I’m curious how everyone manages the “service life” of the PPE their facility utilizes? I have written a lot about the care, use, donning/doffing, and inspection of all kinds of PPE. Today let’s talk about the PPE’s limitations in terms of its “service life”, specifically a hard hat. This discussion began on LinkedIn when someone posted an image of the Manufacture Date inside a Hard Hat. I pointed out the 5-year shell and annual harness replacement requirements, and this led to a debate about when the “clock starts” for the 5-year window. And this discussion led to the fact that some manufacturers, one being the brand I wear, require the clock to begin using the manufacturer date, and the majority of manufacturers start the clock when the HH begins its service; however, they have a lot of “legalize” added to their schedule. How does your facility ensure the shell does not exceed the manufacturer’s limitations for the shell and harness? Here is how I did it…