How to Choose the Right PPE for Your Site

Start With a Hazard Assessment

Before selecting any PPE, the first step is always a hazard assessment. Walk the site, identify the risks, and match your protection to what workers will actually encounter.

A good hazard assessment answers these questions:

• What are workers doing, and what hazards does each task create?
• Are there chemical, physical, biological, or ergonomic risks?
• What do local regulations and international standards require?

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Head Protection

Head protection is required on virtually every industrial site. The key choice is between:

Standard hard hats (Type I) — protect the top of the head. Suitable for most construction and manufacturing environments.

Full brim hard hats (Type II) — protect top and sides. Better for outdoor sites with falling object risk from multiple directions.

Bump caps — lightweight, for low-impact environments where full hard hats are not required.

Look for ANSI Z89.1 or EN 397 certification on any helmet you purchase.

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Eye and Face Protection

Eye injuries are among the most common on industrial sites — and among the most preventable.

| Hazard | Recommended protection | | --------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Flying debris | Safety spectacles (EN 166 / ANSI Z87.1) | | Chemical splash | Sealed goggles | | Welding | Welding shield with correct shade lens | | Dust | Anti-fog wrap-around goggles |

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Respiratory Protection

Match the respirator to the contaminant:

• Dust and particulates → FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3 disposable mask (EN 149)
• Chemical vapours → Half-face respirator with appropriate filter cartridge
• High-hazard environments → Full-face respirator (EN 136)

FFP3 provides the highest protection and is required for silica dust, asbestos, and airborne pathogens.

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Hand Protection

Gloves should be selected based on the specific hazard:

• Cut resistance → EN 388 rated gloves (Level A4 or higher for serious cut risk)
• Chemical resistance → EN 374 rated gloves — check the chemical compatibility chart
• Heat resistance → EN 407 rated gloves
• General handling → Lightweight grip gloves for everyday tasks

Never use one glove for all tasks. A chemical-resistant glove may offer no cut protection at all.

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Foot Protection

Safety footwear is rated S1 to S3 under EN ISO 20345:

• S1 — basic safety toe, antistatic, energy absorbing heel
• S2 — adds water resistance
• S3 — adds penetration-resistant midsole (essential for construction)

For electrical hazard environments, look for EH-rated footwear under ASTM F2413.

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Final Checklist Before Purchasing

1. Confirm the hazard type and severity
2. Check the required certification standard
3. Ensure the product carries a valid CE or ANSI mark
4. Verify fit — ill-fitting PPE is as dangerous as no PPE
5. Confirm availability for replacement and restocking

Need help selecting the right PPE for your site? Contact our team and we will recommend certified products matched to your specific requirements.