Service Life

Definition: the period of time that personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used safely and effectively, determined by the manufacturer and industry standards.

1. What is service life of PPE?
Service life refers to the period of time that personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used safely and effectively, determined by the manufacturer and industry standards.

2. How is service life determined for PPE?
Service life for PPE is determined by the manufacturer and industry standards. They consider many factors such as the type of PPE, how often it will be used, the conditions it will be used in, and the level of protection it provides.

3. Is it safe to continue using PPE past its service life?
No, it is not safe to continue using PPE past its service life. It may no longer provide adequate protection and could even fail during use, which could result in serious injury or illness.

4. Can PPE be reused after its service life has expired?
No, PPE cannot be safely reused after its service life has expired. It should be disposed of and replaced with new PPE to ensure continued protection.

5. Can PPE have a longer service life than what the manufacturer recommends?
No, PPE should not be used beyond the manufacturer’s recommended service life, even if it appears to be in good condition. Service life is determined through testing and is necessary to ensure the PPE provides adequate protection.