Inspecting, Cleaning & Storing PPE
PPE only works if it’s in good shape. A cracked hard hat, a scratched lens or a respirator with a torn valve can fail exactly when you need it. A quick check before each use, and the right care afterward, keeps your gear working and makes it last longer.
- Construction
- General Industry
- All workers
Photo: worker checking the inside of a hard hat shell and suspension before a shift
Before every use
Look it over, every time. The OSHA rules say defective or damaged PPE must not be used.
| Gear | Check for | Replace when |
|---|---|---|
| Hard hat | Cracks, dents, gouges, chalky or faded shell, brittle or torn suspension | After any hard hit, when damaged, or by the maker’s date (many say suspension every 12 months and shell within about 5 years; check the label) |
| Safety glasses and goggles | Scratches that block your view, cracks, loose or broken frames, stretched straps | When you can’t see clearly or the fit is loose |
| Face shield | Cracks, scratches, warping, a loose headgear ratchet | When it’s cracked or hard to see through |
| Gloves | Holes, cuts, worn spots, stiffness, swelling or color change after chemicals | When damaged or after chemical breakthrough time |
| Respirator | Cracked facepiece, stretched straps, missing or torn valves, damaged cartridges | Disposables: when dirty, wet, damaged or hard to breathe through |
| Hearing protection | Dirty, hard or cracked plugs; cracked muff cushions; weak headbands | Foam plugs: after one use. Muff cushions: when hard or cracked. |
| High-visibility vest | Fading, dirt, torn or peeling reflective tape | When it no longer stands out, day or night |
| Safety boots | Exposed toe cap, worn tread, holes in the sole, separated soles | After a heavy impact on the toe, or when tread is worn smooth |
Fall protection and electrical gloves have their own detailed inspection rules. See Harness Inspection & Fitting and Arc Flash.
Cleaning
- Safety glasses: rinse off grit first, then use lens cleaner or mild soap and water. Wiping dry grit with your shirt scratches the lens.
- Hard hats: mild soap and warm water. No solvents, paint or harsh cleaners, which can weaken the shell.
- Reusable respirators: clean after each use as the maker says, usually with mild soap or respirator wipes, then let them air-dry.
- FR clothing: wash by the label. Avoid bleach and fabric softener unless the label allows them, because they can reduce flame resistance.
- Hi-vis: wash by the label, inside out, and keep it away from bleach.
Storage
- Don’t leave hard hats or respirators on the dashboard or in the rear window. Heat and sunlight damage plastic.
- Don’t toss glasses loose in a toolbox; use a case or pouch.
- Don’t store respirators where dust or chemicals can get in. Use a sealed bag or container.
- Don’t hang a harness on a nail by one strap, or leave it in a wet pile.
- Don’t write on or drill hard hats, or put stickers on them unless your employer and the maker allow it.
Who pays for replacements?
When PPE is required, your employer must generally provide it at no cost, including replacements for gear that wears out or is damaged on the job. Your employer can ask you to pay for PPE that you lost or damaged on purpose. See PPE Basics & Hazard Assessment.
Daily PPE check
- Hard hat: no cracks or dents, suspension intact, worn the right way
- Eye protection: clean, not badly scratched, Z87+ marked
- Gloves: right type for today’s task, no holes
- Hearing protection: clean plugs or working muffs
- Respirator (if needed): passes a seal check, cartridges current
- Hi-vis: clean and bright
- Boots: laced, good tread, no damage
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.132: General requirements for PPE (defective PPE must not be used; payment)
- 29 CFR 1926.95: Criteria for PPE in construction
- OSHA: Personal protective equipment
Last updated: