Free checklist · 29 CFR 1910.132-138
PPE Inspection Checklist: Check Condition Before Issuing Gear
A PPE inspection checklist helps you decide whether protective equipment is in usable condition and suitable for the assigned hazard. This checklist covers head, eye, face, hand, foot, hearing, respiratory, high-visibility, and flame-resistant equipment. Supervisors and workers can use it alongside manufacturer instructions to identify damage, missing information, storage problems, and replacement needs.
The full PPE inspection checklist
PPE Condition Inspection Checklist. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
The printable copy downloads as a web page file: open it in your browser, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Checklist for inspecting all types of personal protective equipment condition and compliance.
Head
- 1Hard hats free of cracks, dents, or penetration damage; suspension system intact
- 2Hard hats within replacement date (per manufacturer — typically 5 years shell, 1 year suspension)
Eye/Face
- 3Safety glasses/goggles have ANSI Z87.1 marking and are free of scratches that impair vision
- 4Face shields clean, undamaged, and proper shade for the task
Hands
- 5Gloves appropriate for the hazard (chemical-resistant, cut-resistant, insulated, etc.)
- 6Gloves free of holes, tears, or chemical breakthrough
Feet
- 7Safety footwear meets ASTM F2413 (steel/composite toe) and in good condition
Hearing
- 8Hearing protection available (plugs or muffs) and NRR appropriate for noise level
Respiratory
- 9Respirators properly stored, cleaned, and fit test current (within 12 months)
Visibility
- 10High-visibility vests/clothing meet ANSI/ISEA 107 and are clean (retroreflective strips visible)
FR Clothing
- 11FR (fire-resistant) clothing free of holes, tears, and contamination
Administrative
- 12All PPE provided by employer at no cost to employees (per OSHA requirements)
The printable copy adds Pass, Fail and N/A columns with Inspector, Supervisor review and Date lines.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
PPE inspection checklist: when it’s needed
Use this review when issuing PPE and during the inspection schedule appropriate to each equipment type. Defective or damaged PPE must not be used under 29 CFR 1910.132(e). Under 1910.134(h)(3), routine-use respirators are inspected before each use and during cleaning; emergency-use and escape-only respirators have their own inspection schedules. Rubber insulating gloves require inspection before each day’s use and electrical testing on the schedule in 1910.137. Construction personal fall arrest systems require examination before each use under 1926.502(d)(21). Other inspection and replacement decisions should follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and applicable task-specific rules.
How to use this PPE inspection checklist
- Group equipment by type and assigned hazard, then obtain the manufacturer’s inspection criteria for the models actually issued.
- Inspect shells, lenses, straps, glove surfaces, footwear, and protective clothing for damage, contamination, and loss of function.
- Compare respirator maintenance and fit test records with the facepiece assigned, rather than relying on storage appearance alone.
- Separate rejected items from usable stock, identify why they failed, and arrange suitable replacements before exposed work starts.
- Record inspection responsibility and replacement decisions, and add equipment-specific checks missing from the general list before using it.
Before you use this PPE inspection checklist: what to fill in and check
- Manufacturer replacement criteria, equipment model markings, issue dates, and known exposure or impact history.
- Hazard assessment findings supporting the type and protection level of equipment selected.
- Respirator types, fit test applicability, cleaning arrangements, and any emergency-use inspection schedule.
- Electrical glove class, inspection procedures, test dates, and the qualified testing provider.
Get a version for your industry and state
Pick your industry and state and answer a few questions. We write a full PPE inspection checklist from our checked list of federal and state rules and show which rules it used.
Email me the PPE inspection checklist
We send this checklist to your inbox as a printable document, so you have it ready when you need it.
- Printable copy with Pass, Fail and N/A boxes
- Blanks marked for your company details
- Free, no credit card
Free email access. Open online; print or save where available. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
PPE inspection checklist questions
Do hard hats have a universal OSHA expiration date?
Do not use the checklist’s typical shell and suspension ages as a universal OSHA deadline. Follow the specific manufacturer’s replacement instructions and inspect for damage, deterioration, and exposure effects. A hard hat may need replacement sooner after impact or harsh service. Record the model and relevant dates so a reviewer can evaluate the actual equipment instead of guessing from its appearance.
How often must rubber insulating gloves be electrically tested?
Under 29 CFR 1910.137, rubber insulating gloves must be electrically tested before first issue and every six months afterward, with additional testing triggers specified in the rule. They also need inspection before each day’s use, including the prescribed air test. Verify dates and glove class before assignment. Ordinary work gloves are not substitutes for electrical protective equipment.
Can a respirator pass a PPE check without a current fit test?
A condition inspection and a fit test answer different questions. An undamaged tight-fitting respirator still needs the required fit testing under 29 CFR 1910.134(f), including before initial use and at least annually. Loose-fitting respirators do not use that same fit test requirement. Identify the respirator type, and review the respiratory program rather than marking every stored facepiece as ready.