PPE dates

[fauxfly]

Do any of you guys run into expired PPE. A few years back when I was in private industry, the "OSHA" guy came to inspect a job I was on and gigged me and the crew for some out of datwe gear. I guess I never realized at that point I should be checking the dates on the equipment. The yellow tag on some of our harnesses were out of date, I said I'd check with the GC and replace and we were good to go.

Now I work for the state and they seem to have never heard of things like this. Where could I find definitive rules and regs about expired gear. All of the safety items we have now are all very old and out of date. Is there a requirment to have them in date, also do you know for sure if electrical harneses have to be arc flash rated, they did when I worked for industry, now for the state its another story.

I'd really like something I can print and show the boss, as he's pretty receptive to things like this, but a little slow if he has to do the leg work. If I can show him where and who requires the gear, I'd have it in the shop in a few days, he's a good guy.

Any help guys


Thanks

Steve

 

[safetyva]

PPE Dates

PPE Dates

fauxfly - you stated: All of the safety items we have now are all very old and out of date. Is there a requirment to have them in date

Is this what you are looking for? The OSHA PPE training standards require empoyees to know:

1910.132(f)(1)(v)
The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Employees must be trained in how to recognize expired or obsolete PPE, and then how to get rid of it. This should parallel the employer's (state's) PPE program.

If you are in a state that has only a Federal OSHA and no state plan, note that Federal OSHA regs don't apply to public sector employees.

 

[fauxfly]

That is correct, everything I have used or attempted to use is somewhere about ten years out of date. One supervisor says that if it looks good and its clean, it is OK.

I was always trained years ago, (private sector) when it comes to safety, be prepared to testify as to your decision when and if something goes wrong. An old boss always told us that, He also said imagine telling your co-workers wife that hubby won't be coming hoe tonight because you gambled and were incorrect on your assesment of the safety equipment today.

Kind of bleak...yes. Intense...yes. I'd like to give the boss concrete, black and white evidence that requires me to have certain things, and things up to date. Like I said He is very receptive to this and wont have a problem layong down several bills.

And you are correct Safetyva, public sector is'nt required to follow OSHA. We chose to though and hense my questions.

Thanks guys


Steve

 

[muskiedog]

PPE - replacement

PPE - replacement

I do training on PPE. It gets down to every time the gear is put on you inspect it to make sure it is going to provide the protection needed to get the job done safe. If it isn't the job task isn't done until it is replaced or you get gear that is in good shape. I used to get the argument that hard hats expired but this is not true. Also you need to follow manufactures recommendations on when replacement is needed. I haven't seen anything on dated harnesses. I always ask for what they are referencing to ensure that the inspector isn't making it up as they go because the think it is a good iedea, etc..

 

[zog]

Yep. it is all about the inspection. The date on the hard hat has nothing to do with an experation date, however some safety companies like to say so if they sell hard hats.

There is a field test required on Class E hard hats in the ATSM Z89 that helps you determine when to replace them.