Personal Protective Equipment Inspection
Personal Protective Equipment is defined as any material or device worn to protect a worker from exposure to, or any physical contact with, any (a) harmful substances or (b) forms of energy.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used when a hazard exists that cannot be controlled using engineered or administrative controls. It is a workers last line of defense against the effects of a hazard. It should be selected and inspected daily prior to use, and should receive an annual documented inspection done by a Competent Person. When inspecting PPE, users should follow manufacturer’s guidelines and removed the equipment from service if it is found to be inadequate.
PPE should be selected and documented on the Job Hazard Analysis as a control for identified hazards. PPE is job task specific and will vary from site to site depending upon site conditions.
• Inspection by the intended user completed daily, prior to use
• The user should have prior training on proper use and inspection of applicable PPE
• Documented annual inspection by a Competent Person
• Inspect PPE per manufacturer’s guidelines, consult manufacturer’s manual or website for inspection criteria
• Reject any PPE found to be out of compliance with the manufacturer’s inspection guidelines
• Always don, doff, adjust and store PPE per manufacturer’s guidelines
• PPE should have legible markings identifying the standards or regulations to which it conforms
• Never utilize PPE past an expired date, or PPE that has been removed from service
Download Personal Protective Equipment Inspection Poster
Additional Resources:
NATE Climber Connection video “PPE Inspection Safety Video”
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment, OSHA 3151-12R 2004
Disclaimer: NATE is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating safety, education and standards for the tower erection, service, and maintenance industry. The NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard was developed to bring consistency to the training of tower climbers by establishing the minimum standards to which all climbers should be trained.
By using this standard, you hereby acknowledge that you are solely responsible for the development of your program and training of individuals in your company. Furthermore, NATE expressly notifies you that you are responsible for knowing and following applicable regulations and laws pertaining to tower safety and training, and it is your responsibility to defend your training program if it is ever questioned or challenged by outside sources, including any federal or state regulatory agencies responsible for occupational safety and health.
NATE accepts no responsibility for the training that will be conducted under this standard, and use of this standard is at your own risk. This standard should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circum- stances, or as creating any warranties, or legal obligations, either expressed or implied.
