PPE inspection: is it mandatory? , who can do it? , how is it done? Complete guide to answer your questions

The importance of PPE inspection

In sectors such as vertical work, construction or industry, occupational safety depends to a large extent on the correct use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For a PPE to fulfill its function of protecting the health and physical integrity of the worker, it must be in perfect condition, something that is only guaranteed by regular and professional inspection.

What are PPE and why to review them

PPE are devices or accessories designed to protect against specific risks: from safety helmets and fall arresters to descenders, blockers for vertical work or respiratory protection equipment. In all cases, faulty PPE can be the difference between a serious accident and a safe working day.
The regular inspection of these equipment not only makes it possible to detect damage, wear or faults before they become a real risk, but also ensures that the equipment maintains its safety features, extends its useful life and, above all, guarantees compliance with European regulations.

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Regulations that regulate inspections

Standard EN 365 establishes general requirements for the use, maintenance and inspection of PPE, and European regulation 425/2016 requires that all protective equipment for working at height be reviewed in accordance with these guidelines. In general, the manufacturer of each equipment indicates in its technical data sheet the recommended frequency for inspections, which is usually twelve months, although in intensive use or aggressive environments the deadline may be shortened. These reviews must be carried out by a competent person, that is, trained by the manufacturer himself or with in-depth knowledge of the use and characteristics of the equipment.

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How a professional inspection is performed

An PPE inspection is a thorough process that includes visual inspection to detect cuts, cracks, corrosion or deformation, verifying the operation of moving parts, verifying that all original components are present and in good condition, cleaning and removing contaminants, and verifying the expiration date and useful life of the equipment. It is essential to record each inspection with data such as the serial number or identification of the equipment, the date of revision, the condition of the equipment and the inspector's observations, so as to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.

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The EASTAV inspection service

At EASTAV we have more than twenty-two years of experience in training and working at height, which gives us in-depth knowledge of the diversity of PPE and their technical characteristics. Not only does our staff use this equipment in training and construction, but they have also been trained by manufacturers to carry out official inspections of the different brands that exist in the market. During each revision, we guarantee the absence of deformations or cracks before approving the equipment, and we validate your “curriculum”: certificate of conformity, registration and technical data sheet.
If a team doesn't have a history, we can create it from scratch and keep all the information in our specialized cloud system, which facilitates future inspections. In addition, depending on the characteristics of the equipment and service, we can carry out the inspection at our customers' facilities.

Technology for traceability and control

One of the great added values of our service is customer access to a digital platform that allows us to check the registration and traceability of each team at any time, receive alerts about upcoming revisions and verify details using a QR code. This technology offers total control and visibility, helping to prevent accidents and setbacks resulting from non-compliance with regular inspections. In addition, depending on the characteristics of the equipment, we can perform the inspection directly at the customer's premises for greater convenience.

Risks of not inspecting PPE

Failure to carry out these revisions involves the use of potentially defective equipment, with the consequent risk of critical failures during work, serious or fatal accidents, fines, legal sanctions and even civil and criminal liability for the company. At EASTAV we offer you a professional inspection service that ensures compliance with European regulations, protects your employees and minimizes costly risks.

Contact us at eastav@eastav.com to receive a quote and have the peace of mind that your PPE has expert inspection, complete records and impeccable traceability.

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PPE INSPECTION

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