Protective gear is essential equipment for individuals involved in potentially hazardous environments. Work safety gear, also termed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is commonly used in construction and renovation sites, hospitals, or anywhere else for various reasons. They’re primarily designed to protect people from injuries and illnesses that may arise due to exposure to hazardous materials or situations. Here are the various types of safety protective gear across different fields and their benefits.

Types of safety gears
Some common types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are as follows:

Head protection
The most common protective gear for the head, helmets are designed to reduce the chances of head injuries due to impact, penetration, or electric shocks. This gear is used in different workspaces, like construction sites, mining, manufacturing industries, or even riding motorcycles. One can find helmets in different sizes and elegant designs, usually adjustable harnesses, straps, and sweatbands for better comfort and a firm grip.

Eye and face protection
The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of one’s face, and protecting them while performing dangerous tasks is essential. Some common eye gear includes laser eyewear, metal or plastic frames with impact-resistant lenses, dust goggles, and more. Some jobs also require individuals to protect the face and may include shields that can resist hazardous fluid splashes. Common areas where these protective gears are used can include welding, sanding, woodwork, handling hazardous chemicals, drilling or sawing, during surgical procedures, while cleaning factories and machinery, or during some sports like ice hockey. From safety glasses and goggles to face shields, these work safety gear can protect against UV radiation, debris, and dust.

Respirators
Disposable or reusable masks, including N95, are respirators that filter out airborne particles, fumes, smoke, powder, gasses, dust, and other contaminants in one’s environment. These respirators cover one’s nose and mouth while also allowing comfortable breathing.

Gloves
These are protective gear against chemical exposure or cuts in factories and kitchens. Gloves come in different materials, like rubber, leather, or latex, depending on one’s use.

Foot protection
Workers use foot protection while operating heavy machinery or during large installations to avoid heavy or sharp falling objects. Some common foot protection includes anti-skid soles for slippery or damp environments, safety boots, or shoe claws. Metatarsal guards are another type of PPE used to protect the wearer’s instep and are fastened to the outside of one’s shoes. Similarly, toe guards made of steel, aluminum, or plastic and shin guards for lower legs and feet are other safety gear that can protect one’s legs from sudden impact. These gears come in different designs per one’s requirements and provide proper support, comfort, and protection.

Hearing protection
Workers exposed to high noise levels, like at construction sites or factories, must use work safety protective gear for their hearing. These gears may be in muffs, ear plugs, or canal caps. Wearing comfortable noise-reduction gears can protect the sensitivity of one’s ears and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Fall protection equipment
Workers performing activities at an elevated height at rooftops or construction sites must wear safety harnesses to reduce the risk of injuries from dangerous falls. Lifelines and body harnesses are some common types of fall-arresting systems.

Safety clothing
Coveralls that protect one’s body from exposure to harmful chemicals or situations in industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing are extremely important. Some types of protective gear include high-visibility jackets or pants, vests, and aprons. Leather or aluminized rayon leggings are Personal Protective Equipment that safeguards the wearer against heat or molten metal. Fitting and comfort are essential to ensure maximum mobility.

Proximity sensors
Relatively new in the market, proximity sensors are Personal Protective Equipment that activates sensors when the user is near a hazardous object. These are commonly used in manufacturing workplaces. Recently, PPE was also used to maintain the required 6-feet distance to avoid exposure to the harmful virus-borne disease.

Uses of safety protective gear
Work safety protective gear is mainly designed to minimize risks and enhance the workers’ safety at the job site. Wearing the right equipment can sometimes be lifesaving, especially in places prone to accidents. Not using these gears can also negatively impact workers’ productivity. This high-defense equipment can protect people against the following:

• Occupational hazards like flying debris or contact with corrosive chemicals
• Exposure to illnesses, viruses, UV rays, and other radiation
• Chemical spills
• Dust and noise

Just providing people with personal protective equipment (PPE) is not sufficient. Ensuring the proper use of these gears is equally essential. At workplaces, employers can hold sessions to teach the importance, proper usage, and function of this equipment and their maintenance and disposal.