Quick Summary: September is the ideal time for safety managers to run a PPE inventory audit. With cooler weather, higher project volumes, and end-of-year OSHA reviews approaching, conducting a full audit now ensures compliance, safety, and uninterrupted operations through Q4. Here’s how to organize, inspect, and replenish your protective gear efficiently.
Why September Is the Right Time for a PPE Audit
As summer projects close and new contracts ramp up, September serves as a natural checkpoint for workplace safety. Companies begin preparing for annual reports, OSHA reviews, and winter jobsite hazards. A PPE audit in early fall helps identify worn, expired, or missing gear while there’s still time to restock before year-end procurement deadlines.
Beyond compliance, proactive audits reduce injury risk, downtime, and costly replacements. Studies show that organizations conducting quarterly PPE reviews report 25% fewer incidents linked to equipment failure or neglect.
Step-by-Step PPE Inventory Audit Checklist
1. Collect and Categorize All PPE
Start by gathering every type of protective gear your workplace uses. Organize items by category:
- Head Protection – Hard hats, bump caps, helmets.
- Eye and Face Protection – Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields.
- Respiratory Protection – N95 masks, half-mask respirators, and cartridges.
- Hearing Protection – Earplugs and earmuffs.
- Hand Protection – Chemical-resistant, cut-resistant, and disposable gloves.
- Body Protection – High-visibility vests, rain gear, and disposable coveralls.
- Foot Protection – Steel-toe boots, waterproof and slip-resistant footwear.
2. Inspect for Wear, Damage, or Expiration
Check each item’s condition and expiration date. Look for cracks, discoloration, frayed straps, and faded reflective materials. Respirator cartridges and disposable gloves often expire faster than expected, especially when stored in heat or humidity. Record all findings in an audit log for traceability.
Pro Tip: Use color-coded bins or tags (e.g., green = pass, yellow = retest, red = replace) to streamline sorting during inspection.
3. Verify OSHA and ANSI Compliance
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132, employers must ensure PPE is “maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition.” Verify that all items meet current ANSI/ISEA performance standards for impact, cut, and chemical protection. If labels are unreadable or certifications outdated, replace immediately.
4. Review Fit and Comfort
Poorly fitting PPE reduces protection and discourages use. Schedule quick fit tests for respirators, gloves, and eyewear to confirm sizing accuracy. Document all employee fittings and adjustments to maintain compliance records.
5. Update Your PPE Inventory Log
Create a digital or paper log detailing:
- Item category and model number
- Date of last inspection
- Condition or pass/fail status
- Quantity on hand vs. required quantity
- Replacement date or reorder trigger
Regularly updating this log ensures you’ll know exactly what needs replenishment before shortages occur.
6. Reorder and Replenish Stock
Once worn or expired items are identified, reorder immediately from a trusted supplier. Prioritize high-turnover categories such as gloves, safety glasses, and respirators, which often face Q4 supply delays. Fall is also a great time to explore upgraded PPE lines with enhanced comfort and sustainability features.
Best Practices for Maintaining PPE Year-Round
- Store PPE in clean, dry, temperature-controlled environments.
- Replace items immediately after contamination or exposure to chemicals.
- Label all PPE with the date of issue and expected replacement interval.
- Train employees quarterly on proper donning, doffing, and maintenance.
- Conduct mini-audits each quarter to avoid year-end backlog.
How an Organized Audit Improves Safety Performance
An efficient PPE audit not only ensures compliance but strengthens overall workplace safety culture. When workers see clean, well-stocked gear, they’re more likely to use it properly. Additionally, managers can allocate budgets more accurately and prevent emergency reorders caused by unexpected shortages.
Recommended PPE Categories to Review This Fall
- Respiratory Protection – Replace filters, cartridges, and expired masks before wildfire smoke or flu season peaks.
- High-Visibility Gear – Faded vests or reflective tape should be replaced for compliance and safety in shorter daylight hours.
- Cut-Resistant Gloves – Check for fraying or loss of grip coating from frequent use.
- Safety Glasses – Swap scratched or fogged lenses for clear visibility.
Conclusion
A thorough PPE inventory audit in September saves time, money, and headaches before the year closes. By organizing and inspecting gear now, you’ll stay compliant, boost worker safety, and prevent costly downtime. Don’t wait for OSHA’s next visit — make fall your dedicated safety audit season.
Visit eSafetySupplies.com to restock OSHA-compliant gloves, respirators, high-visibility gear, and eye protection — everything you need for a complete PPE refresh before year-end.
People Also Ask
How often should I perform a PPE inventory audit?
At minimum, once per year. However, OSHA and best practices recommend quarterly inspections, especially for high-risk or high-turnover environments.
What are the most common PPE audit findings?
Expired respirators, worn gloves, damaged safety glasses, and missing documentation are frequent findings during end-of-year PPE audits.
How do I know if PPE meets OSHA standards?
Verify labeling for ANSI/ISEA certification and check manufacturer data sheets. Replace any items missing legible markings or performance ratings.
What’s the best way to organize PPE inventory?
Use a digital spreadsheet or inventory software with categories, issue dates, condition status, and automatic reorder alerts for each PPE type.
Where can I buy OSHA-compliant PPE for year-end replenishment?
You can find ANSI- and OSHA-approved gloves, respirators, and high-visibility gear at eSafetySupplies.com.
About the Author
Mick Chan is a Safety Supplies industry professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience. He specializes in OSHA compliance, PPE regulations, and bulk safety product procurement for high-risk industries. Mick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State LA in 2013 and has been advising companies across California ever since. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Mick understands the safety needs of businesses in diverse urban and industrial environments. His work focuses on bridging safety compliance with practical product solutions for the modern workplace.