Aircraft Accident Investigation Go Kit PPE Checklist

A go-kit that has sat unused can fail when it matters. Respirator straps crack, glove materials dry out and lose tear resistance, water-repellent coatings on rain gear stop working, batteries corrode or drain, hand wipes dry out, and purification supplies expire. Inspecting the kit on a regular cycle lets you catch deterioration and shortages while you still have time to replace them. The checklist treats readiness as a maintained state, not a one-time purchase: it includes cleaning and decontamination records, a replacement status section, and an overall readiness and compliance rating.

Divide the kit into the sections used here: respiratory and head protection; body, hand and foot protection; field tools and consumables; lighting and power; first aid, hygiene and safety supplies; documentation and hardware; then maintenance, cleaning and replacement. Work through each item and record a Compliant, Non-Compliant, or N/A result. Inspect actual condition rather than assuming the item is fine because it is still packed: check respirator straps for cracking, the glued headband attachment, hard hat shell and suspension, ratchet function, lenses and sidepieces, goggle straps, coverall fabric at the armpits and crotch, zipper function, glove material for dryness and cracking, and boot soles for delamination or tears. Confirm ratings where they apply, such as the intrinsically safe headlamp and a flashlight rated UL Class 1 Div. 1 or 2. Count consumables, including respirators, spare AAA batteries and bulbs, bandages, notebooks and pencils, duct tape, biohazard waste bags and trash bags, and water containers.

Respiratory protection is checked item by item: the P100 respirator for overall condition with latex straps free from deterioration or cracking, and the plastic headband attachment on the side securely glued and intact. Head and face protection covers the hard hat shell and suspension for intactness and correct sizing, the ratchet assembly for adjustment and function, safety glasses with undamaged and not excessively scratched lenses and intact sidepieces and hinges, and vented safety goggles with clear lenses and latex or elastic straps free from deterioration. The intrinsically safe headlamp switch, housing, and elastic headband are also checked here.

This section verifies that each layer of protection suits the hazard and is still serviceable. Disposable coveralls must match the hazard type, with no holes or tears, particularly at the armpits and crotch, and working zippers. Navy blue poly/cotton twill coveralls must be clean, loose-fitting, and have functional zippers or buttons. Rain gear and disposable ponchos must be clean, intact, and still water-repellent. Gloves are checked by type: inner rubber or vinyl and outer rubber or leather gloves must suit the hazard with no tears, cracking, or deterioration; heavy-duty nitrile gloves (11 mil, 13") must be free of dryness and cracking and retain tear resistance; work gloves are rated for manual dexterity with intact fingertips and clean leather or fabric. Footwear covers rubber knee boots, including steel toe or puncture-resistant features where applicable, with soles that are intact and free of delamination, tears, or damage, and standard work boots that are broken in, cover above the ankle, clean, and in good repair.

Lighting and power checks the intrinsically safe headlamp for switch function, a clean housing, and an elastic headband free from aged rubber. The flashlight must be confirmed as UL Class 1 Div. 1 or 2 rated, and you count spare AAA alkaline batteries and extra bulbs, making sure batteries are stored outside the flashlight.

First aid, hygiene and safety supplies include opening one antiseptic or sanitizing hand wipe to check for moisture and replacing the supply if it is dry or low. Skin insect repellent is verified, with DEET stored in an overpack, along with wipe-based repellents and sunscreens that are not leaking or dried out. Water bottles or bladders of 2 to 4 quarts and 1-quart canteens must be clean and leak-free, with chlorine dioxide purification available. Foam ear plugs must include at least one clean, intact pair plus extra pairs, and the 1" x 3" adhesive bandage supply must be adequate with no dirty bandages present.

Documentation and hardware covers the number of water-resistant notebooks and wood pencils available, including a sharpener, and the inventory of duct tape rolls, biohazard waste bags, and general trash bags, which are replaced if low or used. Maintenance and replacement readiness records the last cleaning or decontamination process applied to reusable PPE, such as washing coveralls or soaking them in a 1:10 bleach solution. It verifies that safety glasses and goggles were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, soapy water, or a 1:10 bleach solution and then rinsed and dried, and that rubber boots and general footwear were washed in soapy water or a 1:10 bleach solution and properly rinsed and dried after last use. You then list items needing immediate replacement, such as used bandages, torn coveralls, expired wipes, or short pencils.

Record the date, who prepared the kit, and the location. Work through each item and mark it Compliant, Non-Compliant, or N/A. Record the quantities and counts the checklist asks for, note the last cleaning and decontamination methods used and the replacement items identified, then rate the overall readiness and compliance level of the kit and sign off with the finished time and the real start and end dates of the inspection.