- There is no legislation or Code of Practice stating the life expectancy of any PPE. In general it is recommended you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer must give the obsolescence deadline or period of obsolescence of PPE or its components. The date of obsolescence is the date from which the PPE becomes useless for its intended use or is no longer fit for its purpose. (Requirement under Annex II Article 1.4e, of EU PPE Directive 89/686, transposed in Ireland as European Communities (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 1993).
- The manufacturer must provide all information necessary so that the user can determine a reasonable period of obsolescence. However, the manufacturer is not obliged to affix the date of manufacture on the product or on the instructions for use, although some may do this.
- In general, manufacturers do give information on how to identify the “end of life”, a limiting date of use or a maximum service time.
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