PPE Education Guide

Stay Protected. Work Safe.

Learn which PPE category protects against which hazard, how to choose the right product, and how to wear it correctly — so your protection is never just a box to tick.

All Categories
Head
Eye
Face
Hearing
Respiratory
Hands
Foot
Body
Fall Protection
Site Safety
⛑

Head Protection

Hard hats and bump caps — impact and electrical hazards


Types available
Class EElectrical — up to 20,000V
Class GGeneral construction use
Class CConductive — ventilated, no electrical rating
Bump CapMinor bumps in low-headroom spaces
How to choose
Electrical work
Class E hard hat
Construction / falling objects
Class G hard hat
Low headroom, no fall risk
Bump cap
Chemical splash + impact
Hard hat + face shield
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Adjust the suspension harness so the hat sits level, 1-2 cm above the eyebrows.
  • 2
    Never wear a cap underneath — it raises the hat and defeats the suspension system.
  • 3
    Do not drill holes, paint, or add stickers that may hide cracks.
  • 4
    Inspect before every use — replace if cracked, dented, or after any significant impact.
  • 5
    Replace every 2-5 years even if undamaged — UV degrades the shell over time.
⚠
Never wear a hard hat backwards unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it — suspension performance is compromised.
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👁

Eye Protection — Glasses & Goggles

Safety glasses and goggles — impact, dust, UV and chemical splash


Types available
Safety GlassesImpact, dust, flying debris — open frame
OTG (Over-the-Glass)Fits over prescription glasses
Chemical GogglesFully sealed — liquid splash proof
Welding GogglesUV/IR filter — shade 3-14
How to choose
Flying chips / debris / dust
Safety glasses EN166 rated
Chemical splash to eyes
Sealed chemical goggles
Wear prescription glasses
OTG safety glasses
Gas / torch / welding
Welding goggles shade 5+
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Ensure the lens sits close to the face with no large gap at the sides — gaps let debris bypass the lens.
  • 2
    Adjust temple arms or headband so eyewear stays firmly in place when you move your head.
  • 3
    Clean lenses before use — scratches reduce impact resistance and blur your vision dangerously.
  • 4
    Never remove eyewear while the hazard is still present, even briefly.
⚠
Safety glasses alone are NOT sufficient for chemical splash — you need sealed goggles. Open-frame glasses have side gaps that liquids can enter easily.
Shop glasses & goggles →
🛡

Face Protection — Shields & Welding Helmets

Face shields and welding helmets — grinding, chemical splash, arc flash


Types available
Clear face shieldGrinding, woodwork, general splash
Chemical face shieldAcid-resistant visor coating
Welding helmet (fixed shade)Shade 9-13 for MIG / TIG / stick
Auto-darkening helmetAdjustable shade — reacts in milliseconds
How to choose
Angle grinding / cutting
Clear face shield EN166
Chemical / acid handling
Chemical-rated face shield
MIG / TIG / stick welding
Fixed shade helmet shade 10-13
Mixed or frequent welding tasks
Auto-darkening welding helmet
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Adjust the headband so the shield sits flat against your forehead with no tilt — a tilted shield exposes your neck and chin.
  • 2
    Always wear safety glasses or goggles underneath a face shield — the shield does not protect against fine particles entering from below or the sides.
  • 3
    For welding helmets: lower the helmet before striking the arc — never flip it down mid-strike.
  • 4
    Inspect the visor for cracks, deep scratches or discolouration before each use — replace the visor if any are found.
⚠
A face shield is never a substitute for eye protection — it must always be worn together with safety glasses or goggles underneath.
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🔇

Hearing Protection

Earplugs and earmuffs — required above 85 dB


Types available
Foam EarplugsNRR 29-33 dB, disposable
Reusable EarplugsNRR 25-27 dB, washable
EarmuffsNRR 20-30 dB, over-ear
Dual ProtectionPlugs + muffs for 100 dB+
How to choose
85-95 dB
Earplugs (NRR 27+)
95-105 dB
Earmuffs (NRR 25+)
105 dB+
Earplugs + earmuffs combined
Intermittent noise
Banded or cap-mounted earmuffs
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Foam earplugs: roll into a thin cylinder, reach over your head with the opposite hand to pull the ear canal open, insert and hold 30 seconds while it expands.
  • 2
    Earmuffs: pull cups fully over both ears so the foam seal is complete — glasses, hair and stubble all break the seal.
  • 3
    Earmuff headband should sit on top of the head, not the back of the neck.
  • 4
    Replace foam earplugs daily or when they no longer spring back to shape after rolling.
⚠
One hour of unprotected exposure at 100 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. Wear protection for the full duration — not just during the loudest moments.
Shop Hearing Protection →
😷

