Posted By chandrashekhar Our Administration department is objecting to issue new shoes& helmet to Engineers/Managers without the proof of damage. Usually safety shoes are lasting more than 3 years with no signs of damage.I would like to know " how long one can wear safety shoes/helmets and how often should be replaced". I could not get favourable information from the OSHA/HSE regualtions, would request your advise. reference to code/regulations would be of help. thanks in advance chandra

Posted By Frank Cooper Robert's advice regarding helmets is fine and manufacturers will give guidance as he says. However, experience tells me that different employers have different policies as to life expectancy of helmets. For example, my current employers policy is to change them every two years as a matter of course. However, there needs to be a system in place for regular inspection and helmets should be changed earlier if there is a sign of damage. The same goes for footwear. A previous employer changed them annually but with the option of them being changed earlier if there were signs of damage that rendered them unsafe. I have people here who will only occasionally be in a situation where protective footwear is required even though it is supplied. Therefore the life expectancy is much longer than the person who is regularly required to wear them and these are changed less often. A Safety Management System that calls for regular inspection of all items of PPE is the answer. PPE can then be renewed at the discretion of a Line Manager who should be capable of knowing what damage etc to look for. Frank Cooper