Types of PPE you can use

Types of PPE you can use

Eyes

[b]Hazards [/b]
Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation



[b]Options [/b]
Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors



[b]Note [/b]
Make sure the eye protection chosen has the right combination of impact/dust/splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly



Head and neck

[b]Hazards [/b]
Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery, chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature



[b]Options [/b]
Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters' helmets



[b]Note [/b]




	Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or hearing protection

	Don't forget neck protection, eg scarves for use during welding

	Replace head protection if it is damaged


Ears

[b]Hazards [/b]
Noise – a combination of sound level and duration of exposure, very high-level sounds are a hazard even with short duration



[b]Options [/b]
Earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert/canal caps



[b]Note [/b]




	Provide the right hearing protectors for the type of work, and make sure workers know how to fit them

	Choose protectors that reduce noise to an acceptable level, while allowing for safety and communication


Hands and arms

[b]Hazards [/b]
Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water



[b]Options [/b]
Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm



[b]Note [/b]




	Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves might get caught

	Some materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals – take care in selection, see HSE’s[ skin at work website](http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/)

	Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper PPE

	Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems. Using separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this


Feet and legs

[b]Hazards [/b]
Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, vehicles



[b]Options [/b]
Safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration-resistant, mid-sole wellington boots and specific footwear, eg foundry boots and chainsaw boots



[b]Note [/b]




	Footwear can have a variety of sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different conditions, including oil- or chemical-resistant soles. It can also be anti-static, electrically conductive or thermally insulating

	Appropriate footwear should be selected for the risks identified


Lungs

[b]Hazards [/b]




	Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours


[b]Options – respiratory protective equipment (RPE)[/b]




	Some respirators rely on filtering contaminants from workplace air. These include simple filtering facepieces and respirators and power-assisted respirators

	Make sure it fits properly, eg for tight-fitting respirators (filtering facepieces, half and full masks)

	There are also types of breathing apparatus which give an independent supply of breathable air, eg fresh-air hose, compressed airline and self-contained breathing apparatus


[b]Note [/b]




	The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of substances

	Filters have only a limited life. Where there is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus – never use a filtering cartridge

	You will need to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of an oxygen deficiency in the work area

	If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication [Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide](http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm)


Whole body

[b]Hazards [/b]
Heat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing



[b]Options [/b]
Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons, chemical suits



[b]Note [/b]




	The choice of materials includes flame-retardant, anti-static, chain mail, chemically impermeable, and high-visibility

	Don't forget other protection, like safety harnesses or life jackets