PPE Guidelines

Necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd
Effective Date:
Reviewed By: W Doble, Director

1. Introduction

At Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel on-site. This document outlines the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for various tasks, in line with industry standards and regulatory guidelines.

2. General PPE Requirements

All personnel must wear appropriate PPE while on-site, ensuring protection against potential hazards. The following PPE items are mandatory:

• Safety Helmet (Hard Hat) – Protects against falling objects and head injuries. Must meet EN 397 standards.

• High-Visibility Clothing (Hi-Viz Vest/Jacket) – Enhances visibility in construction areas. Must comply with EN ISO 20471.

• Protective Gloves – Varies based on task:

  • Cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials.

  • Waterproof gloves for working with concrete or chemicals.

• Safety Footwear (Steel Toe Boots) – Must meet EN ISO 20345 standards to protect feet from heavy objects and punctures.

3. Task-Specific PPE

Additional PPE may be required depending on the nature of work performed:

3.1 Respiratory Protection

• Dust Masks (FFP2/FFP3) – Required for work involving airborne dust or particulates.

• Full Respiratory Protection (RPE) – Necessary for working in confined spaces or handling hazardous substances.

3.2 Eye & Face Protection

• Safety Goggles – Essential for tasks involving cutting, grinding, or exposure to dust and debris. Must comply with EN 166.

• Face Shields – Required when working with high-impact tools or hazardous chemicals.

3.3 Hearing Protection

• Ear Defenders or Earplugs – Necessary in high-noise environments. Must comply with EN 352 standards.

3.4 Specialized PPE

• Knee Pads – Recommended for tasks involving prolonged kneeling (e.g., flooring, bricklaying).

• Harness & Fall Protection Equipment – Required for working at height. Must meet EN 361.

• Chemical-Resistant Clothing – For tasks involving hazardous materials (e.g., sealants, insulation).

4. PPE Maintenance & Compliance

• PPE must be inspected regularly for wear and tear. Any damaged equipment must be replaced immediately.

• Employees must be trained in proper PPE use and maintenance.

• Supervisors are responsible for ensuring PPE compliance at all times.

5. Enforcement & Non-Compliance

Failure to wear required PPE may result in disciplinary action, removal from the site, or other corrective measures. Safety officers will conduct routine checks to ensure adherence.

This document ensures Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd maintains a safe working environment while complying with legal safety standards.