When should personal protective equipment (PPE) be inspected for damage?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be inspected for damage before every use to ensure the safety and protection of the wearer. This precautionary measure allows individuals to identify any wear, tear, or defects that could compromise the effectiveness of the gear. Regular inspections help in maintaining high safety standards and reduce the risk of injury or exposure to hazards.

Inspecting PPE before each use is crucial because conditions can change, and equipment may deteriorate over time or during storage. Regular evaluations of the equipment help ensure that it meets safety standards and is fit for the intended task. In addition to physical wear, issues such as contamination or improper storage may occur between uses, making pre-use inspections the best practice for optimal safety.

The other options suggest less frequent inspections, which could result in using compromised equipment, increasing the risk of injury. For example, inspecting only once a month or only when visible damage is present could allow undetected issues to go unnoticed, potentially endangering the user's safety. Similarly, while inspecting PPE after every work shift is important, it doesn't address the potential risks associated with using damaged equipment at the beginning of a shift.