Safety Clothes

Safety clothes are the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn to reduce physical, chemical, or biological hazards to all parts of the body. The safety clothing selected for each situation is based upon the hazards posed by the work to be performed.

Determine Hazards

• Before selecting protective clothing, determine if the hazards of each task are physical, chemical, or biological. Select the necessary PPE based upon the identified hazards and the guidance of the manufacturer of the safety clothing.

Body Protection

• Body protection can range from coveralls that protect against dirt, dust and particulates to fully encapsulated chemically resistant suits that protect against liquid and vapor hazards from chemicals and biological agents.

Head Protection

• Hard hats protect against impacts from falling objects and flying debris. Bump caps prevent scalp injury from bumping into objects.

Eye and Face Protection

• Safety spectacles protect against flying particles. Goggles protect against liquid splash and gases. Face shields, worn over spectacles or goggles, protect the face from particles and liquids.

Hand Protection

• Gloves are available that protect against abrasions, cuts, vibration, electrical shock and chemical exposure.

Foot Protection

• Safety shoes can protect against slips, abrasion, chemical exposure and impact from falling material.