PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT – WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for hazardous workplaces. What do your workers need to keep them safe? Here’s a list of items you might need to supply:

1. HEAD PROTECTION

To avoid head injuries from falling objects, knocking heads when working in small spaces and electric shock during electrical work, safety helmets and hard hats should be provided. A set of spares should also be available for any visitors and to replace any damaged helmets.

2. EYE PROTECTION

Protecting workers’ eyes from airborne dust and debris, when working with chemicals or from sparks when welding, safety goggles are essential. Over glasses should be available for employees who wear spectacles.

3. HAND PROTECTION

A variety of gloves made from different substances are available to enable workers to perform tasks without the risk of injury to their hands. They protect from chemical hazards, heat and burns, cuts and scrapes and injury from machinery. They range from thin latex which still allows for delicate work to thick gloves made from heavy materials which would be suitable for work which doesn’t require much dexterity.

4. FOOT PROTECTION

Work boots, steel capped boots, anti-slip footwear and gum boots can all prevent injury to feet from heavy or sharp objects, corrosive or irritating substances, electric shock during electrical work and falls.

5. HEARING PROTECTION

Loud noises can damage hearing, especially when exposure is sustained. Protective devices include ear plugs and ear muffs. Ear Muffs are very easy to fit, but they tend to offer less protection than ear plugs as they sit over the ears rather than directly in the ear canal thereby blocking less sound. Ear muffs can also be hot and uncomfortable meaning workers remove them.

6. FACE PROTECTION

When working with chemicals, molten metal and potential impact hazards, facial protection with a brow guard or visor is advisable.

7. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Airborne dust and debris is not only a danger to eyes but can damage the lungs when inhaled as well. Airborne solvents and chemical fumes are also hazardous. To prevent respiratory issues, disposable respirators, half and full face masks and respiratory helmets are available.

Each industry has specific PPE requirements around their environment. SafetyWorks has done their homework and categorized products by specific “industry solutions” for all-round wearer protection. These industry solutions allow you to purchase an entire head-to-toe PPE outfit to ensure your employees’ safety in the workplace.