PPE comes in a variety of forms, shapes, and sizes. However, there are some consistent factors that employers and safety officers need to consider when making their PPE selection, let’s look at five of the main ones.

1. Conduct a risk assessment

First of all, employers should conduct a risk assessment in their workplace and identify potential hazards that may exist. The first step should be to try to reduce and ideally remove the risk. However, if the risk can’t be eliminated then it is time to consider what PPE is appropriate for mitigating it.

2. Check what level of protection is needed

When selecting PPE, it is important to check if it can afford the level of protection required. For example, when it comes to noise risks, you need to check the decibel level as hearing PPE is graded according to different decibel levels. Similarly, when choosing safety footwear, you should check that it is rated for the work environment in question, for example, does it need to be Ladder Grip rated, or Anti-Slip rated.

3. Check the fit of the PPE for each worker

The fit of the PPE for each individual employee should be checked, don’t assume that it will be one size fits all. Ideally, the PPE should be comfortable but not loose. Otherwise you risk the PPE becoming loose (and a potential hazard in itself) or not being worn.

4. Take allergies into account

Consider health risks/allergies employees may have. For example, some workers may have an allergic reaction to latex gloves.

5. Check that the PPE is CE approved

Ensure that any PPE procured bears the ‘CE’ mark, which means it meets the requirements of the EU PPE Regulations 2018.

Of course, you may well have questions about PPE that this short piece can’t answer, so feel free to get in touch with our PPE experts on 0402 32116 (Arklow) or 021 484 1370 (Cork). The M.A. Healy & Sons team have been providing PPE across Ireland for over 50 years, and are happy to share our knowledge.