Embodiments generally relate to personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as gloves, shoes/boots, hoods, protective clothing, etc.) for industrial applications. More specifically, the invention relates to using magnetic particles (e.g. incorporated within or attached/affixed to the PPE) so that a magnetic scan may be run to determine a change (e.g. decrease) in initial magnetic field signature (MFS) for the PPE). The change in MFS is used to determine end of service life of the PPE (such that the protective equipment should be retired or repaired).