PPE Storage Practices Every Business Owner Should Know

Your business’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an investment in your employees' health and safety. That’s why it’s so important to properly store your business’s PPE so that it lasts and provides optimal protection from on-the-job hazards. This article will give you all the tips you need to store your PPE so that it stays in great condition for as long as possible.

Where’s the Best Place to Store PPE?

The ideal storage solution for your business’s PPE depends on your work environment. If you’re indoors in a manufacturing, warehouse, or workshop setting, designating a room for PPE may be your best option. An area dedicated solely to PPE will give you ample space to store and organize all of your PPE so that it’s easily accessible to your employees. Some companies dedicate lockers for each employee to store their individual PPE. 

If you need to store your PPE on the jobsite, a jobsite box offers a secure and convenient solution. At the end of each shift, the PPE can be locked securely in a jobsite box. Other options may be a large tool bag or tool box. Always make sure to store your PPE in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Are There Storage Requirements for PPE?

While OSHA may not have explicit requirements for storing PPE, proper storage is critical to maintaining the integrity of your safety equipment. Some general guidelines include:

• Store PPE in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Keep PPE away from direct sunlight. 
• Train your employees on how to store their PPE after use. 
• Ensure your storage area is clean and away from debris, dust, dirt, and chemicals.
• Clean your PPE before storing it.
• Regularly inspect your PPE for damage and expiration dates before use.
• Some PPE may need to be stored in individual bags to prevent exposure to dust and other contaminants.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and store your PPE.

What’s the Best Way to Store PPE?

Keeping your business’s PPE organized and easily accessible for your employees helps ensure they’ll use it. Many business owners prefer to organize their PPE by type in storage cabinets to prevent cross-contamination. For example, storing work gloves separately from face shields can help prevent accidental transference of any potential contaminants. 

In addition, shelving units, racks, and wall hooks can serve as excellent ways to keep PPE organized and off the floor. Using labels to identify the type of PPE and color-coding different sizes can help ensure your team members are using the appropriate safety equipment for the task at hand.

Safety Glasses

The best place to store your safety glasses is in an eyeglass or sunglass case. They’re inexpensive and don’t need to be made specifically for safety glasses. An eyeglass case will protect your safety glasses from getting crushed or scratched, and will hopefully prolong their lifespan.

Hard Hats

Hard hats should be stored in clean, cool, dry places away from sunlight, moisture, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and anything that can deteriorate the hard hat. Hard-hat racks are a great way to keep hats off the ground and organized.

Insulated Gloves

Store your insulated gloves in a separate cupboard away from chemicals and tools. If you’re on the move, make sure to store your gloves in a UV-resistant bag and never roll up or fold your gloves. This causes the gloves to lose their shape. 

Respirators

In general, respirators should be stored in a cool, clean, dry place. It’s best for respirators to be stored in their original packaging or in a plastic bag and labeled with the wearer’s name. Store respirators away from items that can crush or puncture them. 

Safety Harnesses and Safety Lanyards

Fall-protection harnesses are designed to easily fold and store in a bag. The same goes for lanyards—fold them over in loose loops and store them in a bag. Storing your harnesses and lanyards in individual bags helps prevent them from getting snagged and damaged.

Training your crew on how to properly store PPE is integral to the overall safety of your operation. Make sure they know how to check for damages and what the process is for replacing PPE that’s past its prime. After all, wearing damaged PPE can have catastrophic consequences. It’s your responsibility to create a culture of safety where best practices are frequently discussed, safety training sessions regularly occur, and employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns.

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Does your business’s PPE need a refresh? Could you use some more effective storage solutions? Zoro has all the PPE and storage options your business needs to keep your crew safe and productive on the job. Shop Zoro.com today!

Product Compliance and Suitability

The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.