PPE Inspection Checklist
A free PPE inspection checklist — check the condition, fit, cleanliness, and expiry of personal protective equipment before every use.
Before each use (user check); periodic formal inspection for reusable and safety-critical PPE
The user (pre-use); a competent person for formal inspection of safety-critical PPE (e.g. harnesses)
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
A PPE (personal protective equipment) inspection confirms that protective equipment is in good condition and fit for use before it is relied upon. Under the PPE at Work Regulations, employers must ensure PPE is maintained and in good working order, and users should check their equipment before use. This checklist covers the pre-use inspection of common PPE.
PPE Inspection Checklist: what to check
General condition
No tears, cracks, wear, or damage that reduces protection
Cleanliness
Clean and free of contamination that could affect performance
Fit
Correctly sized and adjusted for the user
Expiry / lifespan
Within its usable life and any stated expiry date
Fastenings
Straps, buckles, and closures function correctly
Markings
CE/UKCA marking and standard present and legible
Suitability
Correct PPE type for the hazard and task
Storage
Stored correctly to protect it from damage and contamination
Safety-critical PPE
Harnesses, RPE, and similar formally inspected and recorded
Record
Formal inspections of reusable PPE recorded
Download printable checklist templates from the templates library, or build a custom one with the checklist generator.
Managing the records behind this inspection
Further reading
Common inspection failures
- Damaged or worn PPE still in use (torn gloves, cracked eye protection)
- PPE past its stated lifespan or expiry date
- Incorrect PPE for the hazard or task
- Poor fit reducing protection (loose respirators, oversized gloves)
- Safety-critical PPE (harnesses, RPE) not formally inspected
Related inspection checklists
What to record, and how long to keep it
Record pre-use checks and formal inspections separately. For safety-critical PPE such as fall arrest harnesses and lanyards, the formal inspection must be recorded against the item's unique serial number with the inspector's identity, the result, and the next due date — a general note that harnesses were inspected is not adequate. Keep the manufacturer's information and the date the item entered service, because most PPE carries a shelf life and a service life that run independently of its condition.
Sources
The regulatory positions on this page come from the following primary sources. Where guidance and legislation differ, the legislation governs — always confirm the requirements that apply to your own site and jurisdiction.
- Personal protective equipment at work — Health and Safety Executive
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 — legislation.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
How often should PPE be inspected?
Who is responsible for PPE?
What PPE needs formal recorded inspection?
Keep inspection records searchable
Once inspections are running, the records pile up. PM Assist makes your inspection records, O&M manuals, and certificates instantly searchable — so you can produce evidence on demand.