1.5.1 — Types of PPE
Eye and Face Protection
Safety Glasses
- Required when there is a risk of eye injury from flying particles, chips, or dust
- Must have side shields for impact protection
- Should be worn with prescription eyewear or as prescription safety glasses
Goggles
- Provide better protection than glasses — seal around the eyes
- Required when working with chemicals or in dusty environments
- Vented for impact; non-vented for chemical splash
Face Shields
- Protect the entire face from impact, splashes, or heat
- Must be worn with safety glasses or goggles for complete protection
- Required for grinding, chipping, or working with corrosive liquids
Head Protection — Hard Hats
Protect against impact from falling objects and bumping into stationary objects.
| Category | Type / Class | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Types | Type 1 | Top impact protection only |
| Type 2 | Top and side impact protection | |
| Classes | Class E (Electrical) | Tested to withstand 20,000 volts |
| Class G (General) | Tested to withstand 2,200 volts | |
| Class C (Conductive) | No electrical protection — used where no electrical hazards are present |
Inspection & Replacement
Inspect before each use for cracks, dents, or deterioration. Replace after any significant impact and per manufacturer schedule (typically 5 years from manufacture date). Do not paint or apply stickers — this can degrade the material.
Hand Protection
Gloves must be selected based on the specific hazard.
Chemical Gloves
- Protect against chemicals, oils, and solvents
- Material must be compatible with chemicals handled (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber, PVC)
- Consult the SDS for glove recommendations
- Inspect for tears or degradation before use
Electrical Safety Gloves
- Protect against electrical shock
- Classified by voltage rating (Class 00 to Class 4)
- Must be tested at regular intervals and before each use
- Worn with leather protectors to prevent punctures
- Store properly to prevent damage
Welding & Brazing Gloves
- Protect against heat, sparks, and molten metal
- Typically made of leather
- Long cuffs protect forearms
General Work Gloves
- Protect against cuts, abrasions, and punctures
- Do not wear around rotating equipment — entanglement hazard
Foot Protection — Safety Boots
- Steel-toed or composite-toed boots protect against crushing injuries
- Puncture-resistant soles protect against sharp objects
- Slip-resistant soles reduce fall risk
- Electrical hazard (EH) rated boots protect against electrical shock
- Must meet CSA standards — Grade 1 for most construction and industrial work
Hearing Protection
Required when noise levels exceed regulatory limits — typically 85 dBA for an 8-hour exposure.
Earplugs
- Inserted into the ear canal
- Disposable foam or reusable silicone types
- Must be inserted correctly to be effective
- NRR typically 20–33 dB
Earmuffs
- Cover the entire ear
- Easier to fit correctly than earplugs
- Can be uncomfortable in hot environments
- NRR typically 20–30 dB
Selection Considerations
Consider noise level and duration of exposure, comfort and fit, compatibility with other PPE, and the need for communication before selecting hearing protection.
Respiratory Protection
Required when exposure to airborne contaminants exceeds acceptable levels.
Disposable Respirators (Dust Masks)
- N95, N99, N100 ratings indicate filtering efficiency
- Protect against particulates (dust, mold spores)
- Do not protect against gases or vapors
- Must be fit-tested for effectiveness
Half-Face Respirators
- Cover nose and mouth
- Use replaceable cartridges for specific contaminants
- Organic vapor cartridges for solvents and refrigerants
- Acid gas cartridges for corrosive gases
- Combination cartridges for multiple hazards
Full-Face Respirators
- Cover entire face — provides eye protection as well
- Better seal and higher protection factor than half-face
- Required for higher concentrations or more toxic materials
Supplied-Air Respirators
- Provide clean air from an external source
- Required for IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmospheres
- Used in confined spaces with oxygen deficiency or high contamination
Important Requirements
Respirators require medical evaluation, fit testing, and training before use. Facial hair interferes with the respirator seal. Cartridges have a limited service life and must be replaced per manufacturer guidelines.
Fall Protection
Required when working at heights above regulatory limits — typically 3 metres (10 feet).
Full-Body Harness
- Distributes fall arrest forces over the body
- Must fit properly with all straps adjusted snugly
- D-ring attachment point on back between shoulder blades
- Inspect before each use for cuts, burns, or excessive wear
Lanyards
- Connect harness to anchor point
- Length must limit fall distance for the work
Lifelines
- Horizontal or vertical systems allowing movement while maintaining protection
- Vertical lifelines used with rope grabs or self-retracting lanyards
- Horizontal lifelines allow lateral movement
Anchor Points
- Must support 5,000 lbs (22 kN) per attached person
- Located to prevent swing falls or striking objects
- Only engineered anchor points should be used
Engineering Requirement
Fall protection systems must be designed or approved by a professional engineer. Workers must be trained in proper use, inspection, and emergency procedures.
Protective Clothing
High-Visibility Clothing
- Required in areas with vehicle traffic or poor visibility
- Class 2 or 3 vests or jackets
- Must be clean and in good condition to remain visible
Arc Flash PPE
- Required when working on energized electrical equipment
- Rated by Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV)
- Includes flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and insulated gloves
Confined Space Equipment
- Atmospheric monitoring equipment — test for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases
- Ventilation equipment to provide fresh air
- Communication equipment
- Rescue equipment including tripods, winches, and retrieval lines
- Supplied-air respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)