How often should PPE (personal protective equipment) be inspected?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for the safety and health of individuals working in environments with potential hazards. The correct frequency for inspecting PPE is before each use. This practice ensures that any equipment is in a suitable condition to provide adequate protection during that specific task or shift.

Inspecting PPE prior to use allows workers to identify any damage, wear, or deficiencies that could compromise their safety. For instance, checking a hard hat for cracks, ensuring gloves are intact, or verifying that safety goggles are free from scratches helps prevent injuries before they occur. This proactive approach is critical in maintaining a safe working environment, as relying on a less frequent inspection schedule can lead to undetected issues that put workers at risk.

Other suggested inspection intervals—whether weekly, monthly, or twice yearly—do not offer the same level of immediacy and are less effective at ensuring readiness for each specific use. Regular but infrequent checks may lead to situations where damaged or inappropriate equipment is used, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Therefore, the requirement to inspect PPE before each use is fundamental to workplace safety protocols.