This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
Eye and face
Safety spectacles, goggles and face shields protect against different hazards. Assess impact energy, dust, liquid splash, molten material, radiation and the need for prescription correction. A face shield may need to be worn with suitable eye protection rather than instead of it.
Hands
No glove protects against every chemical, cut, heat or entanglement hazard. Select using the substance, concentration, contact time and task. Check chemical breakthrough data and the effect of flexing or abrasion. Gloves may create an entanglement risk near rotating machinery, so the safe system of work must address the actual task.
Feet
Consider toe protection, penetration resistance, slip resistance, chemical exposure, heat, cold, water and electrostatic requirements. Fit and condition affect performance.
Body
Workwear, aprons and coveralls must match the hazard and be compatible with gloves, footwear and respiratory protection. Contaminated garments need a safe removal, cleaning or disposal process.
Inspect PPE before use and replace damaged, heavily worn, contaminated or expired equipment in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Need help sourcing the item?
Send the manufacturer, reference, photographs and operating details.