Service life of personal protective equipment

What are the terms for using PPE and who set them?

When providing employees with personal protective equipment, the employer must remember that any PPE becomes unusable over time. This depends both on the materials from which they are made and on the conditions of their use. Therefore, each type of protective equipment has its own terms of use.

In accordance with the law, PPE can be issued to:

• for a certain period, which is usually equivalent to one year;
• before wear;
• along the belts;
• duty officers.

The standards for issuing PPE, which are given in the relevant regulations, have symbols. If, for example, 6 pairs, 1 set, or just a number is written in the column “issue standards for the year,” this means that during the year the employee must be issued the specified amount of PPE of this type.

If the entry “until wear” is written, this means that PPE is not issued for a year, but until it becomes unusable as a result of the loss of its protective properties over time or intensive use. Such PPE typically lasts much more than one year.

If the column contains the inscription “by belts,” the period of use is determined in accordance with paragraph 8 of the note to Appendix No. 5 of Order No. 357n of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia dated June 22, 2009.

Duty PPE is issued only for the duration of the work for which it is intended. For example, a raincoat used only for protection from rain when a guard (watchman) walks around the territory. Its service life is also “till wear”.

The “wear-out” period is also established for PPE not specified in the standard issuance standards, but prescribed based on the results of a special assessment of working conditions. This applies to the following clothing and equipment:

• signal vest;
• safety harness;
• restraint harness (safety belt);
• dielectric galoshes and gloves;
• dielectric mat;
• and so on.

How to determine whether PPE is worn out

This issue can be most easily resolved in relation to personal protective equipment issued for a certain period. If an employee is entitled to 6 pairs of gloves per year, the employer should try to provide the required number. Even if the employee turned out to be diligent, and the previously issued PPE is still in good condition, he still needs to be given the required amount of personal protective equipment against signature and make a note about this on his personal card.

However, the employer has the right to use PPE for its intended purpose even if it has expired, but is suitable for further use. The percentage of wear, as well as the possibility of further operation, can be determined either by the employee responsible for this or by the labor protection commission.

After examining the PPE, an authorized employee or commission draws up a report indicating the percentage of its wear and the possibility of further use. In this case, organoleptic control methods (visual inspection, palpation) can be used. It is advisable to compare the PPE being tested with the standard. As a last resort, new PPE that has not yet been used should be used.

The suitability of PPE is determined using the manufacturer's instructions. The employer’s task will be greatly facilitated by purchasing certified personal protective equipment, since the manufacturer in this case voluntarily complies with the requirements of GOST R EN 365-2010, introduced on January 1, 2012. It specifies in detail what information about personal protective equipment should be reflected in the instructions for their periodic inspection and technical operation.

For PPE with a “wear-out” period, the employer needs to establish the frequency of checks for suitability for use. For example, it may be one calendar year. To record inspections of such PPE, a journal is drawn up in which records of suitability are made, indicating the date of the next inspection.

Is it possible to extend the period of use of PPE?

This question is answered by paragraph 22 of the Intersectoral Rules. The Occupational Safety and Health Commission or an authorized employee inspects the PPE handed in by the employee after the end of the period of use of the PPE. Having established that the personal protective equipment can still be used, it is again issued to the employee.

In this case, it is necessary to draw up an act and also issue an order indicating that the PPE is suitable for further use.

Despite the fact that the obligation to report the failure of personal protective equipment rests with the employee, the employer in this case needs to exercise caution and also monitor the condition of the protective equipment. Especially if this concerns personal protective equipment such as safety belts, dielectric mats and gloves, etc., since they have the function of protecting against the most severe injuries.

For PPE issued “before wear-out”, it is not logical to extend the period of use. However, in practice, accountants still require that a specific operating date be set for them. They need it to make it more convenient to calculate depreciation and make other calculations. You can determine the period from the catalogs of the clothing manufacturer or in the passport of the PPE itself. They indicate the shelf life of the product.

In relation to PPE used for protection against electrical hazards, you should use the Instructions for the use and testing of protective equipment in electrical installations.

For some PPE, which must be issued “before wear out,” the regulations set a deadline for use. For example, for safety glasses it cannot be more than one year.

Answers to your questions

What to do if PPE becomes unusable ahead of schedule?

If the issued PPE has become unusable ahead of schedule, you need to take a written explanation from the employee about the circumstances of the damage. Then draw up inspection reports and write-off of PPE, and then issue new ones to the employee.

What special clothing is required for a gas boiler operator?

Obviously, the question in question is about the order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia dated September 1, 2010 No. 777n, which approved standard standards for issuing PPE for employees working in special temperature conditions or associated with pollution. Clause 68 of Section VIII of Appendix 1 to this document lists the PPE that is required for the boiler room operator. The standard standards do not specify whether the operator works in a gas or other boiler house. Therefore, these standards can be legally used to issue PPE to the operator of a gas boiler house.

Should PPE be issued to a part-time worker?

Part-time workers must be provided with personal protective equipment on the same basis as employees who perform their duties at their main place of work.

The most necessary regulations

Protective equipment tends to run out, wear out or break. And it happens that they live long and are suitable for use even after the end of their wear period. Who and how determines the degree of wear and tear of PPE in order to reissue it?

Who sets the new wearing dates?

The employer, by law, provides employees with free protective equipment and protective clothing. He is also obliged to monitor the serviceability of the issued PPE. If clothing, footwear or other PPE fails, it must be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, the defect will interfere with operation and may cause an accident.

Due to his busy schedule, the head of the organization cannot personally control the serviceability of PPE. This is done by the labor protection commission (clause 22 of the Intersectoral Rules for Providing PPE for Workers, approved.