What PPE Is Required for Construction?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is protective clothing or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury while on site. There are numerous items of PPE required in the construction industry, many of which are required by law, but before we go into that, we need to understand why it is so important. 

Why Is PPE Important in Construction?

PPE is absolutely essential in the construction industry as it is designed to protect employees from the many health & safety hazards they may encounter on site. This includes injuries to the head, ears, eyes, lungs and skin. As well as protecting employees from dangers, the majority of PPE in construction is required by law, which all employers must comply with. 

PPE required for construction include;

1. Head protection
2. Eye protection
3. Ear protection
4. Foot protection
5. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

1. Head Protection

Head protection, also known as ‘industrial safety helmets’ or ‘hard hats’, is one of the most, if not the most important items of PPE required in construction. They are designed to protect the wearer against potential danger from falling materials falling or swinging objects. 

Head protection is required by law on all construction sites where there is a risk of head injury, therefore employers must provide all employees with, and ensure they wear, suitable head protection (as per the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992). 

The only exception to this rule is for Sikhs who wear turbans. They are exempt from the legal requirement of wearing a safety helmet on site, however, it is crucial that they understand the possible risks they are taking by not wearing head protection.

2. Eye Protection

It is also mandatory for employers to provide appropriate protective eyewear to employees who work in dangerous environments, to protect them from hazards such as flying materials or dangerous substances. 

When selecting eye and face protection, it is important to ensure that it is task-suitable and that the correct fit is selected for each worker. The 3 main types of eye protection available are: safety goggles, safety glasses and face screens. 

It is important that head and eye protection remains in good condition, undamaged, and properly fits the wearer. If there are issues with any of these, then the PPE will not be as effective. 

3. Ear Protection

In circumstances where construction workers are exposed to loud noise, hearing protection is required to reduce the intensity of sound and protect them from ear damage. Even if workers are exposed to noise hazards for a short period of time, very high-level sounds can still pose a threat to the ears. For this reason, it is crucial that all construction workers are provided with the necessary ear protection, depending on the type of work they are carrying out.

The two main ear protection options available are ear defenders and ear plugs. 

Ear Defenders

Ear defenders, also known as ear muffs, cover the entire outer ear to form an air seal so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked. The acoustic foam absorbs the soundwaves and reduces the amplitude of the waves to the wearer. 

High Performance Alpha Solway Ear Defender 30 SNR Green

The Alpha Solway Ear Defender 30 SNR is a high performance, comfortable ear defender without the weight, and fully adjustable to provide a superior fit for most head sizes. 

Other key benefits include:

• High attenuation – SNR 30dB
• Low pressure but high performance
• Easy on head adjustment thanks to individual slide action
• Large ear cushions allow freedom to fit majority of ears for a comfortable fit

Ear Plugs 

Instead of going over your head and covering the entire ear, ear plugs pop inside the ear to protect against damaging levels of noise. For those who have trouble keeping ear plugs in their ear, they can also be fitted to a cord. 

Blue Metal Detectable Disposable Foam Ear Plugs

Made from soft BLUE PU foam, these disposable foam ear plugs expand gradually and conform to exactly the size and shape of the ear canal for ultimate comfort. With an SNR rating of 36, they guarantee excellent protection in very noisy environments. 

4. Foot Protection 

Protective footwear is also required on site to protect the feet and lower limbs against hazards such as falling objects crushing the feet and toes, punctures (e.g. standing on pointed or sharp objects) and impact, resulting in cuts and abrasions.

Safety boots are the main type of foot protection found on construction sites, which feature steel toe caps to protect from dropped objects, and steel midsole protection to protect against puncture. 

Goodyear Welted Leather Boots

Featuring a wicking lining for greater breathability and comfort, 200 joules toe protection and a penetration resistant steel midsole, these are the perfect boots for construction. 

5. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

In circumstances where workers are exposed to respiratory hazards, Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must be worn. These hazards include the inhalation of dusts, gases and vapours/mists. 

Alpha Flow 2530V Face Mask

With a soft inner seal and traditional cup shape, these Alpha Solway 2530V valved dust masks offer great working comfort, while the filter material provides respiratory protection against very fine, toxic dusts, mists and fumes.

Other key benefits include: 

• Pack of 10
• Traditional cup shape with soft inner seal
• Nose clip & four-point head strap for a secure fit
• Inbuilt exhalation valve

At morSafe, we stock a selection of personal protective equipment with free next day delivery available. If you need more guidance, please contact us on 01686 611 377 or sales@morsafesupplies.com.

Written by Kate, for Morsafe Supplies.