The age of use of special protective equipment and the principle of scrapping

The lifespan of personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on several factors, including the working environment, frequency of use, and the type of PPE. Different regions have established specific regulations based on local conditions. For example, in Shandong Province, the usage period for helmets in factory and mine operations is set as follows: 36 months for metallurgical rolling mill slab operations, 48 hours for cold water operations, 24 months for coal and civil works, and 12 months for installation, drilling, and sampling in geological pit surveys. These variations highlight the importance of tailoring PPE guidelines to specific operational needs.

First, let's look at the service life of common special protective equipment:

1. Safety Belts

After two years of use, safety belts should be inspected in batches. If they pass the inspection, they can continue to be used. However, any tested belt must have its safety rope replaced before being used again. Frequent users should regularly check the appearance for damage. If any issues are found, the belt should be replaced immediately. Typically, a safety belt lasts between 3 to 5 years.

2. Anti-static Shoes and Overalls

According to GB12014-89 “Electrostatic Workwear,” anti-static clothing must be worn with shoes that meet GB4385 standards. Due to repeated washing, the anti-static properties of overalls may decrease. In high-temperature or high-intensity environments, companies should shorten the service period. Additionally, anti-static shoes should not be tested for resistance more than 200 hours. If they fail, they must be discarded.

3. Insulating Shoes and Gloves

Insulating shoes include leather, rubber, and plastic types. Each organization should determine their own usage period based on work intensity and environment. Key points include: storage—after 18 months, only electrical performance tests are required; if the soles are damaged by corrosion, the shoes cannot be used. At least one electrical test should be conducted every six months. Similarly, insulating gloves should be tested every six months and self-checked before each use. If they fail, they must not be used.

4. Hearing Protection Equipment

Hearing protection includes earplugs, earmuffs, and helmets. Helmets offer the best noise reduction, blocking both air and bone conduction noise. Earmuffs are effective but less so than helmets. Earplugs provide the least protection, typically reducing sound by 10–20 dB in the 1000–2000 Hz range. Proper selection is crucial for noisy environments.

Second, the retirement principles for special protective equipment generally follow three main criteria:

1. Corrosion Level

Depending on the operation, PPE wear can be categorized into heavy, medium, or light corrosion. This reflects the working environment and the type of task performed.

2. Degree of Degradation

The loss of protective function can be classified as minor, moderate, or severe. This reflects how well the equipment continues to perform its intended role.

3. Durability

Based on the expected lifespan, PPE can be durable, medium-duty, or short-lived. Durability indicates the material quality and overall reliability of the equipment, such as flame-retardant clothing made from high-performance fibers versus treated fabrics.

Third, there are several common misconceptions about PPE:

Myth #1: PPE is optional

Experts emphasize that PPE helps reduce occupational hazards. The Occupational Disease Prevention Act requires employers to provide appropriate equipment, and employees are legally obligated to use it.

Misunderstanding #2: No smell means no risk

Many harmful substances are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Relying on sensory perception can be misleading and lead to serious health risks.

Myth #3: Gauze masks protect against dust

Standard gauze masks are ineffective against fine dust. They do not provide adequate respiratory protection and are unsuitable for dusty environments.

Myth #4: Medical masks prevent chemical exposure

Medical masks protect against droplets but not toxic gases. For chemical hazards, specialized respirators, such as those with activated carbon filters, are required.

Myth #5: Dust masks can be washed and reused

Dust mask filters are often made of non-woven materials that rely on electrostatic charge. Washing them damages the structure and reduces filtration efficiency, making them unsafe for reuse.

While PPE serves as a critical line of defense, it should not be the sole solution. Employers should prioritize advanced technology and engineering controls to minimize occupational hazards. PPE should be used as a supplementary measure when complete elimination of risks is not possible. Remember, no single piece of PPE is perfect—it has limitations and must be used appropriately based on the situation.

China Labor Insurance Network