9 TYPES OF PPE TO PREVENT WORK-RELATED INJURIES

There’s one thing everyone needs on the job - safety. That’s where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comes in.

PPE is your first defence against accidents, but:

• What type of PPE is best for your team? 
• How do you pick the right PPE?

Making a decision can be daunting. Don’t worry - this guide makes it a whole lot clearer. 

Here are nine of the best types of PPE to keep your team safe.

1. HEAD PROTECTION

Head protection is a must if there’s any risk of falling objects, low beams, or moving parts.

Hard hats, welding helmets and bump caps. The right protection means safety, confidence, and no distractions.

Here’s a quick guide to PPE head protection:

1. Safety helmets (hard hats) - come with a sturdy plastic shell and soft padding to protect against falling tools, materials, or flying sparks.
2. Bump caps - offer more comfort as a lightweight and breathable option against knocks and scrapes to the head from stationary objects.
3. Welding helmets - provide visibility with a visor and a lens shade to shield the eyes and face from the extreme light and heat of the welding arc.
   
   

TOP TIPS:

• Choose EN 397 standard and insulated helmets for the best protection.
• Choose colour-coded helmets to easily identify who’s on site.

2. EYE PROTECTION

Do dust, debris, splashes, or sparks pose a risk on site? Then eye protection isn’t optional - it’s essential.

From specs to shields, here's what to consider:

• Safety spectacles - block flying particles from messy work like woodworking and grinding with their tempered glass and side shields.
• Safety goggles - protect your eyes from all angles with a rim that reaches the face.
  
• Face shields - full-face protection that fits over prescription glasses. Best for high-impact or chemical work.

TOP TIPS:

• Choose eyewear that meets the BS 7028 standard for industrial and other uses.
• Choose BS EN 166 when looking for eye protectors.
• Always clean your eyewear - dirty lenses can cause poor vision and accidents.

3. SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Choosing the best workboots means staying safe and comfortable on the job.

But, when you need solid protection, which do you choose?

Walk through our personal protective equipment list:

1. Safety boots - protect against trips and impacts with steel or composite toe caps, midsole protection, and slip-resistant soles.
2. Safety trainers - offer lightweight, breathable protection for those on the move all day long.
3. Wellington boots - made from rubber to stop water from sneaking in on wet or muddy jobs.

TOP TIPS:

• Match your safety footwear to the job - composite and steel toe boots protect against injury, while composite boots also protect against electrical hazards.
• Consider safety and comfort - tired feet can cause accidents.

4. HEARING PROTECTION

A noisy workplace isn’t just annoying - it’s a health hazard. 

How noisy is your workplace? 

Use The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 to check how loud it gets before handing out ear defenders. 

Otherwise, long-term exposure to high decibels can cause permanent damage.

Here are your three best choices for hearing protection:

1. Ear defenders (earmuffs) - cover the ear and completely block out noise.
2. Earplugs - compact, convenient, and block the ear canal.
3. Earbuds - a hybrid design that lets you wear earplugs over or behind the head.

TOP TIPS:

• Choose products that meet BS EN 352-1 standards.
• Make sure they’re compatible with helmets, visors, and eyewear.

5. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (MASKS)

Are you breathing in harmful dusts or gases at work? 

Don’t risk lung damage - yours or your team's. Invest in respiratory protective equipment (RPE masks).

The top choices are:

1. Respirators (air purifying) - remove contaminants from the air. Top choices are disposable masks, reusable masks, and power-assisted respirators.
2. Breathing apparatus creates a clean, safe air supply when the air is too dangerous to breathe or lacks oxygen.

TOP TIPS:

• Make sure your mask fits properly - the best protection comes from a good seal.
• Choose the right mask for the hazard.

Not sure which mask is right for you? We’re here to help.
Call us on 0330 441 3500 or drop us a message - let’s find your best fit.

6. SAFETY GLOVES

Hands take the brunt of tough work. Cuts, chemicals, heat, or impact - the risks add up fast.

The best defence? The right safety gloves.

You might also need other types of PPE, like wrist cuffs or armlets.

Here are a few tried and tested options:

1. Disposable gloves - lightweight protection for healthcare and food services.
2. Chemical-resistant gloves - block chemical hazards.
3. Cut-resistant gloves - stop cuts from sharp objects and machinery. 
4. Heat-resistant gloves - save the hands from high temperatures. 
5. Electrically insulated gloves - protect against electric shock.
6. Anti-vibration gloves - reduces the impact of vibrations on the hands and fingers.

TOP TIP: Keep it simple and match the gloves to the risk.

7. BODY PROTECTION

As you might have guessed, body protection gives you all-over protection. 

It protects your torso and limbs - your vital organs will thank you!

But, when do you need all-over body protection? 

If you or your team work with chemicals, biohazards, heat, flames, or dirt and debris, they probably need this type of PPE.

Your go-to options for body protection are:

1. Coveralls (boiler suits) - lightweight full body coverage against dirt, grime, and mild chemicals.
2. Chemical-resistant suits - hardier full-body coverage against hazardous substances.
3. Flame-resistant (FR) and heat-resistant suits - self-extinguish when exposed to flames, sparks, or molten splashes.

TOP TIP: Check it fits. - Overalls too big can snag on tools or machinery, and are hard to move in.

8. HIGH VISIBILITY 

Working near high-traffic areas, around machinery, or in low light?

You need high-visibility clothing (hi-vis).

Be seen and safe with these hi-vis options:

1. Waistcoats - stay cool and visible indoors or in warm weather.
2. Jackets and stormcoats - keep you warm, dry, and visible on the job.
3. Trousers and shorts - let the whole body be seen for extra safety.
   

TOP TIPS: 

• Pair trousers and shorts with hi-vis tops for extra safety. 
• Look for clothing that meets BS EN ISO 20471.

9. OTHER PPE 

The right protection isn’t just about helmets and boots.

Sometimes, it’s the add-ons that keep you safer and more comfortable.

Depending on the task, here are a few essentials to consider:

• Fall protection equipment - things like safety harnesses and safety lanyards let you work at height, but safely.
• Back support belts - offer a weightlifter-style design for overhead lifting.
• Body armour vests - protect against knives, firearms, and sharp instruments.
• Thermal socks - add warmth for cold sites and unheated warehouses.

Shop our workwear accessories to find the right balance of comfort and PPE safety.

FAQS

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about PPE.

What are the 7 types of PPE?

Head, eye/face, ears, lungs, hand, foot, and body protection.
Learn more about PPE with our blog.

What is type 5 PPE?

It’s the basic standard for chemical protective coveralls to protect against harmful fibres, dust, and powders. 

What is Class 4 PPE?

Class 4 is the highest level of PPE, best used to protect against hazards like chemical spills and extreme heat.

PARTNER WITH SMI - WE KNOW WHAT’S SAFE

Choosing the right PPE doesn’t have to be confusing. We make it simple to find what keeps your team safe.

Here’s how we make it easy for you:

• Maximum 3-hour response time
• 5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery
• 2-day dispatch on branded garments
• 97% stock availability
• Own delivery fleet in key regions for extra reliability

With SMI, you’re partnering with a team dedicated to protecting your people.

Need advice or help? 

Chat with our friendly team today!
Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.