A short, usable checklist EHS teams can run before an audit — covering issue, condition, and documentation.
Three Questions to Walk the Floor With
Before any site audit, walk the floor with three questions in mind: is the right PPE issued for each task, is it in usable condition, and is it documented. Most audit findings trace back to a gap in one of these three areas rather than a missing policy.
Issue Checklist
- Is every worker wearing PPE matched to the actual task hazard, not a generic default?
- Are new joiners issued PPE on day one, not after their first shift?
- Is replacement PPE readily available on the floor, not locked in a store with a delay?
Condition Checklist
- Check glove and helmet expiry or service-life dates.
- Verify reflective tape on jackets and coveralls hasn't degraded or dulled.
- Inspect footwear soles and toe caps for visible wear beyond safe limits.
Documentation Checklist
- Confirm certificates for critical categories — arc-flash, respiratory and chemical-resistant PPE — are on file and current.
- Keep an issue register showing who was given what PPE and when.
- Record replacement cycles so audits can show a pattern, not just a snapshot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation is usually checked in a PPE compliance audit?
Auditors typically check PPE issue registers, replacement records and current compliance certificates for higher-risk categories like arc-flash, respiratory and chemical-resistant equipment.
How often should PPE condition be inspected on-site?
A regular visual inspection — commonly weekly for high-wear items like gloves and footwear — catches degradation before it becomes an audit finding or a safety incident.
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