a multi - level equipment configuration monitoring system can include a plurality of rfid tags associated with respective user protective elements such as respirators , eye protectors , gloves boots , helmets and hearing protectors . a user communication unit can activate the tags and determine which elements are present . the determined elements can be compared to a pre - stored , approved list of elements to establish the state of a user &# 39 ; s complement of protective equipment . missing equipment can be immediately identified and brought to the user &# 39 ; s attention . information can be collected as to duration of use of the elements as well as duration of exposure of those elements to one or more predetermined hazardous conditions to schedule maintenance and replacement .