OSHbox Ltd | PPE Guide

Choosing the correct Personal Protection Equipment for the task.

Otherwise known as PPE.

Selecting the appropriate type of PPE depends on the specific hazards present in the workplace. It is crucial to conduct a thorough hazard assessment and choose PPE that provides adequate protection while ensuring comfort and ease of use.

Refer to our Quick Quide to common workplace PPE items and their uses:

Head Protection

Type	Use
Hard Hats	Widely used in construction, industrial, and manufacturing settings. Made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or similar materials. Feature a suspension system inside to absorb and distribute impact forces. Classes of Hard Hats Class G (General): Tested at 2,200 volts, commonly used for general impact protection. Class E (Electrical): Tested to withstand 20,000 volts, used for electrical work. Class C (Conductive): Provide no electrical protection, designed for comfort and impact protection.
Safety Helmets	Provide comprehensive protection and are used in specific industries such as firefighting, oil and gas, and utilities. Often come with additional features like face shields, hearing protection, or communication systems.
Bump Caps	Designed for limited protection against minor bumps and scrapes. Commonly used in maintenance or warehouse environments where the risk of head injuries from falling objects is low.
Welding Helmets	Protect against intense heat, sparks, and radiation during welding. Feature dark-tinted visors to shield eyes and face from the bright welding arc and may include respiratory protection.
Electrically Insulating Helmets	Used by workers in electrical industries. Made from materials that do not conduct electricity to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Key Considerations for Choosing Head Protection

Hazard Assessment: Identify potential hazards such as falling objects, electrical risks, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure head protection equipment complies with relevant safety standards and regulations.
Comfort and Fit: Adjustable suspension systems and padding options for a customizable and comfortable fit.
Compatibility: Ensure head protection can be effectively combined with other required safety equipment.

Workplace Body Protection

Type	Use
Disposable Coveralls	Used in environments with hazardous chemicals or biological materials, providing a barrier against contaminants
Reusable Coveralls	Made from durable materials for repeated use in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining.
Chemical-Resistant Aprons	Provide protection against splashes and spills of hazardous chemicals.
Heat-Resistant Aprons	Protect against intense heat, sparks, and radiation during welding. Feature dark-tinted visors to shield eyes and face from the bright welding arc and may include respiratory protection.
Hazmat Suits	Offer comprehensive protection against hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological agents, and radiological substances.
Fire-Resistant Suits	Made from flame-retardant materials, these suits are essential for firefighters and workers in environments with fire risks
High-Visibility Clothing (Reflective Vests etc)	Enhance visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for road construction, traffic control, and other environments where workers need to be seen clearly.
Flame-Resistant Coveralls and Jackets	Provide protection against flames and heat, commonly used in welding, oil and gas, and firefighting.
Antistatic Clothing	Prevents the buildup of static electricity, essential in electronics manufacturing and chemical processing to avoid sparks that could ignite flammable substances.
Arc Flash Clothing	Designed to protect electrical workers from the thermal hazards of an arc flash, which can cause severe burns and injuries.
Medical Protective Clothing (Gowns, Aprons, Head and Show Coverings etc)	Used in healthcare settings to protect against infectious materials. Provide additional protection against contamination in medical environments.

Workplace Footwear

Type	Use
Steel-Toe Boots	Provide protection against heavy objects and compression.
Composite-Toe Boots	Offer similar protection as steel-toe boots but are lighter and non-metallic.
Metatarsal Boots	Protect the upper foot and toe area.
Electric Hazard (EH) Footwear	Provide protection against electrical shocks
Slip-Resistant Shoes	Designed to prevent slips and falls.
Waterproof Boots	Protect feet in wet environments.
Insulated Boots	Provide warmth in cold conditions.
Chemical-Resistant Boots	Offer protection against hazardous chemicals.
Puncture-Resistant Boots	Prevent punctures from sharp objects.

Fall Protection

Type	Use
Full-Body Harnesses	Distributes fall forces across the body, reducing injury.
Lanyards	Connect the harness to an anchor point; include shock-absorbing features.
Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs)	Automatically retract and extend; provide mobility and fall arrest.
Anchor Points	Secure connection points for fall protection systems.
Vertical Lifelines	Allow workers to move up and down while remaining secured.
Rope Grabs	Attached to vertical lifelines; move with the worker and lock in case of a fall.
Fall Arrest Systems	Combination of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points designed to stop falls safely.
Guardrails	Barriers placed at edges to prevent falls.
Safety Nets	Installed below work areas to catch falling workers or debris.

Hand Protection

Type	Use
Disposable Gloves	Made from latex, nitrile, or vinyl for single-use applications.
Cut-Resistant Gloves	Provide protection against sharp objects.
Chemical-Resistant Gloves	Protect against hazardous chemicals
Heat-Resistant Gloves	Protect against high temperatures.
Leather Gloves	Durable protection for heavy-duty tasks.

Lone Worker Device

Type	Use
Panic Button	Allows workers to quickly alert emergency services or supervisors if they feel threatened or are in danger.
GPS Tracking Device	Helps in locating the worker in case of an emergency.
Man-Down Alarm	Automatically detects if the worker has fallen or is immobile for a certain period.
Two-way Communication Device	Allows workers to stay in contact with their team or monitoring center.

Hearing Protection

Type	Use
Ear Plugs	Disposable or reusable plugs that fit into the ear canal.
Ear Muffs	Over-the-ear protection with adjustable headbands.
Canal Caps	Semi-insert earplugs held in place by a headband.

Eye and Face Protection

Type	Use
Safety Glasses	Protective eyewear with impact-resistant lenses
Goggles	Enclose the eyes completely, providing a seal to protect against dust and splashes.
Face Shields	Full-face protection against chemical splashes and flying debris.
Welding Helmets	Provide eye and face protection from welding sparks and UV radiation.

Respiratory Protection

Type	Use
Dust Masks	Basic protection against dust and non-toxic particles.
Half-Face Respirators	Covers the nose and mouth, used with replaceable filters.
Full-Face Respirators	Provides protection for the entire face, used with replaceable filters.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)	Uses a battery-powered blower to provide clean air.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)	Provides clean air from a tank, used in hazardous environments.
N95 Respirators	Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles.

Weather Protection

Type	Use
Rain Gear	Waterproof jackets, pants, and boots.
Insulated Clothing	Jackets, gloves, and hats for cold weather.
Sun Protection	UV-resistant clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
Wind-Resistant Jackets	Protect against strong winds.
Thermal Socks	Keep feet warm in cold conditions.

Miscellaneous Protection

Type	Use
High-Visibility Clothing	Ensures workers are seen in low-light conditions.
Back Supports	Helps prevent back injuries during lifting.
Knee Pads	Protects knees during prolonged kneeling tasks.
Cooling Vests	Keeps workers cool in hot environments.
First Aid Kits	Essential for immediate medical treatment.

Maintaining your PPE Register

Employers must ensure employees have the appropriate PPE and that it’s in good condition. Schedule regular checks to maintain compliance with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Employers are responsible for providing PPE, while employees must wear it correctly. Failure to comply can result in fines.

Responsibility and Compliance

Employers: Must provide necessary PPE.
Employees: Required to wear and use PPE correctly.
Fines: Non-compliance can lead to significant fines.

If you don’t have a PPE register, contact one of our friendly OSHbox consultants for assistance.

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