Proper maintenance and storage of your PPE are essential for keeping it effective and extending its lifespan. Here are five key tips to help you maintain your PPE, ensuring it stays in good condition and continues protecting your team’s health and safety.

1. Clean Your PPE After Each Use

Since PPE is often used in dirty or hazardous environments, it’s crucial to clean it after every use. Always refer to the pictograms and instructions on each item to know:

• The correct washing temperature,
• Approved cleaning detergents,
• The appropriate cleaning method (hand wash, machine wash, dry cleaning, ironing, tumble drying, etc.).
  
  

Generally, avoid using solvents and harsh detergents that can damage the materials.

• Workwear protecting the body should ideally be washed inside out at moderate temperatures to prevent damaging reflective strips or reducing fabric protection like waterproofing or insulation.
• Helmets should be dusted off, ventilated, and disinfected with suitable cleaning products.
• Protective gloves require special attention depending on the material. Some gloves, like certain specialty types, cannot be washed and should be replaced regularly. Leather gloves can be brushed with a soft brush, while rubber gloves can be rinsed with clear water and dried with a cloth.
  
  

Did You Know?

• To clean protective footwear, use a non-metallic brush to remove dirt and dust. For stains, wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, then air dry. Rubber boots can be rinsed with a hose. Some shoes also have removable insoles for easier cleaning.
• Reusable masks and their valves can be washed with warm soapy water and air-dried, but they should not be completely dismantled.
• Fall protection gear like lanyards and harnesses should be cleaned with neutral soap and left to dry naturally. Carabiners can be wiped down with a cloth.
  
  

2. Proper PPE Storage

Before storing PPE, ensure it’s completely dry. Store items in their original packaging or in an airtight container designed for PPE storage.

When packing away PPE:

• Close all zippers,
• Avoid friction between fabrics or contact with sharp edges that could tear the material,
• Lay ropes and straps flat to prevent tangling or damage, especially for fall protection gear.
  
  

Store your equipment in a clean, dry place away from sunlight, extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and moisture. Ideally, helmets and footwear should be placed on ventilated supports to help maintain their shape and durability.

3. Inspect PPE Before Each Use

The performance of PPE heavily depends on its condition. Always conduct a thorough inspection to check for:

• Tears,
• Holes,
• Signs of general wear,
• Cracks in footwear,
• Weak seams,
• Scratches on visors,
• And other visible damage.
  
  

Don’t forget: PPE like masks and filters have expiration dates that must be respected to ensure proper protection.

4. Regular Inspections for Category 3 PPE

PPE designed to protect against serious hazards—such as fall protection equipment or respiratory masks—must undergo an annual inspection, which must be documented in a safety register.

These inspections verify:

• That the PPE is still in good working condition,
• That it functions correctly,
• And that it can continue to withstand the stresses it was designed for.
  
  

Since this equipment guards against potentially fatal risks, strict maintenance is absolutely critical. It’s recommended to appoint a trained professional (either internally or externally) to:

• Maintain a PPE register,
• Record purchase and expiration dates,
• Develop a management program,
• Schedule inspections according to manufacturer guidelines,
• Replace damaged or expired PPE as necessary.
  
  

5. Train Employees in PPE Care

PPE maintenance is a shared responsibility. Training employees on proper PPE management is vital. Workers should be able to:

• Understand and recognize cleaning pictograms,
• Follow storage guidelines,
• Perform visual inspections before and after using their PPE.
  
  

Establishing these habits ensures a safer workplace for everyone.

Need PPE? We've Got You Covered!
At Georgia Underground Superstore, we stock all the PPE you need for any job—no matter how big or small. We carry top brands trusted throughout the industry, offering everything from hard hats and gloves to fall protection systems and respiratory gear. Contact our knowledgeable sales team today to find exactly what you need to stay safe and compliant!

Find our PPE here: Safety Products in stock at Georgia Underground