Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment, or PPE is essential for your safety and the safety of your project. This gear isn’t just used on the job, but can keep you safe throughout your day.
The goal of this equipment is to minimize or completely avoid any injury or damage caused by a workplace accident. Depending on your project, your protective gear should cover your eyes, head, hands, feet and ears to protect against common risks.
Flying debris or hazardous liquids is one of the most common types of health and safety risks. Your safety glasses, gloves and protective clothing prevent chemicals or bodily fluids from directly contacting your skin. Flying debris, particularly at a construction site, can cause serious injury without the right protection.
Ear protection prevents hearing loss due to extreme noises. High decibel levels can cause permanent hearing damage, so wear approved hearing protection when working around loud equipment or operating noisy machinery.
Steel toe boots, durable gloves and a hard hat protect the rest of your body from impacts. This gear is particularly useful if you’re carrying heavy objects or other professionals are working above and around you.
Working in cold areas also comes with risks. Cold weather gear includes insulated gloves, warm hats and thermal layers. Be sure to choose fire-resistant clothing and clothing items that you can wear under your typical work clothing.
Respiratory protection is crucial if you’re working around hazardous gases, high levels of VOCs or other airborne contaminants. Masks and respirators come in a wide range of filtration ratings, so carefully compare each type of breathing protection before you select one rated for your particular application.
Many workplaces have identified essential safety equipment for employees. Failure to comply with workplace policies not only puts yourself at risk but could pose a risk to individuals around you and to your company. Review workplace recommendations and requirements to see if you’re missing a key piece of protective equipment. Don’t assume all glasses are safety glasses or all hard hats offer the impact protection you need. Compare specifications to find the best option for your situation.