Dinamitek presents its guide to PPE maintenance for working at heights.

Everything you need to know about maintaining PPE for working at heights with Dinamitek

While the law requires employers to provide their workers with adequate PPE, it's true that each employee is responsible for their own equipment . This responsibility directly impacts personal safety in the workplace. Each employee must check the condition of their equipment and notify their supervisor if they need to replace it. All protective equipment must be kept clean and in perfect condition to be fully effective. This guide on the maintenance of safety equipment, specifically PPE used for working at heights, is therefore necessary.

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There are many aspects to pay attention to:

1. how to use the product (intensity, frequency, conditions, etc.),
2. the transport,
3. storage,
4. maintenance
5. conservation.

General precautions to follow are:

• do not leave PPE in direct sunlight,
• Avoid contact with chemical substances during transport,
• PPE must not be subjected to impacts,
• PPE must not be left in damp places,
• Follow the washing instructions and let the item dry thoroughly before storing it.

PPE has an expiration date ; it should never be kept for more than 10 years. Here's when to replace your PPE:

- Helmet and harness every 5 years of use.
- If they have suffered a heavy fall or have endured considerable strain.
- If they look worn and deteriorated.
- If they have come into contact with substances that may have altered their technical capabilities.
- If you have even a doubt about their effectiveness.
- If the use is obsolete
- If you don't know the history of the specific PPE:

NEVER USE PROTECTIVE DEVICES WHOSE ORIGIN AND HISTORY YOU UNKNOW.

A good rule of thumb is to destroy the PPE you want to replace , not just dispose of it to prevent others from misusing it.

Let's go into the specifics of protective devices

HEAD PROTECTION HELMET

A helmet or hard hat is used for head protection. It must provide protection from both impacts and falling objects.

Helmet customization is possible. It's certainly appreciated to have a helmet personalized with your name, nickname, or important information such as your blood type. However, please note that customization should only be applied to comfort features, not safety features. The usual rule applies: equipment should not be tampered with, especially PPE. If necessary, you can apply tape to the helmet to add your label, but never paint.
Those who suffer from excessive sweating are advised to wear a cap under their helmet. In any case, the inner padding is removable and should be washed regularly with Marseille soap and warm water (30°C). Any other type of detergent is too aggressive and risks damaging the helmet.
Even if it seems obvious, we reiterate that no weight should be placed on the helmet.

FALL PROTECTION Harnesses

There are also limitations regarding the personalization of the harness: personal information can only be added to the labels and comfort elements; safety elements must remain original, intact, and in excellent condition. Always be careful not to use chemicals that could deteriorate the harness's construction materials. The principle is to avoid compromising the PPE's safety features and to avoid adding elements that hinder its proper use. If working in contact with chemicals, be it paint, oil, or any other substance, it is best to protect the PPE with disposable protective gear. Always wash the harness in warm water (30°C) with Marseille soap. For stubborn stains, a brush can be used. Machine washing is also possible, just avoid the spin cycle. Since the harness is equipped with metal and plastic components, it is best to place it in a heavy fabric bag to avoid damaging the washing machine drum. Never use a dryer; instead, let it dry in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

- Carabiners

It's a good idea to lubricate the levers periodically to keep the spring running efficiently. Grease residue should be removed with a cloth, as it can damage lanyards and harnesses.

- Cords

Personalization isn't possible because any substance that comes into contact with the cord will damage its strength. The solution is to write on labels or add tape to the sleeves of the sewn ends.

HIGH VISIBILITY

- Headlamps

The lamp should be transported in a case to avoid damaging the glass. A good precaution is to lock the lamp, which prevents it from turning on accidentally. It's unpleasant to find yourself with a dead lamp when you need it. The lamp should never be immersed in water. If you work in a humid environment, you should let the battery and the lamp dry out of direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated place where you dry all your other PPE. The lamp is sensitive to heat sources, both during use and while charging; care should be taken. When storing the lamp, knowing you won't be using it for long, it's best to remove the batteries.
The lamp itself should also be kept clean; a soft cloth is ideal. Be careful not to use abrasive surfaces on the glass of the light unit; if it gets dirty, use a cloth to remove it. The bands can be washed using the usual method: warm water (30°C), Marseille soap, and, if necessary, a washing machine without the spin cycle.

Go to the full PPE range

Now you have all the information you need to take care of your PPE.

Work safely at heights with Dinamitek