Respiratory Protection

Dust masks, half-face and full-face respirators, SCBA


Types available
FFP1 / KN90Non-toxic dust and aerosols
FFP2 / N95Fine dust, bio-aerosols
FFP3 / P100Toxic dust, asbestos, silica
Half-face + cartridgeChemical vapors and gases
Full-face respiratorEyes + lungs combined
SCBA / PAPROxygen-deficient / IDLH spaces
How to choose
Concrete / wood dust
FFP2 / N95 minimum
Silica / asbestos
FFP3 / P100 rated
Organic vapors (paint, solvent)
Half-face + OV cartridge
Confined / oxygen-deficient space
SCBA only
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Perform a user seal check before every entry: cover the exhaust valve, exhale gently — the mask should puff out with no leaks around the edges.
  • 2
    Shave the seal area — even stubble breaks the seal and allows contaminated air in.
  • 3
    Mold the nose clip firmly to the bridge of your nose for a proper fit.
  • 4
    Tighten all straps evenly — over-tightening one side breaks the seal on the opposite side.
  • 5
    Replace cartridges at the first hint of smell or taste, or after the manufacturer's rated service life.
⚠
A surgical or cloth mask is NOT a respirator. It provides zero protection against fine industrial dust or chemical vapors.
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🥷

Hand & Arm Protection

Cut, chemical, heat, electrical and vibration gloves


Types available
Cut-resistant A1-A9Glass, sheet metal, blades
Chemical-resistantNitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber
Heat / WeldingLeather, Kevlar, aluminized
Electrical insulatingClass 00-4 rubber gloves
Vibration-dampeningGel pads for power tools
Disposable latex/nitrileGeneral light-duty use
How to choose
Chemical handling
Check compatibility chart — nitrile for most solvents
Cutting / sheet metal
ANSI A4+ cut level minimum
Welding
Leather or aluminized heat gloves
Live electrical work
Rubber insulating gloves + leather protectors
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Choose the correct size — gloves too large bunch up and reduce grip and dexterity.
  • 2
    For chemical gloves, roll the cuff outward when removing to trap contaminants inside.
  • 3
    Inspect before each use — blow into the glove and squeeze to check for pinholes, tears or stiffness.
  • 4
    Never wear gloves near rotating machinery — they can catch and pull the hand into the machine.
⚠
No single glove protects against all hazards. Always check the specific rating — a cut-resistant glove offers no chemical protection and vice versa.
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🚢

Foot & Leg Protection

Safety boots — impact, puncture, slip and electrical hazards


Types available
Steel-toe (S1-S5)Impact and compression rated
Composite-toeNon-metallic, lighter weight
Metatarsal guardUpper foot protection
Anti-static / ESDElectrostatic discharge control
Dielectric bootsElectrical hazard insulation
Chemical-resistantPVC / rubber, acid-proof
EN ISO 20345 ratings explained
S1
Anti-static + heel energy absorption
S3
S1 + puncture-resistant midsole + water resistant
S5
S3 + cleated outsole for mud and outdoor sites
Electrical work
Dielectric-rated boots (EH marked)
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Always wear with appropriate socks — wool or moisture-wicking synthetic. Avoid cotton in hot environments as it retains sweat.
  • 2
    Lace boots fully and tie securely — loose laces are a trip hazard and reduce ankle support.
  • 3
    Inspect the outsole regularly for wear — a worn anti-slip sole is no longer anti-slip.
  • 4
    Do not wear EH boots with cracked soles or wet uppers — electrical insulation is compromised.
  • 5
    Let boots dry naturally between shifts — direct heat degrades adhesives and midsoles.
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🥎

