Wednesday 5 October 2022
It's important to maintain your lifejacket according to the manufacturer's instructions for it to work when you need it to.
Most equipment requires you to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about maintenance. This is particularly important for inflatable lifejackets. Use the maker's guidelines, and any other government or industry rules, to develop a maintenance schedule for your lifejackets, along with all your other safety equipment.
Don't take short-cuts for repairs or skip your lifejacket maintenance. Keep proper records of what maintenance has been done. This allows you to track when you're due for maintenance and helps prove you're proactive about safety.
Follow these tips for the storage of your lifejacket:
- Ensure it is dry before storing away and clean off any salt
- Store it in a dry place, out of sunlight and away from heat
- Visually check your lifejacket after use before storing again
- If you have assessed that it is not necessary to wear a lifejacket in certain situations, ensure your lifejacket can easily be reached in an emergency