Defective and damaged equipment

Of course, defective or damaged personal protective equipment must not be used. It's important to inspect PPE regularly, and before each use to make sure it's capable of adequately protecting an employee from exposure to hazards. Remember, PPE that is defective...is not PPE.

29 CFR §1910.132 requires employers to select appropriate PPE based on the hazards present and to assure that employees who obtain their own PPE follow the employers' selection decisions; and  prohibit the use of defective or damaged PPE; and requires that employees be trained in the proper use of their PPE.