Page 45 - PPE GUIDELINE
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Guidelines on the Use of PPE Against Chemical Hazards
4.5. Inspection, Storage, Availability & Maintenance
4.5.1 Storage & Inspection
An employer should ensure that personal protective equipment is stored in a clean and
fully operational condition. Storage arrangements should ensure that the equipment is
safe from interference and damage, and that it is easily accessible when needed.
Personal protective equipment should also be inspected regularly at intervals specified
by the manufacturer or supplier, to determine that it is in a serviceable condition, both
during storage and in use. For example, torn gloves should be replaced even though
they are newly supplied.
4.5.2. Supply, Availability & Maintenance
An employer should ensure that personal protective equipment that is supplied to
employees, at no cost, is readily available and in good operating condition. Section 26
of the Occupational Safety & Health Act 1994 stipulates that the employer should not
levy a charge on his employee anything provided in pursuance to the Act or any
regulations made under this Act.
Replacements of equipment should be made at regular intervals based on
manufacturer’s recommendation or whenever they are found to be defective or no
longer effective in providing the necessary protection.
The employer should also ensure that personal protective equipment is maintained in
a condition that ensures its continued effective operation. Damaged or defective
personal protective equipment should be discarded or repaired.
A system to ensure appropriate maintenance of personal protective equipment is
carried out should be instituted. This system should include:
a) Responsibilities for maintenance;
b) Designation of personnel;
c) Storage procedures;
d) Cleaning procedures;
e) Checking procedures;
f) Information on the duration of
protection for gloves,
respiratory canisters, etc.; and
g) Training on correct
maintenance of personal
protective equipment used at
the workplace; and criteria for replacement.
Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia October 2005 45
