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PPE maintenance and storage instructions are given in the leaflet for each Delta Plus product. Here are 5 tips on how to maintain their effectiveness over the long term and keep them in good condition. Good habits to ensure the health and safety of workers.
Expertise, PSA
Update 25.06.24
Used in potentially dirty working environments, your PPE must be cleaned after each use. The pictograms on each piece of equipment and the instructions will tell you :
- at what temperature,
- with which detergent products,
- and by what method (manual, dry or machine, ironing, tumble drying or not).
As a general rule, solvents and aggressive detergents are prohibited.
- When it comes to professional clothing designed to protect the body, the ideal solution is to wash it inside out, at a moderate temperature, to avoid damaging the reflective stripes, for example, or degrading the protective properties of the textiles (waterproofing, padding against the cold, etc.).
- Helmets must be dusted, ventilated and disinfected using suitable products.
- The more delicate maintenance of protective gloves depends on the material from which they are made. Some can't withstand washing and need to be replaced regularly. Leather gloves can be dusted with a soft brush, while rubber gloves can be rinsed in clear water and dried with a cloth.
Did you know?
To make things easier for you,
Delta Plus has developed several models of machine-washable gloves that won't impair performance when cleaned
- Remove dirt and dust from your protective footwear with a non-metallic brush. For stains, use a damp cloth with soap added if necessary, then leave to dry. Rubber boots can be rinsed with a hose. Some shoe models have removable soles, making them easier to clean.
- Non-disposable masks, particularly their valves, can be cleaned with warm soapy water and then air-dried. Do not dismantle them completely.
- Lanyards and fall arrest harnesses should also be cleaned with neutral soap, then hung up to dry naturally; carabiners should be wiped with a cloth.
Before storing, make sure your PPE is completely dry. Then store them in their original packaging, or in a dedicated airtight box.
When slipping them into their packaging, close any zips, watch out for rubbing between textiles and potential hooks or sharp edges that could cause holes or tears.
In the case of fall arrest equipment, it is important to ensure that ropes and straps lie flat. Finally, store them in a clean place, away from light, excessive heat, frost, aggressive products and humidity. Ideally, helmets and footwear can be placed on dedicated supports for ventilation.
The condition of your PPE determines how well it performs. So it's essential to check them regularly for :
- tearing,
- holes,
- signs of wear,
- cracks on the shoes,
- weakness at the seams,
- scratches on the visors,
- etc...
Think about it! You should also make sure that your PPE has not exceeded its lifespan: masks and filters, for example, have an expiry date which must be respected.
For certain PPE protecting against major risks (fall protection PPE or respiratory protection masks), an annual inspection is compulsory and must be recorded in a safety register.
The aim is to ensure that PPE is in good general condition, that it functions properly and that it is resistant.
The frequency of these checks depends on the type of PPE and the stresses to which it is subjected. Because this PPE is designed to protect workers from potentially fatal risks, it is essential that it is scrupulously maintained.
It may therefore be appropriate to appoint a qualified person (in-house or external) dedicated to this task, capable in particular of :
- set up a PPE register,
- reference purchase and use-by dates,
- define a management programme,
- plan checks based on equipment, manufacturer's recommendations, etc,
- decide to dispose of damaged PPE and plan for its replacement.
Train your employees in PPE management
Managing PPE is everyone's responsibility. That's why training your employees is essential: knowing how to identify the pictograms for cleaning PPE, understanding storage instructions and knowing how to visually inspect PPE before and after use are all strict processes that need to be learnt.
This is why Delta Plus welcomes employees to its technical training centres to raise awareness of good practice in the use, maintenance and checking of fall arrest PPE.
