When should disposable PPE be thrown away?

Disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically designed for single use, ensuring that when it becomes damaged or worn, it no longer provides the intended level of protection. Wearing compromised PPE can expose individuals to harmful substances or hazards, undermining safety measures put in place.

In practical situations, items like gloves, masks, and coveralls should be inspected regularly during use. Once they show signs of wear such as tears, punctures, or degradation, they should be disposed of immediately to ensure that they do not fail when you need them the most. This practice helps maintain effective protection and minimizes health risks during pesticide handling or any other hazardous work.

While it is essential to dispose of disposable PPE immediately when it is damaged, other suggestions, such as discarding it after each use regardless of its condition, are unnecessary since some items might be serviceable over multiple uses as long as they remain intact and effective. Similarly, discarding PPE only when visibly contaminated does not account for cases where damage is not visually apparent but could still compromise safety. Thus, ensuring that PPE is thrown away when damaged or worn is a key principle for maintaining safety standards.