How to extend the life of your PPE – 5 simple tips
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is our daily companion at work – whether it's gloves or safety clothing. But as reliable as it is in protecting us, it also depends on us to take care of it. Only those who treat their PPE properly can ensure that it lasts a long time and can provide full protection in an emergency.
Many employees unknowingly make mistakes: gloves are used for the wrong purposes, clothing is stored incorrectly or shoes are not cared for regularly. This not only shortens the service life of the equipment, but can also pose a real danger.
To prevent this from happening to you, we have put together 5 simple tips.
Proper storage
PPE should be stored in a dry, clean place protected from UV radiation. A locker, cupboard or clean storage room is ideal.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damp or oily environments and make sure that your PPE is not crushed by tools or heavy objects.
Visual inspection before each use
Take a moment to check the equipment before each use: Are the seams intact? Are there any tears, holes or breaks? Are the soles or fastenings worn? Identifying minor damage early on prevents accidents and more serious defects – and significantly increases your own safety.
Regular cleaning
It is best to clean your PPE after each working day or at the latest when it is visibly dirty. Dirt, chemicals or metal dust can damage materials and reduce their protective effect. Use mild detergents and lukewarm water and avoid aggressive chemicals or high heat when drying.
PLEASE NOTE: For hygienic cleanliness, surface cleaning alone is not sufficient. Many PPE items must be sent to industrial laundries to be treated properly.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Each item of PPE has specific care and usage instructions. Pay attention to symbols and labels on the clothing or in the accompanying care instructions. These will tell you, for example, whether home cleaning is possible, what washing temperature is suitable, whether tumble dryers are permitted, and what the maximum service life is. Maintenance recommendations and information on safety-related inspection intervals must also be strictly observed.
Use only for the intended purpose
If PPE is used for purposes other than those for which it is intended, it not only loses its function but also becomes unusable more quickly. In addition, damage can occur unnoticed, which can significantly impair its protective function. Only use your PPE for the activity for which it was designed.
Conclusion
With a few consistently applied measures, you can significantly extend the service life of your PPE. This saves costs, reduces unnecessary replacement requirements and at the same time increases your safety at work.
Remember: your PPE is not just a piece of equipment, but an important part of your personal safety. Treat it with care and it will protect you reliably when it matters.