When should personal protective equipment be inspected?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of workers, especially in environments such as roadway work, where hazards are prevalent. The correct practice is to inspect PPE after each use as part of a routine safety check. This ensures that any damage or wear is identified and addressed immediately, maintaining the equipment's ability to protect the worker effectively.

Regular inspections after each use help to identify issues such as tears, cracks, or degradation of the materials, which could compromise safety. By making this a routine part of safety protocols, organizations can prevent accidents that may arise from using compromised equipment. This approach aligns with best practices in safety management, where the focus is on proactive measures to ensure worker safety.

Other options such as checking once a week during team meetings or at the end of the work shift do not provide the timely oversight needed to ensure PPE is always in safe working condition. Checking only when a new employee is assigned misses the ongoing nature of wear and tear that occurs with regular use of the equipment. Thus, inspecting PPE after each use is the best practice for ensuring continuous protection for workers on the roadway.