A4 Sketch Pad

This department gathers the everyday kit used on site and around the home: workwear and personal protective equipment, hand and power tools, fasteners and fixings, ironmongery and hardware, sealants and adhesives, building materials, safety and security products and office stationery. Use the sections below to narrow down to the right category.

Workwear and protective equipment

Protective equipment is the last line of defence, used once a risk has been reduced as far as practicable in other ways. At work, employers must provide suitable PPE where a risk assessment shows it is needed. Match the marking to the hazard:

• Safety footwear: tested to EN ISO 20345, with a toe cap that resists a 200 joule impact. S1 adds a closed heel and an antistatic sole, S2 adds a water-resistant upper, and S3 adds penetration resistance and a cleated sole. SR shows an extra slip test and HRO a heat-resistant outsole.
• Work gloves: EN 388 rates abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance; a higher number means more protection.
• Disposable gloves: HSE advises against powdered latex gloves at work; choose powder-free or non-latex types.
• High visibility clothing: tested to EN ISO 20471.

Tools and chemicals

Before using a power tool, check the plug, cable and casing for damage. An RCD with a trip current of 30 mA or less adds protection against electric shock, and reduced voltage 110V tools run from a transformer are widely used on construction sites. Sealants, adhesives, fillers and expanding foams carry hazard labels: follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For more, see personal protective equipment and fasteners and fixings.