What are the best ways to maintain safety equipment in a construction setting?

Well, Firstly the Equipment used on site are substandard, hence provision of standard Equipment shall be priority. Subsequently handling, storage and inspection shall be ensured. For this purpose, adequate training programs can contribute. Then providing them proper storage facilities e.g hand bags or closets whatever is suitable in accordance to site or work nature. Once these are ensured then one can initiate frequent inspections.

Extend regular inspections by incorporating real-time monitoring where feasible. Utilize technology, such as sensors or IoT devices, to track equipment health continuously. This proactive approach allows for instant detection of anomalies or deviations from the norm. Automated alerts can then prompt swift corrective actions, preventing potential malfunctions before they compromise safety. This digital enhancement ensures a more responsive and predictive maintenance strategy, reducing downtime and reinforcing a proactive safety culture in the construction setting.

Create the "why" for the inspection. It is not just a case of a cursory check but a critical component for success, like a pilot who is about to take off with their family on board. Normalise the importance and set high standards, it must be right, not that it will do.

El inspeccionar regularmente los equipos, nos permite saber exactamente el estado de los equipos, nos ayuda a tomar las medidas necesarias para la mantención, limpieza y periodicidad de cambio de ser necesario.

Na minha experiência entendo que um dos passos que devemos seguir é a conscientiza??o. Podendo ser aplicado em treinamentos, diálogos, bate papo e outras oportunidades. Realizando monitoramento que englobe uma perspectiva de maturidade dos colaboradores antes e após o início das atividades, verificando a melhora do nível de maturidade dos envolvidos e se a evolu??o está alinhada com as expectativas aplicadas e /ou definidas. Chegando assim no engajamento e comportamento esperado.

The main reason behind deterioration of Personal Protective Equipment is their mishandling and inadequate storage so it is imperative to raise awareness about their storage and handling.

RPE is totally mistreated and yet it's the one bit of kit that is going to protect you from the hazardous materials you work with. I find that upon inspection of this equipment most of the users don't give a dame about it because and their words "not my problem we don't have to pay for it" no matter how much training is given to people on this matter, the users will continue to abuse it until there is financial penalties relating to it.

??Conduct routine inspections of all safety equipment, including helmets, harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems. Check for signs of wear, damage, or any other issues that might compromise their effectiveness.

Maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of safety equipment in construction is as vital as the regular inspections. Each piece of equipment, whether it’s helmets, gloves, goggles, masks, or respirators, must be properly cleaned and sanitised after use, especially when exposed to dirt, dust, moisture, or hazardous substances. Effective cleaning prevents the accumulation of harmful contaminants, ensuring both the functionality of the equipment and the health of its users. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or regulatory standards for cleaning, using appropriate materials and methods to avoid damage.

Each piece of equipment has its own rules for carrying out the necessary cleaning, but, in general, some basic practices must be considered. Some examples include using neutral soap and not using corrosive or abrasive products. Furthermore, it is necessary to let it dry in the shade and avoid the sun to avoid damaging the equipment.

Store in way you can retrieve without causing any damage to the equipment. Follow 5S methodology ‘everything has a place and everything in its place’. Create the right place for everything, designed to take care of that very equipment, made to size. Maintain proper inventory and issuance record. Prefer digital record keeping by enabling digital tools like QR code etc. Finally, maintenance is critical. Has to be done periodically and after every use.

Proper storage of safety equipment in construction is a critical aspect often overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in equipment longevity and effectiveness. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures, humidity, and sunlight can rapidly degrade safety gear if not stored correctly. Securing equipment in a designated, dry, and accessible area not only protects it from such damage but also ensures it is not misplaced, lost, or tampered with. Attention to detail in how items are stored is crucial; for instance, correctly coiling ropes and hoses, and appropriately folding harnesses and belts will help maintain their shape. As a HSEQ consultant, I advise clients that good storage practices are as essential as the equipment itself.

My biggest pet peeve is finding fall protection thrown on the ground OR workers walking with the lanyard/connectors trailing behind being drug on the ground! Does the user not know, care or understand this could be the difference between life and death when and IF needed while working from height?!??

To ensure service safety, materials must be stored so as not to harm: movement of operators, access to equipment, access to emergency doors or exits, rapid assistance in case of any occurrence.

El conocer las hojas de seguridad de datos de las sustancias que se utilizan en los proyectos y/o operaciones en las plantas de proceso, logrará una buena contención de posibles derrames de productos, su estiba máxima permitida y clasificar su área de almacenamiento.

The necessity to replace safety equipment in a construction setting, regardless of diligent maintenance, cannot be overstated. Equipment such as hard hats, fall protection gear, and earplugs have finite lifespans and must be replaced as per manufacturer's guidelines or industry standards. This practice is crucial not just for compliance, but for the overall safety and efficacy of the equipment. Over time, even the best-maintained gear can become outdated or lose its protective qualities.

I would add that a regularly scheduled inventory should be performed to make sure there is no lapse in employee access to necessary safety equipment.

Train employees If you train employees regularly how to use safety equipment or PPE they will be familiar with it. Know how to use it. Know how to take care of it. And be prepared to take action and use it when the need arises.

Considering an exceptional maintenance, we must take into account the lifespan of all of the equipment. When purchased or withdraw from warehouse, we have to take notice of manufacturers recommendations, date of production and expiration, because even if never in use, safety grade can be reduced or even non-existing due to its life cycle has concluded.

Let's also not forget proper documentation for the inspection of your equipment. Nothing is worse than not having a documentation of those inspections and having equipment fail or OSHA visits and would like to see those inspection logs. Remember, if it's not documented, it wasn't done. Use the 5S/6S method for storing equipment. Always report defects/problems and remove said equipment from service to be repaired or replaced. Lastly, don't play McGyver and rig or attempt to fix the issue with the equipment.

Construction equipment are not static ( frequent shifts in location for operation occur). Hence any maintenance program should include the unsettling of parts of the equipment and the possibility of operation of the equipment by untrained or partially trained personnel. The shifting of the equipment should also be done as per the manufacturers manual, as in some places additional props/supports required may not be available for shifting and makeshift arrangments are done to shift which may impact the operation of the equipment. All these are vital in the construction equipment as construction is a dynamic activity.

Create ownership. The value of a stores-person or material controller who can be the gate keeper will end up saving most med-large businesses money whilst making sure those using equipment look after it. Allow line managers the ability to manage the performance of those who do not look after equipment and you build a culture of accountability.

In my experience, cloud-based compliance software can help ensure that no safety equipment is left behind. Receiving notifications or bright red flashing lights from a system where all of your equipment is logged, categorised and data populated is so extremely helpful. I find clients save an average of 5 hours per week just off of safety equipment administration alone by switching out of a paper-based compliance system.

Es importante un proceso de compras adecuado. Una elección correcta de los equipos puede incrementar su duración y su mantenimiento. Un equipo ergonómico y de buena calidad puede garantizar su correcto uso y cuidado

One thing that is helpful, is to have the personnel on site involved and have ownership of on site safety. Listen to and take seriously all conversations around site safety and the equipment they use. Maintain a register of certification of safety equipment that is available to all on site. Be seen to take action, and have site involvement in procurement of new suitable equipment.