Which statement is most accurate about NFPA 70E Chapter 2 requirements for maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Which statement is most accurate about NFPA 70E Chapter 2 requirements for maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• A. PPE shall be used without inspection if it looks fine
• B. PPE shall be sanitized after use
• C. PPE shall be visually inspected for damage and defects before initial use
• D. PPE maintenance is optional

Answer: (C)

A key requirement is that PPE is checked visually for damage and defects before it is used. This pre-use inspection helps confirm that the protective barrier is intact and capable of providing the intended arc protection. Damage such as tears, cracks, worn seams, or broken fasteners can compromise safety, so any found issues mean the equipment should not be used and must be repaired or replaced. NFPA 70E emphasizes keeping PPE in a safe, serviceable condition and mandates inspection by the user before use. The other statements are not correct because PPE should not be used without inspection, sanitizing after use is not the mandated maintenance focus, and maintenance of PPE is not optional.

A key requirement is that PPE is checked visually for damage and defects before it is used. This pre-use inspection helps confirm that the protective barrier is intact and capable of providing the intended arc protection. Damage such as tears, cracks, worn seams, or broken fasteners can compromise safety, so any found issues mean the equipment should not be used and must be repaired or replaced. NFPA 70E emphasizes keeping PPE in a safe, serviceable condition and mandates inspection by the user before use. The other statements are not correct because PPE should not be used without inspection, sanitizing after use is not the mandated maintenance focus, and maintenance of PPE is not optional.