PPE stands for personal protective equipment and refers to the equipment, tools or clothing that are required to minimise the risk of injury or hazards to individuals when undertaking specific roles or activities at their job. Wearing PPE is mandatory, as stated by Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Without PPE, there is a risk to your health and safety.
PPE is required on a construction site, whether that’s working or visiting; you must wear protection at all times if there is any risk to your health and safety. PPE should not be considered a substitute for conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing necessary safety measures to establish a secure working environment. PPE is warranted only when risks persist, even after all reasonable controls and procedures have been diligently implemented.
What is the full PPE for working on a construction site?
When working on a construction site, you must consider all possible risks; this involves protection for your hearing, eyes, head, hands and anything else at risk of injury. For example, not wearing some form of respiratory protection can expose you to harmful gases and dust, which can later cause cancer, lung impairment or even death.
On a construction site, the full PPE that is required is:
- Head protection
- Ear protection
- Foot and leg protection
- Eye and face protection
- Lung/respiratory protection
- Whole body protection
Not all of these are necessary; it all depends on the type of construction work you are doing at that moment in time and the construction site you are on. All employees and employers must be trained on the correct PPE for the current tasks they are performing. When training employees on PPE, you should explain why these measures are needed whilst highlighting the risks; this ensures that they understand why they need them from their perspective.
What is the mandatory PPE on construction sites?
As stated above, not every piece of PPE needs to be worn; however, regardless of the job or task you are working on, The Health and Safety Executive states that these four mandatory, legally required protections for a construction site are mandatory:
- Head protection
- Foot protection
- Hi-Visibility Clothing
- Body protection
Failing to wear mandatory PPE on construction sites can lead to severe injury and leave an employer with a hefty fine or even jail time if an employee is injured or worse on site due to not wearing the correct and suitable PPE. It’s essential that all managers and supervisors are in the correct PPE to set a good example to others.
Construction Site PPE Products:
Hand protection
Hand protection is a critical component of personal safety on construction sites; it helps prevent injuries, maintains worker health and comfort, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Hand protection, such as gloves, should be in good condition, checked regularly, fit correctly and supplied by a reputable supplier. When arriving on-site, if you see an employee with hand protection in poor condition, you must raise this.
Appropriate gloves serve as a safeguard against various hazards on construction sites; they shield against dust, cement, wet concrete, and solvents, which can lead to skin issues like dermatitis. Moreover, these gloves offer protection from cuts and splinters while working with materials such as bricks, steel, and wood. It's important to have a variety of glove types on hand to cater to the diverse needs of different tasks and workers.
Respiratory protection
While personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the final option, respiratory protective equipment plays a significant role in safeguarding employees from inhaling harmful substances.
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is available in various forms and sizes, offering varying degrees of protection. This includes disposable half masks that cover the nose and mouth and comprehensive systems that protect the respiratory system, head, eyes, and face. Additionally, there are power-assisted respirators and breathing apparatuses.
A trained, qualified, and experienced specialist should roll out a fit test when using RPE to ensure there is no risk of inhaling nasty chemicals. Numerous masks depend on a tight seal against the face to ensure that incoming air is filtered; this ensures the air is clean when inhaled. Any openings or gaps along the mask's edges may allow unfiltered air to pass through and reach your lungs. Thus, it is crucial to fit your mask correctly and consistently verify a secure fit to maintain its effectiveness.
Shop respiratory protection here.
Hearing protection
Wearing hearing protection on a construction site is essential to safeguard workers from noise-related hazards and prevent hearing loss and other related health issues. Hearing protection should be issued to employees:
- If additional safeguarding is required beyond the measures already implemented through noise control
- As a temporary solution while alternative noise control methods are being developed
It’s essential to conduct regular checks on hearing protection and ensure that they remain in clean condition, the earmuffs are sealed with no damage, no modifications have been made, there is no reduction in the tension of the headband being used, and the compressible earplugs are soft, pliable and clean.
Eye protection
Eye protection is an essential safety measure on construction sites; it guards against various potential hazards, promotes compliance with safety regulations, and ensures workers' long-term well-being and productivity.
Eye protection should be used to prevent injury from:
- Flying objects, e.g. when using a nail gun. In this particular activity, goggles should be shatter-proof – check the manufacturer’s specification;
- Sparks, e.g. when disc-cutting;
- Ultraviolet radiation from welding – In this instance, specialist goggles or shields are required;
- Chemical splashes.
Eye protection must be easily accessible in large quantities to ensure fast replacement in cases of loss, damage, or defects. When safeguarding against corrosive splashes, you should consider using visors that provide comprehensive protection for the entire face.
FAQ
Clear communication, proper training, and adherence to safety guidelines are essential for effective PPE use on construction sites, promoting worker safety and well-being.
Is there specialised PPE for unique hazards, such as electrical work or working at heights?
Certain tasks may require specialised PPE to address specific risks, such as electrical hazards or fall protection. Specialised PPE requires comprehensive training conducted by qualified individuals, covering user inspections and proper utilisation.
What are the guidelines for cleaning and storing PPE?
PPE should be adequately maintained and stored when not in use, such as in a clean, dry cupboard. If the equipment is designed for reuse, it must be cleaned and kept in good condition. If not kept in good condition, the effectiveness of PPE can be compromised, especially items like high-visibility jackets, trousers, and coveralls, as the retroreflective strips must remain visible.
How often should I inspect and replace my PPE?
Regularly inspect PPE for damage or wear and replace items as needed to maintain their protective capabilities; it’s best to check PPE before each use to ensure there is no risk of issues.