What should be done to personal protective equipment before using it?

Before using personal protective equipment (PPE), it is essential to inspect it to ensure that it is in good condition and functioning correctly. This involves checking for any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration that could compromise the equipment's protective capabilities. An inspection helps to identify issues that could lead to inadequate protection during use, such as cracks in hard hats, frayed harnesses, or tears in gloves and respiratory masks. Ensuring that PPE is intact and reliable is a crucial step in maintaining safety in the workplace.

While washing, storing, and testing PPE are all important aspects of PPE management, they do not take precedence over the need for a thorough inspection before each use to confirm the equipment's safety and effectiveness.