PPE Inspection

Personal Protective Equipment is the last line of defense: not the first. When engineering and administrative controls have already been applied, PPE is what stands between a worker and a recordable injury. But PPE that's cracked, expired, or doesn't fit properly fails silently: you won't know it's failed until it's too late.

1. Inspect all PPE before each shift: not once a week. A cracked hard hat or frayed harness can fail at the worst possible moment.
2. Hard hats: check for cracks, dents, and UV fading. Stickers and paint can mask damage: remove them. Replace every 2–5 years or after any significant impact.
3. Safety glasses and face shields: replace lenses with deep scratches: they reduce impact resistance. Confirm side protection is present.
4. Gloves: match the glove to the hazard (cut-resistant for sharp edges, chemical-resistant for solvents, leather for heat). Inspect for holes, tears, and worn seams.
5. Foot protection: steel-toed boots must have no separation between sole and upper. Electrical Hazard (EH) rated boots are required near energized equipment.
6. Hearing protection: foam earplugs must be rolled tightly and inserted fully. Reusable earplugs must be clean: wax buildup reduces effectiveness.
7. Respirators: N95 and P100 respirators must be fit-tested annually. A beard prevents a proper face seal: plan accordingly before the task starts.