PPE Requirements for Construction Sites: What You Need

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) isn't optional on construction sites. This guide covers legal requirements and best practices for keeping your team safe.

Legal Requirements

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, employers must:

• Provide appropriate PPE free of charge
• Ensure PPE is properly maintained
• Train workers in correct use
• Replace damaged or worn PPE

Head Protection

Safety Helmets

• Required on all construction sites
• Must meet EN 397 standard
• Replace after any impact
• Check expiry date (usually 5 years)
• Consider vented versions for comfort

Bump Caps

• Low-risk areas only
• Not suitable where falling objects risk exists

Eye Protection

• Safety glasses - General protection, impact rated
• Goggles - Dust, liquid splash
• Face shields - Grinding, cutting
• Welding masks - Specific shade for welding type

Hearing Protection

Required when noise exceeds 85dB:

• Disposable earplugs - Basic protection, SNR 30+
• Reusable plugs - Better fit, more comfortable
• Ear defenders - Higher protection, easier on/off
• Electronic defenders - Amplify speech, block noise

Respiratory Protection

Dust Masks

• FFP1 - Low-risk dust
• FFP2 - Medium risk, most construction dust
• FFP3 - High risk, silica, asbestos awareness

Half Masks

• Reusable with replaceable filters
• Better seal than disposables
• Required for spray painting, chemicals

Hand Protection

• General rigger gloves - Handling materials
• Cut-resistant gloves - Glass, sheet metal
• Chemical gloves - Solvents, resins
• Insulated gloves - Electrical work

Foot Protection

• Steel/composite toe caps - Required on site
• Midsole protection - Against nail punctures
• S3 rated boots - Most construction applications
• Ankle support - Reduces sprains

High Visibility

• Class 1 - Low risk areas
• Class 2 - Standard site wear
• Class 3 - High risk, roadworks
• Rail spec (orange) where required

Fall Protection

• Harnesses for work at height
• Must be inspected every 6 months
• Training required before use

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