Before entering a hazardous area, what must employees ensure regarding their PPE?

Before entering a hazardous area, it is crucial for employees to ensure that their personal protective equipment (PPE) has been inspected and is not defective. This check is vital to ensure the equipment will provide the necessary protection from potential hazards present in that environment. Inspecting PPE helps to identify any wear and tear, damage, or deficiencies that could compromise its effectiveness, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of workers.

While having clean PPE is important for hygiene, and the color may relate to visibility or compliance with certain safety guidelines, these factors do not directly address the primary function of PPE, which is to provide adequate protection. Additionally, the condition of the equipment is much more critical than whether it is brand new, as even new equipment can have defects that may not be immediately visible. Thus, ensuring that PPE has been properly inspected and is functioning as intended is the most essential requirement before entering a hazardous area.