Protect Your Workers With Our PPE For Construction Checklist

When selecting the right tools for the job, PPE for construction workers is top of the list. These vital protective items are necessary on high-risk sites to protect workers’ health and safety; the right PPE can represent the difference between a safe workforce and one at risk of injury, both minor and serious.

At Ark Safety, we understand the intricacies involved in selecting and maintaining the ideal PPE for construction workers across Ireland. We’ve included our top tips and expert advice in this article, to enable construction business owners to select the right safety workwear for the unique needs of their teams.

The significance of PPE in construction

PPE is fundamental in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Its importance is heightened by the stringent legal requirements for this type of safety wear in Ireland, making it mandatory for all construction sites to equip their workers with the appropriate gear. These requirements are outlined in full in the Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

These rules are in place not just to protect workers, but to encourage a culture of safety that permeates every level of the construction industry.

Our comprehensive PPE construction checklist

As a general rule in the construction industry, there are five points of standard PPE: hard hat, safety boots, safety glasses, gloves and hi-vis vest. After this, every other item of PPE to be employed is task-specific. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the necessary PPE types, each designed to counter specific hazards present in construction environments:

Eyes

Safety goggles and face shields protect against flying debris and chemical splashes.

Head and neck

Helmets and hard hats offer protection from falling objects, while neck guards shield against cuts.

Ears

Earplugs and earmuffs guard against noise-induced hearing loss in high-decibel environments.

Hands and arms

Gloves that are cut-resistant, vibration-resistant, and thermal-proof to handle different materials safely.

Feet and legs

Steel-toe cap boots and safety shoes ensure foot protection against heavy falling objects and sharp protrusions.

Lungs

Respirators and masks filter harmful dust and chemicals, vital for lung protection.

Whole-body protection

Coveralls and high-visibility clothing to protect against chemical spills and enhance worker visibility to others.

Selecting the right PPE for construction work

Choosing the right PPE involves more than selecting from a catalogue. It requires:

• Ensuring all PPE meets specific safety standards and bears the CE mark, indicating conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards.
• Assessing the fit to ensure that each piece of equipment is suitable for the individual wearer and compatible when used in combination with other PPE, to avoid compromising the functionality of each piece.

Maintenance and care of PPE in construction

To maintain the protective function of PPE, regular and meticulous care is essential. This includes:

• Routine inspections for any signs of wear or damage.
• Proper cleaning practices as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Scheduled replacement to ensure all gear meets performance standards.
• Comprehensive training for workers on the correct usage, maintenance and storage of PPE to extend its lifespan and efficacy.

Updating your PPE for construction program

The construction industry is continuously evolving, necessitated by advances in technology and changes in regulations. Maintaining an up-to-date PPE program is crucial to comply with new safety standards and to incorporate technological advancements in protective equipment. This involves:

• Carrying out regular reviews and updates of the existing PPE program.
• Providing ongoing education and training opportunities for employees to keep them abreast of new safety information and equipment use.

Prioritise safety with Ark Safety’s range of PPE for construction

Consulting with a reliable, experienced provider of personal protective equipment, such as our team at Ark Safety, can offer insights into the latest in PPE technology and regulation compliance, ensuring your workforce is protected with the best possible equipment. We also help construction business owners in Ireland to not only review but enhance their PPE programs.

Don’t wait any longer; equip your team with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe. Explore our comprehensive range of PPE tailored for the construction industry, and take a proactive step towards a safer working environment.

For more information, contact our safety experts today and ensure your team is equipped to face the hazards of the job head-on.