Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to protect against hazards that remain after other controls are in place. This category covers safety boots, shoes and trainers, work gloves and disposable gloves, high visibility vests, and disposable coveralls, alongside workwear such as fleeces, T-shirts, shorts and trousers.
Safety footwear
Safety footwear to EN ISO 20345 has a toe cap tested against a 200 joule impact. The code on the label shows the extras:
- S1: adds a closed heel, antistatic properties and an energy-absorbing heel.
- S2: S1 plus an upper that resists water.
- S3: S2 plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated outsole for grip on rough ground.
- SR: passed an extra slip resistance test.
Gloves, hi-vis and coveralls
- Work gloves: EN 388 rates resistance to abrasion, cut, tear and puncture, with higher numbers giving more protection. Gloves for chemicals are tested to EN ISO 374.
- Disposable gloves: where latex is used at work, choose powder-free, low-protein gloves; powdered latex gloves raise the risk of latex allergy for the wearer and people nearby.
- High visibility clothing: EN ISO 20471 sets three classes by the area of fluorescent and reflective material. Class 1 has the least, and class 3, with the most, is for work beside fast roads.
- Disposable coveralls: Type 5 protects against hazardous dry particles and Type 6 against light liquid spray.
Choosing and fitting
Choose PPE from the hazards in the risk assessment, check the standard and rating on the label, and make sure it fits the wearer. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, employers must provide suitable PPE to employees and limb (b) workers who need it.
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