How often should electrical PPE be inspected?

• A. Before each use and periodically per the employer’s program, with a visual check for damage and functional tests as required.
• B. Annually
• C. Only when damaged
• D. Daily

Answer: (A)

Inspecting electrical PPE before use and on a periodic schedule keeps protective gear reliable and safe. Before each use, you do a quick visual check for damage such as cracks, cuts, tears, or contamination that could compromise insulation or protection. Some items, like gloves or other dielectric equipment, also require functional tests as required by the program to confirm they still perform their protective job. The periodic inspections, carried out by a competent person and defined by the employer’s PPE program, ensure ongoing electrical safety through maintenance, testing, and timely replacement based on use and conditions.

Rationale for the other options: waiting only for an annual check can let hidden damage go unnoticed, checking only when damaged ignores the chance of damage occurring between inspections, and daily checks are not the standard practice even though pre-use checks cover the most immediate safety needs.