What should be done with damaged or worn PPE?

• A. Remove from service, replace or repair, and retrain workers on inspection.
• B. Continue using until it fails.
• C. Sell it to others.
• D. Ignore and hope for best.

Answer: (A)

Damaged or worn PPE can no longer provide the barrier it’s supposed to offer, and that means you’re at higher risk from sparks, heat, burns, eye injuries, or inhalation hazards in welding. When PPE shows damage—such as cuts or holes in gloves, cracks or scratches in goggles or helmet lenses, frayed straps, scorched or stained gear, or any degradation of protective materials—it should be taken out of service right away. The appropriate action is to replace it or repair it if the equipment can be safely restored by qualified personnel and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. It’s also essential to retrain workers on how to inspect PPE before use and after use so problems aren’t missed in the future. This helps everyone spot damage early and prevent unsafe use.

Continuing to use damaged PPE, selling it, or ignoring the damage are not acceptable because they leave workers exposed to real hazards.