How to Store PPE

If your business requires personal protective equipment (PPE), it's likely that you're purchasing in bulk. Consequently, proper PPE storage is essential. SUNLINE Supply is here to ensure you have the appropriate amount of PPE for every situation. In this guide, we outline best practices to keep your protective gear organized and stored correctly.

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The Importance of Proper PPE Storage

Storing PPE correctly is a requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), aimed at promoting safety. Appropriate storage conditions for PPE are crucial because they:

• Reduce risk: Exposure to moisture or extreme conditions can compromise the integrity of PPE.
• Save time: Ensures PPE is readily available, allowing busy team members to easily locate it for specific tasks.
• Improve efficiency: Proper storage helps your organization remain updated on restocking supplies, allowing operations to run smoothly. It also minimizes waste from compromised PPE and maximizes available space.
• Increase shelf life: Maintains the right temperature and environment for long-term PPE storage.

PPE Storage Ideas

There are several ways to organize your PPE and maintain it in suitable conditions:

• Storage cabinets: A PPE storage cabinet helps keep your supplies organized and out of the way, ideal for busy areas. Currently, you can find everything from smaller cabinets to large modular systems that prevent dust from settling on the equipment while keeping the workspace tidy.
• Racks: In employee-only areas, racks are an excellent option as they allow staff to quickly grab the PPE they need without opening a cabinet. You can organize PPE on racks by color or type for ease of location. The visibility of racks can also encourage team members to utilize the equipment.
• Dedicated areas: Setting aside a room specifically for PPE enables you to store, label, and organize vast amounts of equipment efficiently. A designated area ensures that anyone in need of equipment knows precisely where to find it.

Organizing PPE Supplies

In addition to storing gowns, masks, gloves, and other protective gear, effective PPE storage enables team members to access the right supplies consistently. Labeling and color-coding help differentiate between surgical and non-surgical gloves, for instance. It also allows you to communicate to users where items are and where used disposables should be placed to maintain a tidy storage area.

Choose SUNLINE Supply for Your PPE Storage

SUNLINE Supply is dedicated to providing the highest-rated PPE products, allowing you to shop with confidence. Browse and order your protective equipment from SUNLINE Supply today. For more details about our products or how to store them, feel free to contact us.

Jay Berkowitz

Jay is the CEO of Sunline Supply. He runs the company with his son and has been involved since its inception, focusing on PPE and sourcing necessary products. He also develops creative ideas for the company. Click here to learn more about Jay!

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to safeguard individuals from health and safety risks. PPE encompasses items such as helmets, goggles, and protective boots. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have adopted face masks as PPE to protect against airborne germs and viruses.

Businesses must store and manage PPE correctly. It needs to be kept in a clean, dry storage unit, making shipping containers an ideal choice for PPE storage.

What Is Classed As PPE?

PPE includes a broad range of items. If an item protects you from a workplace health and safety risk, it likely qualifies as PPE. For instance, in a noisy environment, you would need earplugs or ear defenders. Helmets, high-visibility clothing, and safety harnesses are suitable PPE for construction sites.

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Items that do not qualify as PPE include standard work uniforms, food hygiene items like gloves and hairnets, sports equipment, or travel protection, such as bicycle helmets.

What Are The Storage Requirements of PPE?

Most workplaces have a PPE storage area, especially if PPE is frequently worn or stockpiled for emergencies. Improper storage can compromise equipment integrity, affecting health and safety compliance.

Generally, PPE must be stored in a dry, sanitary space that is easily accessible to employees. Reusable PPE requires maintenance, regular cleaning, and must be kept in good condition. Shipping containers can be an ideal solution for many types of PPE storage.

How Can Storage Containers Be Used To Safely Store PPE?

Shipping containers are frequently utilized for on-site storage. These robust steel containers, designed for transporting cargo globally, can easily be modified, making them perfect for PPE storage.

Both used and new (single-trip) containers from S Jones Containers are rented or sold as water- and wind-tight, ensuring that stored products remain dry. If condensation is a concern, moisture traps with drying crystals can absorb excess moisture from the air. An anti-condensation lining like grafotherm can also be installed to combat humidity.

To optimize storage space, consider installing high-quality shelving or racking. Shelving takes advantage of the container height, preventing wasted space and allowing for extra PPE storage. Multiple racks can be interconnected for customizable shelving options, or custom-built shelving can be fixed to the container walls for added stability and security.

How To Monitor Your Storage of PPE

Effective PPE management is critical for safe and compliant workplace operations. Regular monitoring of stored PPE is necessary to maintain quality and ensure sufficient quantity.

Keeping an inventory of PPE, including which team member is using what equipment, assists in managing stock levels and ensures accountability for equipment care. An inventory also facilitates thorough cleaning of reusable items between uses. When inspecting PPE, check for expiry dates rendering equipment unusable and look for any damages or missing parts that require replacement.

PPE Storage From S Jones Containers

If you believe that a dedicated storage unit would enhance your PPE management, contact S Jones Containers. We will ensure you receive the appropriate storage solution tailored to your needs.

With over 40 years of experience in hiring, selling, and converting shipping containers, our friendly team can address various container storage inquiries and provide unbiased advice to help you find the perfect container for your PPE storage.

For more information, visit our website Safety And Protection Equipment.