Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not one-size-fits-all. It needs to be properly fitted to each worker’s body type to get maximum protection while on duty. In this guide, we’ll outline two common approaches and provide tips for each type of equipment sample included.
Why Wearing PPE Isn’t Enough and How to Address Common Issues?
Wearing PPE isn’t enough because its effectiveness depends on proper fit, adjustment, and use. Ill-fitting PPE can be ineffective and even dangerous. So, even if it’s worn, it might not protect the wearer from hazards, which can lead to potential injuries.
There are two ways to address this:
1. Take every worker’s measurement and find the right PPE sizing for them
Different body types are what make every construction worker unique. This is why PPE must be tailored to fit each individual properly, as these safety gears also come in various sizes.
For instance, safety gloves are available in different wrist lengths. The right fit ensures maximum protection for the wearer. Wearing the wrong size of safety gloves can do more harm than good. They may slip on the wearer’s hand or get the gloves caught in machinery if too loose, or lead to numbness if too tight.
Consider the following tips below for getting the right fit:
- Provide a range of glove sizes for workers to try on. The right glove should fit snugly, with no excess material at their fingertips.
- Workers should perform a few tasks with gloves on to ensure they can grip tools and perform their duties without movement restrictions or discomfort.
- For gloves with adjustable wrist straps or closures, every worker must know how to make adjustments to get a proper fit on their hands.
The same applies to hard hats, whether it’s a peaked hard hat or micro-peak hard hat, as they come in a variety of sizes. A safety hat that is too small or large may not offer enough protection, so it’s crucial to get the correct size for a good fit.
To measure head circumference:
- Use a measuring tape and place it around the widest part of the head, an inch above the eyebrows.
- Take note of the measurement in centimetres or inches.
- Compare it with the manufacturer’s sizing chart and choose the appropriate size. Repeat these steps for all the employees.
Note: If the hard hats come with straps, make sure each worker knows how to fasten or adjust them to hold the hat in place without being restrictive.
Read our guide, ‘Why Head Protection Matters When Working at Heights + Safety Helmet Features,’ to learn more.
2. Provide proper training on how to use and wear PPE correctly
Wearing PPE isn’t enough; workers need to know how to properly wear and adjust the equipment. Let’s use fall arrest harness paired with a webbing lanyard as an example. If the leg straps are not adjusted correctly, the harness might shift, ride up, or become loose.
Workers should adjust the lanyard, so it fits their body properly, allowing enough movement to perform their tasks without being too slack. Additionally, the lanyard must be securely attached to a stable anchor point, such as scaffold poles. This ensures that if a fall occurs, the worker is supported.
Types of PPE in Construction
There are different kinds of PPE used in construction, but below are some common types of equipment that must be fitted properly to comply with workplace health and safety requirements:
- Safety gloves
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection
- Hard hats
- High-visibility clothingsuch as (high-visibility t-shirts and high-visibility vests)
- Anti-fall harness
The employer should provide all workers in construction with PPE, as required by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. Refer to our guide, ‘PPE Requirements for Construction Workers,’ for all the details.
For more PPE options for your construction needs, contact us via hello@s-pgroup.com or call us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a construction supplier in the UK and Ireland.