Various reasons why you need to inspect PPE:
There is your personal safety and health reason! – PPE is designed to keep you safe and inspecting it ensures it is fit for use and will keep you alive!
Then there is the legal requirement – Various regulations tell you you have to (this applies both to companies and individuals as it is not only your own responsibility but also the responsibility of the company employing you to ensure you are using the correct PPE, and furthermore that it has been maintained as per any guidance / legal requirements. You may well find that if you go onto a work site the Health and Safety Manager asks for your Certificates of Conformity and equipment inspection log):
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that equipment which is exposed to conditions which may cause deterioration or each time exceptional circumstances have occurred should be inspected.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 states that ‘Thorough examinations’ by a ‘competent person’ of any lifting equipment used for lifting persons (such as Rope Access Personal Protective Equipment) are required by law to be conducted at least every 6 months (or less if recommended by the equipment manufacturer)
Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 require intermittent inspections in between thorough examinations (in addition to standard pre-use checks) should be carried out in accordance with your risk assessment.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) require employers to maintain fall arrest equipment in good repair, including appropriate replacement.
To read more about your requirements and what Abaris International can do to help, please go to our PPE Inspection page.
