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Lifespan of personal protective equipment
PPE, what is it?
Workers' clothing must consist of safety devices such as PPE
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE: are, according to European Directive 89/ 686/EEC, is defined as a means or device that will be held or worn by the person in order to protect them against one or more risks / likely health problems: falling objects, skin problems, burns, falls from heights, etc. . Workers must benefit from good protection against these risks which can reduce their productivity, PPE is protection so that men and women can carry out their work with the best possible safety. It should be noted that PPE is not, however, the only way to protect employees in the context of their work, from appropriate work clothes must be worn in addition.
When to renew PPE?
Manufacturers have an obligation to define the theoretical lifespan of their protective equipment in the user manual, so you must read it in detail to obtain this essential information. As an employer, you must record this information to change PPE when needed. Be careful, however, the lifespan indicated in the instructions remains a theoretical lifespan, in fact the vagaries of professional daily life require conscientious and regular observation of the state of the PPE, in fact, the intensity or the conditions of use which reduce their good condition and consequently their lifespan. Such as:
- Mechanical and thermal constraints
- Humidity
- Industrial and greasy harnesses
- Unprotected goggles in a toolbox
- etc
Some manufacturers then decide to give two lifespans:
- Lifetime in use
- The maximum lifespan
Use life refers to the time during which a personal protective equipment fulfills all its functions, assuming correct use and treatment, in fact, the useful life of all PPE depends on the frequency of use and the working conditions of employing it, as well as storage conditions when not in use by the user.
Note that article 2 of the decree of March 19, 1993 concerning general periodic checks stipulates that all protective equipment that exceeds the expiry date must be destroyed.
Why should PPE be changed?
The purpose of PPE is to protect employees against many risks, if it is in poor condition or if its lifespan is exceeded, this can alternate its main function of safety . It is therefore essential to check the "use by" date to prevent the expiry date of the professional equipment used by the individual from being exceeded. It is essential that every employer records the lifespan of PPE, determining the lifespan of personal protective equipment, beyond knowing when to change equipment, this helps to optimize companies' "PPE budget" and reduce this expense while optimizing employee safety. You will be able to:
- Anticipate the purchase of your PPE and buy in bulk
- Keep a stock of PPE always available for your employees
- Determine the most suitable PPE models for your employees' jobs
Extend the life of PPE
You can't extend the maximum life of PPE, but you can extend the life of use by taking care of your protective gear on a daily basis with the following few points:
- Store PPE in a place protected from light and erosion
- Clean your PPE regularly with appropriate products
The lifespan is different depending on the PPE, some PPE is said to be single-use, so they must be thrown in the appropriate bin once use is finished, we are thinking in particular of certain gloves, masks.
Who must check the good condition of personal protective equipment according to the labor code?
According to the Labor Code, the employer has the obligation to ensure the maintenance of the personal protective equipment that it provides to its employees as well as their repair or replacement if necessary. The company is therefore responsible for ensuring the periodic verification as well as the annual verification of the PPE, this verification contributes to maintaining the compliance of the PPE, therefore ensuring the safety of the employees. The frequency of checks must be adapted to the constraints to which the PPE is subjected during its use (contact with chemical products, wear, etc.). It takes into account the information provided by the manufacturer in the instruction manual. According to the EPI, this verification is imposed on the employer, according to the decree of March 19, 1993, OJ of March 28, 1993. This verification can be carried out by the manager himself or he can delegate this task to someone one of rigorous and trustworthy.
Don't forget PPE: headphones, or safety shoe, safety trainers, etc must be completed with workwear: Work pants, overalls, or more specific workwear such as high visibility clothing.
