test any serviceable equipment
• Issue your employees with their yearly quota of safety clothing
• Set up a refresher PPE training session for your staff
• Ensure that you have an appropriate stock of replacement PPE should
any be damaged during duty.

source: https://safety1st.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFRICAN-OSH-AUGUST-2022.pdf