Why is PPE Important?

In today’s diverse and often hazardous work environments, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a crucial line of defence. Whether in a factory, a laboratory, or a construction site, PPE ensures your safety. But why exactly is PPE so important? Here’s a closer look at PPE’s role in safeguarding health and safety.

Why is PPE important in the workplace?

The role of PPE is to reduce employee exposure to health and safety risks on the job. Hazards include falling debris, wet floors, unstable ladders, and chemical hazards. Common PPE items include hi-vis clothing, safety footwear, hardnesses, and respiratory equipment.

Prevention of Injuries

The primary purpose of PPE is to prevent injuries. In many workplaces, employees are exposed to hazards such as flying debris, harmful chemicals, or heavy machinery. PPE like helmets, gloves, and safety glasses create a protective barrier against these potential dangers, reducing the likelihood of serious injuries.

Health Protection

Beyond preventing physical injuries, PPE also plays a vital role in protecting health. For instance, respirators shield workers from inhaling harmful dust or toxic fumes, while ear protection helps guard against hearing loss in noisy environments. By reducing exposure to these health risks, PPE helps to prevent chronic illnesses and long-term health issues.

Compliance with Regulations

Workplace safety regulations often mandate the use of PPE. Regulatory bodies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S. set standards that require employers to provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use. Compliance with these regulations helps avoid legal penalties and demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare.

Reduction of Accident Costs

Accidents in the workplace can lead to significant costs, including medical expenses, insurance claims, and potential legal fees. PPE helps mitigate these costs by preventing accidents from occurring. Investing in quality PPE and ensuring its correct use can lead to substantial savings for both employers and employees by avoiding the expenses associated with workplace injuries.

Boosting Confidence and Productivity

Employees who feel safe and protected will likely be more confident and productive. Knowing that proper safety measures are in place, workers can focus on their tasks without worrying about potential hazards. This boost in confidence can lead to increased job satisfaction and better performance.

Fostering a Safety Culture

PPE is not just about individual protection; it’s also about fostering a culture of safety within the organisation. When safety is prioritised, and PPE is visibly used and valued, it encourages everyone to take safety seriously. This cultural shift can lead to a safer, more collaborative work environment.

PPE Training and Usage

Free Provision and Training for PPE

Employers must provide PPE at no cost to employees and ensure they are trained in its proper use, including spotting and reporting faults. Choose PPE based on the specific hazards, exposure duration, and intensity. Always select CE-marked products and ensure proper fit by considering user size. If you need help, let users choose their equipment.

Compatibility and Compliance of PPE

When using multiple PPE items, check for compatibility issues, such as whether safety glasses affect the respirator seal. Avoid making exceptions for PPE, even for short tasks. Use signs to remind employees about PPE requirements and perform regular checks to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Different Types of PPE

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses shield your eyes from chemical splashes, metal splashes, dust, projectiles, gas, vapour, and radiation. Depending on the risks, you may need safety goggles, safety glasses with side shields, face screens, face shields, or visors, each offering different levels of protection.

Milwaukee 4932478763 Enhanced Safety Glasses (Clear)

• Lightweight for extended comfort while wearing.
• Durable anti-scratch lenses.
• Long-lasting anti-fog lenses.
• Comfortable and flexible arms for extended comfort wear.
• Clear and tinted options offer eye protection, whether working indoors or outdoors.
• European Certified: EN166 and EN170 / EN172.

Safety Helmet

PPE for head protection guards against falling objects, head bumps, hair entanglement, chemical drips, splashes, and varying climate conditions. Suitable options include safety helmets, hairnets, bump caps, and firefighter helmets.