Body & Skin Protection

Hi-vis vests, coveralls, chemical suits and flame-resistant clothing


Types available
Hi-vis vest (Class 1-3)Visibility in traffic and low light
Disposable coverall (Type 5/6)Dust and light chemical splash
Chemical suit (Type 1-4)Liquid and gas-tight protection
FR / arc flash clothingFlame and arc exposure
Welding jacket / apronSparks, spatter and UV
Cut-proof sleeves / chapsMechanical cut protection
How to choose
Road / construction site
Hi-vis Class 2 minimum (vest + sleeves)
Asbestos / fine dust
Type 5 disposable coverall + FFP3
Chemical handling
Type based on chemical hazard level
Electrical arc flash
Arc-rated clothing matched to hazard cal/cm2
How to wear it correctly
  • 1
    Hi-vis: always fasten all closures and keep reflective tape clean — dirty tape loses its retroreflectivity at night.
  • 2
    Coveralls: zip fully and tape seams for Type 5/6; seal wrists and ankles with gloves and boot covers overlapping the suit.
  • 3
    FR clothing: never wear synthetic base layers (polyester, nylon) underneath — they melt onto skin in a fire.
  • 4
    Wash FR garments per label — bleach and fabric softener destroy the flame-resistant treatment permanently.
Shop Coveraals,Vests, Aprons clothing →
⛓

Fall Protection

Harnesses, lanyards and anchor systems — required above 1.8 m


Types available
Full-body harnessEN 361 / ANSI Z359 rated
Shock-absorbing lanyard1.8 m with energy absorber
Self-retracting lifeline (SRL)Instant arrest, minimal slack
Positioning lanyardRestraint — prevents reaching edge
Anchor point / beam clampRated 22 kN minimum
Confined space tripodVertical entry and retrieval system
How to choose
General construction heights
Harness + 1.8 m shock lanyard
Frequent repositioning
Harness + SRL
Working near edge only
Positioning / restraint lanyard
Confined space vertical entry
Tripod + retrieval winch kit
How to put on a full-body harness
  • 1
    Hold the harness by the dorsal D-ring and shake it out — all straps should hang freely with no twists.
  • 2
    Step into the leg loops, put on like a vest, then fasten the chest strap at mid-chest — not the stomach, not the neck.
  • 3
    Tighten leg straps first, then chest, then shoulders. Two fingers must fit under each strap — no more, no less.
  • 4
    Attach the lanyard to the dorsal D-ring only — never to a side D-ring for fall arrest.
  • 5
    Connect to a certified anchor point BEFORE stepping toward the edge.
  • 6
    After any fall event, retire the harness and lanyard immediately — energy absorbers are single-use only.
⚠
Always calculate your total fall clearance: free fall + deceleration + harness stretch + safety margin must be less than the height above the lower level.
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🚧

Site Safety Equipment

Signs, barriers, cones and lockout/tagout — hazard control at the source


Types available
Safety signsWarning, mandatory, prohibition, emergency
Traffic cones and delineatorsRoad and site area demarcation
Barrier tapeRed/white hazard, yellow caution
Water-filled barriersVehicle impact protection
Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)Isolate energy sources before maintenance
Convex safety mirrorsBlind spot visibility in tight areas
How to choose the right equipment
Warn workers of a hazard
Warning sign — yellow triangle
Prohibit an action
Prohibition sign — red circle with slash
Cordon off a work area
Cones + barrier tape or water barriers
Machinery / electrical isolation
Lockout / Tagout kit (LOTO)
How to use it correctly
  • 1
    Place signs and barriers before work begins — never after workers are already in the hazard zone.
  • 2
    Cones and barriers must be visible from at least 50 metres in road environments — use retro-reflective models at night.
  • 3
    LOTO: every worker must apply their own personal padlock to the isolation point — never rely on one person locking out for the whole team.
  • 4
    Inspect signs regularly — faded, damaged or missing signs must be replaced immediately.
  • 5
    Remove all barriers and signs only after the hazard is fully cleared and the area is safe for normal use.
⚠
Site safety equipment protects everyone in the area — not just the person wearing PPE. Never skip, improvise, or remove barriers before the hazard is fully controlled.
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Not sure which PPE is right for your site or project?
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