A Brief Analysis of the Useful Life of Special Protective Equipment and the Principle of Discarding

China Labor Safety Net News. The lifespan of personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on various factors such as the working environment, frequency of use, and the type of PPE itself. Different regions have established specific regulations based on local conditions. For example, in Shandong Province, the usage period for helmets in factories and mines is defined as follows: 36 months for metallurgical rolling mill slab operations, 48 hours for cold water operations, 24 months for coal operations and civil works, and 12 months for installation, drilling, and sampling operations in geological pit surveys. The duration of PPE use varies depending on regional standards and operational requirements.

First, the service life of common special protective equipment:

1. Lifespan of safety belts: After two years of use, safety belts should be sampled and tested per batch. If they pass, they can continue to be used. However, the safety rope of the tested belt must be replaced before it can be used again. For frequently used belts, regular visual inspections are necessary. Any signs of damage or wear should prompt immediate replacement. Typically, a safety belt is suitable for 3 to 5 years of use.

2. Precautions for anti-static shoes and overalls:

• According to GB12014 "Anti-static Overalls," wearing anti-static clothing must be paired with anti-static shoes specified by GB4385.
• Due to frequent washing, the anti-static performance of overalls may decrease. Therefore, in high-temperature environments or high-intensity work, companies should set shorter usage periods.
• During the use of anti-static shoes, resistance tests should not exceed 200 hours. If it fails, the shoes should no longer be used.

3. Precautions for insulating shoes and gloves:

Insulating shoes include leather, cloth rubber, rubber-soled, and plastic shoes. Each organization should establish a reasonable usage period based on labor intensity and working conditions. Key points to note include:

• Storage: If stored for more than 18 months, electrical performance testing is required before use.
• If the soles are damaged by corrosive substances, the shoes should not be used.
• At least one electrical performance test should be conducted every six months during use. If it fails, the shoes must be discarded.
• For insulating gloves, each unit should determine the usage frequency. Before each use, perform a self-test by blowing air into them. At least one electrical test should be done every six months. If it fails, the gloves must be replaced.

4. Precautions when using hearing protection:

Hearing protectors include noise-reducing earplugs, earmuffs, and helmets. Among these, noise-reducing helmets offer the best protection, blocking both air-conducted and bone-conducted noise. In extremely noisy environments, earmuffs are recommended, while earplugs provide the least protection. In the 1000–2000Hz range, general earplugs typically reduce sound by only 10–20dB.

Second, the principles for scrapping special protective equipment:

When determining the end of a product’s lifecycle, three main factors should be considered:

1. Corrosion Level: Based on the degree of wear, operations can be categorized as heavy corrosion, moderate corrosion, or light corrosion. This reflects the working environment and the nature of the task.
2. Loss of Function: Depending on how much the protective function decreases, items can be classified as vulnerable, moderately worn, or requiring mandatory replacement. This reflects the effectiveness of the protective gear.
3. Durability: Based on usage cycles, PPE can be durable, medium durability, or non-durable. Durability indicates the material quality and overall performance of the equipment. For instance, flame-retardant clothing made from high-temperature resistant fibers is more durable than those treated with chemical flame retardants.

Third, common misconceptions about PPE use:

Misunderstanding 1: Some believe that PPE can be worn or not worn at will. However, according to the Occupational Disease Prevention Law, employers are required to provide PPE that meets safety standards, and employees are obligated to wear it properly.

Misunderstanding 2: If there is no smell in the workshop, some think PPE is unnecessary. However, many harmful gases are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them undetectable by human senses. Relying solely on sensory perception can lead to occupational poisoning.

Misunderstanding 3: Gauze masks are often mistaken for dust masks. However, standard gauze masks cannot effectively protect against respiratory dust. Specialized dust masks are required for proper protection.

Misunderstanding 4: Medical masks are sometimes used for toxic gas protection. However, they are designed to block droplets, not to filter out harmful gases. Different types of respirators are needed for different toxins, such as activated carbon masks for volatile organic compounds.

Misunderstanding 5: Some people wash and reuse dust masks. However, the high-efficiency filters in these masks are usually made of non-woven materials or rely on electrostatic charges. Washing them damages the structure and reduces their filtration efficiency, making them unsafe for use.

In conclusion, PPE serves as a passive protective measure. While essential, it should not be the sole solution. Employers should prioritize advanced technology and engineering controls to prevent occupational hazards. PPE should be used as an additional layer of protection when hazards cannot be fully eliminated. It is important to remember that no PPE is perfect—each has its limitations and must be chosen carefully based on the working environment and application.