Personal Protective Equipment – Global

What is a hard hat?
Hard hats provide protection from the impact and penetration of falling or moving objects. There are two main categories of hard hats, Type I and Type II, and each type is divided into three classes. Type I and Type II specification protect from impacts to the top of the head. Type II specification is newer and provides additional protection from impacts at the front, sides, and back.

What are examples of eye protection?
Eye protection includes but is not limited to safety lenses, safety glasses, goggles, and welding goggles.

What does eyewear have to do to be considered safety glasses?
In order to qualify as safety glasses, eyewear must have side-impact protection and meet the ANSI standard for impact protection and shatter resistance. Eyewear that meets this standard will have “Z87” printed or stamped on it.

What are face shields?
Face shields are not a direct substitute for eye protection. They are intended to help protect the face area from harmful dust, debris, and liquid. Some chemicals and certain operations call for wearing safety glasses or goggles in combination with a face shield.

How is hand protection chosen?
Hand protection is made of various materials. Always select the correct type of hand protection by matching it to the anticipated hazard.

What do safety shoes have to include in the United States?
Footwear must have impact-resistance, compression-resistance, metatarsal-impact protection, conductive properties to reduce static electricity, electric hazard protection, static dissipative properties, and puncture resistance.

When is respiratory protection necessary?
Respiratory protection is imperative for employees working in areas lacking sufficient oxygen, as well as in areas that have the presence of any atmospheric contaminants that inhibit respiratory functions. This can include dust, smoke, gas, vapor, sprays, or mists. Without respiratory protection, these health hazards can possibly lead to cancer, lung impairment, disease, or even death.

What are two types of hearing protection?
Hearing protection includes ear plugs worn inside the ear and ear muffs worn over the ears. In some cases, people wear both at the same time.

What is body protective clothing?
Body protective clothing provides exposure protection from many different hazards, including chemical liquids, molten metals, dust, gases and vapors, and extreme temperatures. Examples of body protective clothing include disposable suits, chemical protective suits, chemical protective aprons, welding apron, and heat-resistant turnout gear.