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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is an essential part of health and safety, and most regulations now say that when carrying out certain tasks, PPE must be used. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and ranges from ear protection to steel toe boots. It is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that all staff are issued with the correct PPE and that they use it as and when directed.

The range of PPE available means that there is no task that cannot be tackled - everybody can find what they need to protect themselves as much as possible while they are working.

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Selecting the Correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


Employers must assess working environments and provide personal protective equipment (PPE). It is, however, not always easy to select the correct gear, such as protective coveralls or disposable lab coats. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides some guidelines on selecting Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Choosing PPE with the CE mark assures that the protective clothing, which includes chemical resistant clothing and coveralls, complies with the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.

  • Select personal protective equipment according to the size, fit and body mass of the user. Involving employees in the selection of PPE motivates them to wear it. Distinguish between things such as coveralls for men and coveralls for women.

  • Ensure that when necessary, different items of PPE can be worn together and that one item does not hamper the functionality of another.

  • Train employees on the necessity and use of personal protective equipment. This on-the-job education can include things such as how to take off gloves and a chemical resistant apron without coming in contact with the skin.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Categories


The European Directive (EU) 2016/425 defined the categories and consequent varying protective levels of PPE. These categories relate to production quality controls and the regulatory bodies involved in certifying the relevant personal protective equipment.

Category I: This is simple protective clothing that protects wearers against minimal risks and is not suited for high-risk working environments. This level of personal protective equipment does not require evaluation or testing. Minimal risks include slight mechanical injuries, hot surfaces not exceeding 50°C, and non-extreme variances in temperatures.

Category II: This relates to intermediate personal protective equipment and the exposure of employees to medium-level risks. Protective clothing in this category includes items such as safety goggles and industrial helmets. The applicable regulatory bodies must test and approve these items.

Category III: The personal protective equipment in this category is complex and must be worn by employees working in high-risk environments. These risks can severely harm the health and wellbeing of workers. Category III-compliant PPE must be continuously assessed and certified by assigned regulatory bodies. High-level risks include:

  • Exposure to hazardous and harmful materials in either solid, gas or liquid form. These also include working with and exposure to dangerous biological materials.

  • Environments prone to become oxygen deprived.

  • Working with high-pressure jets.

  • Performing work that can lead to drowning.

  • Working with or in radioactive or radiated environments.

  • Electrical works and installations that can potentially lead to electrical shocks.

  • Extreme temperature variances of above 100°C or below 50°C.

  • Working at dangerous heights that can lead to falls.