PPE has been in the news during the coronavirus pandemic. But it's not only the medical profession that needs personal protective equipment. Hospitality, engineering and construction are just some of the businesses that rely on keeping their employees safe with protective workwear and PPE.

Why is protective workwear and PPE important?

According to the HSE, protective workwear and PPE includes any clothing and equipment that protects the user from potential health and safety risks in the workplace. It’s essential for keeping employees safe in the workplace.

Protective workwear and PPE includes:

• Hi-vis clothing
• Safety helmets
• Protective eyewear
• Safety shoes
• Ear defenders
• Face masks

It should protect the wearer against electric shocks, contaminated air, falling debris, cuts and puncture wounds, extremes of temperature and chemical burns.

Safety tips for using protective workwear and PPE

Know when you should use PPE

According to HSE and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers are responsible for providing suitable PPE for their staff. Therefore, PPE should be used whenever necessary. But how do you know what type of protection to provide?

• A helmet will protect against head injuries caused by falling materials
• Goggles or safety glasses can protect the eyes from splashes of liquid or flying particles
• Earplugs or defenders protect against damage in environments with high sound levels
• Masks maintain good respiration and protect the lungs against contaminated air
• Gloves protect the hands from sharp materials and corrosive liquids
• Safety footwear protects against injuries from falling materials, skids and falls
• The correct work clothing can improve visibility and protect against extremes of temperature

Understand the role of PPE

Protective workwear and PPE are designed to protect users against occupational hazards. Choose items that protect against specific hazards users will be exposed to in the course of their work. For example, waterproof safety boots with skidproof soles will withstand wet conditions. Likewise, protective gloves should be chosen when you're dealing with chemicals or handling sharp objects.

Users may require more than one piece of protective workwear or PPE for a specific task. Ensure that everything is compatible. So, for example, make sure your chosen ear defenders work together with a hard hat.

Comfort and fit are key

Make sure that PPE is suitable for the user. It must be comfortable and fit well for users to perform at their best. Balancing comfort and safety is critical. For example, the higher-rated an item of PPE is, the heavier and more tiring it is to use. Uncomfortable protective clothing can also cause morale to drop, resulting in careless accidents. Get the balance right, and workers stay comfortable and protected.

When it comes to fit, looser clothing is generally more comfortable. Still, the possibility of getting caught in machinery or moving vehicles is a hazard with potentially serious consequences. However, there's no excuse for taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our workwear comes in a wide range of sizes to suit larger and smaller users. We also supply women's workwear that's tailored for fit and comfort.

Training and maintenance

Training

For safe and proper use of protective workwear and PPE, set up a training programme. Being fully protected depends on knowing how to use equipment and protective clothing properly.

Maintenance

• Store clothing and equipment appropriately and keep it clean and in good repair.
• Follow any recommended maintenance schedule and replace when necessary.
• Check PPE before every use and report any faults, as these could compromise the safety of equipment or clothing.
• Remove and replace any faulty items.

Use a high-quality protective workwear and PPE supplier

When it comes to workplace safety, don't compromise. At North Central Office, we're workwear suppliers in Glasgow who only work with the most reputable manufacturers. We understand that comfort and safety are essential to your workforce now more than ever. So contact us today to find out how we can help your business get back to work safely.