How often should PPE be replaced?

The frequency in which you replace your PPE is dependent on the purpose in which you are using protective wear. For medical, or single use PPE, such as blue gloves and medical face masks, these should be replaced and disposed of correctly after every use. For general PPE, such as coveralls, hard hats and goggles, these should be monitored and replaced at the first signs of wear and tear or failure.  

UK workplaces are required, by law, to provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all workers to safely and efficiently carry out their job. Part of this responsibility is ensuring the PPE is fit for use. 

So, how often should PPE be replaced to ensure it is fit for use? 

Medical PPE 

For healthcare workers, food manufacturers and people who work in labs, you may be required to use medical, or single-use PPE such as blue disposable gloves, plastic aprons or facemasks. These items are almost always single-use and should be changed several times a day. 

General PPE 

Lots of work environments require workers to protect themselves with general PPE such as steel toe cap shoes, overalls or high vis – the list of general PPE could go on and on! 

However, what remains important for all types of PPE is that they are regularly monitored and assessed for wear and tear and this will inform how regularly they need to be replaced. Any compromised PPE needs to be replaced immediately as failure to do so could put employees at risk. 

This is why workplaces should keep a well-stocked reserve of their necessary PPE so that employees can have their equipment replaced quickly. 

PPE Audits 

When assessing your PPE there are a few key points to look out for to ensure the equipment is still effective: 

1. Spills, stains and burns to the fabric could compromise the PPE’s effectiveness 
2. Wear and tear: Any rips, tears or worn areas of fabric which, when under pressure will fail to protect the wearer
3. Worn material in heat-protective equipment will fail to stand up against severe heat 
4. If a hard hat ever experiences a severe impact or becomes density, it should be replaced 
5. Any PPE that has become heavily solid or stained should be replaced – this is especially important for high-vis equipment 

To know exactly when to replace or update your PPE, you should conduct a PPE audit of all employee’s PPE to ensure each piece of equipment is up-to-scratch. Your PPE audit should also induce an evaluation of the protective wear you have stored and ready to use when PPE needs replacing.

It is also important to foster a strong working environment and encourage employees to report any damage, wear and tear or compromise to their PPE as soon as possible. This way, all workers will ensure they are protected in the workplace. 

If you’d like assistance in setting up a PPE audit, advice on when PPE needs replacing or rapid 24 hour delivery for new PPE then contact the team at MorSafe today!