PPE Used in Different Industries

By Jayden Mark

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to ensure that employees of various business types can carry out their functions safely and effectively by preventing and limiting exposure to various occupational safety hazards. Below is a look at the six major types of PPE.

PPE for the Face and Eyes

As the name suggests, PPE for the face and eyes are concerned with protection above the neck. These areas can encounter chemicals such as organic solvents via splashing or with debris that may be traveling through the air. In total, there are two kinds of goggles and two kinds of glasses that fall within this category, which are:

Goggles for chemical splash protection – These are for individuals that work with aggressive chemicals that can result in eye damage or irritation. In case of accidental splashing, these goggles provide a shield for the eyes.
Goggles for impact protection – These goggles are only concerned with protecting the eyes against physical impact such as that from flying debris.
Glasses for general safety – This is the basic type of eye-based PPE. It provides adequate protection against most splashes and debris. The specialized goggles are only required when the hazard is such a threat that it requires protection using custom built gear.
Glasses for laser protection – The key concern here is that of radiation that can slowly damage the eyes and hamper their ability to function. Usually, employees are provided with sets that are just powerful enough to withstand the power of the lasers they work with.

PPE for Protection of the Hands

As stated before, these are various forms of gloves that offer protection to the hands. The choice of glove depends on the hazard present in the environment.

Chemical resistant gloves – There are three versions of chemical resistant gloves, which are light, light to heavy, and heavy (from weakest to strongest), which are selected based on the potency of the chemicals that a worker can be exposed to.
Insulated gloves – These gloves offer temperature-based protection where employees could suffer burns, numbness, or freezing of the hands.
Wire mesh – These are cut resistant and used when there is potential exposure to cuts or when working with live animals.
Fire resistant gloves – These are used in industries where workers have to use tools involving flame and heat. IE: welding gloves
Light latex gloves – This is the most cost effective and basic type of hand PPE available and it is used for basic splash and biohazards.

PPE for Protection of the Body

As the name implies, these offer body protection. There are only three kinds and they are different kinds of lab coats that are applicable to different situations.

Traditional lab coats – These are the easily recognizable lab coats that are seen most commonly seen. They offer general protection in situations where the hazards are not extreme such as protection against dirt, physical hazards, and ink.
Flame resistant lab coats – These coats are used in cases where employees work with organic solvents or with chemicals that are either explosive or highly flammable. They are usually made of materials such as Nomex, which are ignition safe.
Barrier – These coats are usually used when materials that are worked with can lead to infection upon contact.

PPE for Prevention of Exposure to High Noise Levels

The safe level of sound for humans is 85 dBa. You can get Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) personnel to perform an inspection to determine if normal function in your business generates sound at those levels to check if protection is needed. The protection options in this category include:

Single use earplugs – These are the cheapest alternative and can fit any employee.
Reusable earplugs – The earplugs are made of a cleanable material such as silicone and does not warrant disposal upon use as they are suitable for reuse once they are properly maintained and stored.
Hearing bands – These earplugs are connected using a flexible band, which allows employees to conveniently place them around the neck when they are not in use.

PPE for Respiratory Protection

Respirators and cartridges – These protect against inhalation of unsafe mists, fumes, etc. that are generated within an environment. They come in half-mask and full-face forms that offer varying degrees of protection. A respiratory cartridge is inserted that determines the type of protection offered. Evaluation and fit testing are required.
N-95 Respirators – These protect users against various airborne pathogens that are agents of known transmissible airborne diseases such as tuberculosis and influenza. Evaluation and fit testing are required.
Surgical masks – These offer protection when working with live animals or protects samples from your contamination when working with infectious materials in BSL-2+ labs. These do not require evaluation and fitting prior to implementation.

PPE for Foot Protection

PPE for foot protection is intended to provide tailored protection for the feet depending on the hazards you are exposed to in an environment. Below are the kinds of PPE that fall in this category.

Electrical safety – These prevent electrical currents from running through the body using materials such as rubber.
Spinning blades – These provide foot protection from mauling by spinning blades such as those on a circular saw.
Temperature safe – One version of these prevents loss of heat from the body in cold weather while the other version is unaffected by heat and molten materials.
Falling objects – The cap that covers the toes in these boots is hardened to protect them from falling debris or objects.
Puncture resistance – These are great for environments that are riddled with sharps on the ground as the midsole contains steel plating.
Heavy machine and objects – These have full metatarsal shielding as heavy items such as machines can roll on the feet.
Moisture resistance – These keep feet free from mold, bacteria, and moisture by implementing a seal.
Explosion safe – A single spark can lead to a fire or explosion if too much static has accumulated in the body. These boots prevent said accumulation.
Slip resistance – This is built into most work boots as a grip is used to prevent slipping on oil or smooth surfaces.

Jayden Mark

Jayden Mark has gained a wealth of knowledge about safety protocols in industries while working in a steel mill as well as a welder in the construction industry. He is the content editor for comfortworkboots.com where he shares his insights and expertize in his related field.