New software designed to encourage PPE and protective boots safety

New monitoring software, designed to check that workers are correctly cleaning personal protective equipment (PPE) after use, could improve the safety of many employees, according to its manufacturer.

Designed to work in collaboration with other PPE products such as protective boots, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety has installed radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into its respirator products to check they are regularly cleaned and well-maintained.

The software is expected to allow companies to monitor the use of respirator equipment, making working environments safer by checking employees correctly look after their breathing gear.

Julie Bushman, vice-president and general manager for 3M's safety division, said that companies will now be able to 'ensure compliance' with their respirator safety programmes.

She added: 'Our goal is to make sure that our products can help provide a positive impact on the health of employees working in hazardous environments.'

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