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Health & Safety Protective Clothing

Many different hazards exist in the workplace including falling objects, noise, chemicals and sharp edges. The best way to protect workers is to control the hazard at its source by installing engineering controls or by implementing safe work procedures. However, when these measures cannot protect the worker fully, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be needed. There are a variety of PPE types designed to protect different parts of the body from a myriad of dangers.

  1. Eye and Face Protection

    • Ordinary prescription eyeglasses will not protect against workplace hazards. Potential eye and face injuries can be caused by flying debris, chemical splashes, or harmful light energy. The most common type of safety glasses are constructed of impact-resistant frames and lenses and are designed to protect against flying dust or debris. Goggles completely cover the eyes and protect against impacts and chemical splashes. Laser safety goggles protect workers from the laser's harmful beam. Welding shields protect against the heat and light created by the welder's torch. Face shields fit over the entire face and protect against flying debris and splashes of hazardous liquids.

    Head Protection

    • Head protection is needed when there is a potential for objects to fall from above, or when workers may bump their head against objects such as exposed beams. Hard hats are designed to absorb the shock of the impact. The three different classifications of hard hats (A, B and C) are rated according to their level of impact resistance and protection against electrical shock hazards.

    Foot and Leg Protection

    • Foot and leg injuries can be caused by falling objects, hot substances, or electrical hazards. Safety shoes have impact-resistant toes that protect feet from crushing injuries and heat-resistant soles that protect against hot walking surfaces. Guards that fit over regular footwear are also available to protect shins, toes and the instep. Leggings protect the feet and lower legs against heat hazards.

    Hand and Arm Protection

    • Hand and arm injuries can occur from exposure to chemicals, heat, cold, electrical hazards, crush hazards and sharp edges. A wide variety of gloves are available that protect against specific hazards. Protective gloves are made of materials such as leather, fabric, chemical-resistant plastic, insulated plastic and metal mesh. Gloves may fit just over the hand and wrist, or extend upward to cover the entire arm.

    Body and Hearing Protection

    • Examples of protective clothing include lab coats, vests, jackets, coveralls, aprons and full body suits. Protective clothing is made from a variety of materials including paper fiber, treated cotton, leather, rubber, and plastic. Hearing protection is needed for work in very noisy environments. Types of hearing protection include earmuffs, individually-fitted earplugs, or single-use earplugs.

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