Sealey 502BLK Plus Safety Helmet – Vented (Black)

• Available in seven colours
• Widely accepted colour coding indicates Black = Supervisor
• Vented for user comfort
• Hearing and face shield accessories are available
• Ratchet suspension harness
• Pop, twist and lock fitting system prevents unintentional loosening of the headband.
• Material webbing cradle rather than rigid plastic means greater comfort when wearing all day.
• Conforms to BS EN397

Ear Defenders

Scan SCAPPEEARCOL Collapsible Ear Defender SNR 28 dB

• General-purpose ear defender: Suitable for various environments
• Noise reduction: Reduces noise levels while allowing normal conversation
• Comfortable design: Soft, wide PVC ear cushions for enhanced comfort
• Adjustable fit: Adjustable cup height to suit most wearers
• Foldable: Collapsible design for easy storage
• Standards compliant: Conforms to EN352-1:2002
• SNR 28dB: Reduces noise by 28 decibels

Safety Gloves

PPE for hand protection guards against abrasions, extreme temperatures, cuts, punctures, chemicals, electric shocks, vibration, radiation, biological agents, and water immersion. Suitable options include safety gloves, cuff gloves, gauntlets, and sleeves covering the relevant arm areas.

Predator PUUH-13 Coloursafe Emerald Gloves (Size 9 / L)

• 13 gauge, green, Azura and polyester, breathable liner
• Palm coated in polyurethane (PU)
• Ideal for general handling where cut protection is imperative
• Knit wrist
• Coating: Polyurethane
• Cut Level: Cut 5, Cut C
• Style: Coated/Knitted Gloves

Safety Boots

PPE for foot protection shields against extreme temperatures, electrostatic discharge, slips, cuts, falling objects, heavy loads, chemical and metal splashes, and vehicle-related risks. Appropriate footwear includes safety boots, shoes, midsole Wellington boots, and specialised footwear like chainsaw boots.

Dewalt Extreme Safety Boots (Size 7)

• Lightweight construction: Full-grain leather uppers
• Oil and slip-resistant sole
• Heat-resistant: Up to 300°C
• Steel toecaps: Withstand up to 200 Joules of pressure
• Foot support: Moulded midsole for added support
• Comfort: Dual-density, removable insoles
• EN Test: CE EN ISO 20345-2011
• Safety Rating: SBP
• Slip Rating: SRC

Respiratory PPE

Respiratory PPE protects against oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dust, gases, and vapours. Appropriate equipment includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as filtering facepieces and power-assisted respirators.

Stanley STMF011021 P3 R Half Mask Respirator S/M

• Highest Filtration efficiency of any half mask on the market.
• Lowest Breathing resistance of any half mask on the market.
• One of the smallest, lightest, most efficient P3 Half Masks on the market.
• Breathing resistance is over three times easier than other typical P3 Half Masks.
• A large downward exhalation valve is needed to prevent glass or goggles from steaming.
• Exclusive filter technology provides 99.999% filtration efficiency.
• Face-Fit-Check® For face seal validation for less clogging & inward leakage.
• Non-Allergenic Mask – Latex and Silicone free

Body PPE

PPE protects against heat, chemical and metal splashes, spray from pressure leaks, contaminated dust, impact, and clothing entanglement. Suitable clothing includes overalls, boiler, welding, aprons, and chemical suits.

Caterpillar Dynamic Trouser Black – 30″

• Oxford canvas knee overlays to increase the life of the garment
• Bellowed side cargo pocket with secure closure
• Cell phone pocket with secure closure
• Crotch gusset for optimal movement
• Rib waistband with interior elastic and drawcord
• Front reach in pockets with logo metal rivet
• Back right ruler pocket for extra tool storage

FAQ

When should PPE be used?

PPE should be worn whenever workers are exposed to risks that could cause injuries or illnesses, such as in environments with chemical, biological, radiological, physical, electrical, or mechanical hazards.

Who is responsible for providing PPE?

In most cases, employers are responsible for providing necessary PPE to their employees. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and similar regulatory agencies in other countries enforce this.

How should PPE be stored and maintained?

PPE should be stored in a clean, dry place and inspected regularly for wear and damage. Each type of PPE may have specific maintenance and storage guidelines to ensure its effectiveness.

At Toolden, we offer various PPE, Workwear & Safety for domestic and commercial applications.

Need help deciding which to choose? Need some help with your order? Our new help centre has a wide range of helpful articles and guides!

If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01358 726719 or by email at admin@toolden.co.uk