Daily PPE Inspection Checklist
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Why this inspection matters#
Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense against workplace hazards — and the only one that fails silently. A cracked hard hat shell, a harness with a nicked web, or a glove with a chemical burn looks fine until the moment it has to work. A daily inspection catches damaged gear before it fails, protecting workers from injury and the company from citations and lost-time incidents.
OSHA's construction PPE standard, 29 CFR 1926.95, requires that protective equipment be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever hazards make it necessary. Where workers supply their own gear, 1926.95(b) makes the employer responsible for its adequacy, maintenance, and sanitation. As of the final rule effective January 13, 2025, 1926.95(c) requires that all PPE be of safe design and construction and be selected to properly fit each affected employee — a poorly fitting respirator or harness is a defect, not a preference. Specific gear carries its own standards: head protection at 1926.100, eye and face at 1926.102, hearing at 1926.101, and fall-arrest harness components at 1926.502(d).
Inspect each item before the shift. Any FAIL means the item is removed from service and replaced — never taped, wired, or "made to work."
How to use this checklist#
Fill in the date, inspector, location, and equipment ID. Check each item Pass, Fail, or N/A, and record specifics in the notes column. Not every worker carries every item — use N/A for gear the task doesn't require. Fall-protection items (13–15) are inspected before every use, and any harness or lanyard that has arrested a fall is removed permanently. The inspection is signed by the worker or inspector and countersigned by the supervisor.
Daily PPE inspection items#
| # | Inspection item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hard hat shell shows no cracks, dents, or damage from impact, chemicals, or UV exposure. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 2 | Hard hat suspension is intact, properly adjusted, and free of fraying or stretching. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 3 | Safety glasses or goggles are scratch-free, fit snugly, and meet ANSI Z87.1 markings. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 4 | Side shields are present on safety glasses where required by site rules. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 5 | Hearing protection (earplugs/earmuffs) is clean, undamaged, and rated for the noise level. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 6 | Respirator (if required) has clean filters, intact straps, and a current fit-test record. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 7 | High-visibility vest or shirt meets ANSI/ISEA 107 class for the work environment. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 8 | Hi-vis garment shows no excessive fading, tears, or soiling that reduces visibility. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 9 | Work gloves match the task hazard (cut, chemical, electrical, heat) and fit properly. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 10 | Gloves are free of holes, tears, chemical degradation, or excessive wear. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 11 | Steel-toe or composite-toe boots meet ASTM F2413 and show no sole separation or cracks. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 12 | Boot tread provides adequate slip resistance for site conditions. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 13 | Fall protection harness webbing is free of cuts, burns, fraying, or chemical damage. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 14 | Harness D-rings, buckles, and stitching are intact with no deformation or corrosion. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 15 | Lanyard, shock absorber, and self-retracting lifeline are within inspection date. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 16 | Arc-rated clothing (if required) meets the calculated incident energy for the task. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 17 | Cut-resistant sleeves, aprons, or chaps are intact and rated for the job. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 18 | Knee pads, back support, or task-specific PPE is clean and functional. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 19 | All PPE has been cleaned and stored properly since last use. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 20 | Worker has been trained on the correct use, limits, and care of each item above. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Corrective actions taken#
Describe any issues found and the steps taken to correct them. Damaged PPE is removed from service and replaced; any fall-arrest component that has been loaded by a fall is retired permanently.
Inspection sign-off#
- Inspector signature: __________________________
- Supervisor signature: __________________________
- Inspection result: ☐ All items passed ☐ Issues require follow-up
Related toolbox talks#
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Eye & Face Protection
- Hearing Conservation
- Respiratory Protection
Disclaimer#
This checklist is a general guide based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E. Always follow your site-specific procedures, the manufacturer's instructions and inspection intervals, and the equipment standards (ANSI Z87.1, ANSI/ISEA 107, ASTM F2413) that apply to each item.