Essential Personal Protective Equipment

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is an essential health and safety requirement for people working in a plant environment. It can make the difference between walking away from an accident and suffering a life-changing injury.

From Hard Hats to Hi-Vis – PPE is Essential
The number one protective item has to be the safety helmet or hard hat. Look for a quality product made from polypropylene which is both light to wear and ultra protective. The helmet is only protective if properly fitted, so you need to get one that is adjustable. They come in a range of colours, which can be useful if you need to distinguish one team from another on site.

Plant and site environments tend to be noisy places, and some equipment must be only be used if the operator is wearing ear protectors. As well as the basic ear defenders, you can also get comfort ear protectors which are designed for people who have to wear them for extended periods. These have ABS ear cups which are filled with foam, as well as having foam cushioning.

Hi-vis garments are vital for those working near traffic or in other environments such as roads, railways or plants where conspicuity is a key safety feature. The range of clothing includes vests, bomber jackets and traffic jackets, some of which are waterproof for use in challenging weather conditions.

The right kind of gloves can make a difficult job a lot easier. Breathability is important to keep hands at the right temperature, but in some jobs dexterity is also important – try “fitters’ gloves” for these. They allow greater sensation but will resist abrasion, so maintaining durability. For heavy duty use, there are Canadian riggers’ gloves suitable for tough industrial environments. MTS Plant Hire and Sales is a good source for these and other Personal Protective Equipment items, to help you use equipment safely and efficiently.