PPE Inspection Checklists

Importance and Benefits of Using this Checklist

Regular PPE inspections are critical for complying with safety regulations and standards. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, and PPE inspections are a fundamental part of this obligation. Here are some of the benefits of conducting a PPE inspection:

Detecting Wear and Tear

Over time, PPE can wear out or become damaged. Inspection checklists help identify worn-out or damaged items, allowing for timely replacements and thus ensuring that employees are adequately protected.

Extending Equipment Lifespan and Cost Savings

Proper maintenance and inspection can extend the lifespan of PPE, reducing the overall cost of replacements and contributing to long-term cost savings. Preventive maintenance through inspections can result in significant cost savings. It prevents workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses that may lead to medical expenses, worker compensation claims, and legal liabilities.

Ensuring Legal Compliance

Neglecting PPE inspections can lead to legal consequences. Non-compliance with safety regulations can result in fines and legal actions. A PPE inspection checklist helps companies avoid these legal complications.

What are the Maintenance Requirements for PPE?

Proper maintenance of PPE, unfortunately, is something that can still fall through the cracks if companies aren’t careful. It’s a consideration that should always be a top priority, especially for companies in hazardous industries like construction. Below are the main considerations in the proper maintenance of PPE.

For helmets:

• Keep helmets clean by regularly washing them with warm water and soap.
• Check headbands to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Store helmets and other head protection gear away from extreme temperatures and conditions.
• Replace helmets that are cracked, have dents, or are showing signs of wear and tear.

For protective eyewear:

• Regularly clean eyewear with water and mild soap.
• Always wash lenses with water before wiping them to prevent scratches caused by foreign objects.
• Store eyewear in a durable dustproof case and keep in a safe place to avoid damage.
• Replace any eyewear immediately if they are pitted, scratched, or worn out to the point that they impair vision.

For gloves:

• Always keep gloves clean and dry.
• Always check gloves for holes, cracks, and other damage before use.
• Ensure whether gloves are reusable or not and, if reusable, take note of how long they can be reused safely before requiring replacement.
• Replace damaged or worn gloves immediately.

For footwear:

• Wipe wet or soiled footwear with a clean cloth before storage.
• Air out footwear after work to keep dry.
• Regularly check for signs of mold and fungus.
• Users of protective footwear should change socks during breaks to keep feet and footwear dry.
• Replace footwear at the first sign of damage and regularly check ones in use to ensure they are in good working condition.

General Employer Responsibilities for PPE

There has been growing awareness and focus on the proper use of PPE, but even if workers in hazardous industries are trained on their proper usage, there’s still the problem of  proper care and maintenance. Even if workers wear PPE at all times during working or when exposed to certain hazards, this diligence means nothing if the PPE used has deteriorated or isn’t up to quality standards. In the US, OSHA puts the responsibility of ensuring workers are protected from harm and that PPE is always maintained on the employer’s shoulders. Aside from PPE maintenance, employers are also responsible for:

• performing a hazard assessment of the workplace to identify and control hazards;
• identifying and providing appropriate PPE to employees;
• training employees in the use and care of PPE; and
• periodically reviewing, updating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program.