Worksite PPE the complete list of mandatory equipment

PPE is of paramount importance in the workplace, and more particularly on construction sites. Various models have been imposed on professionals in this sector since the implementation of article L.230-2 of the Labor Code.

What are the different PPE required on a construction site?

Working on a construction site presents many risks. Various preventive measures such as the wearing of adequate personal protective equipment have been put in place to ensure the safety of workers.

Bump caps and hard hats for industry

The bump cap is most often used to attenuate light shocks. It is governed by the EN 812 standard and protects against cuts and superficial injuries. As for the safety helmet, it protects the employee from falling objects of all kinds. It must comply with standard NF EN 397/A1.

Safety equipment for the ears

hearing protection is also very important in the construction industry. They protect professionals against noise pollution from machines and tools. They prevent damage to the hearing system and the risks associated with excessively loud or high-frequency noise. Construction PPE in this category usually comes in the form of different types of helmets or earplugs.

Protective glasses for men and women

The protective goggles are construction site PPE essential for the eyes to protect against splashes , dust and toxic products. These dangers, extremely common on construction sites, are a potential source of irritation, allergies, conjunctivitis, burns, and even blindness.

Respiratory protection equipment

The construction site is a high-risk environment for workers' respiratory tracts. To protect yourself, it is advisable to equip yourself with suitable equipment. Protective masks are the most commonly used due to their effectiveness. They keep workers safe from dust and toxic fumes.

Protective clothing

workwear comes in a wide variety of models, each with a specific role. There are jackets and trousers ISO 13688 compliant, intended to protect the employee against bad weather, punctures and cuts. Depending on the need of the worker, they can also resist flames, chemicals and corrosive substances.

For night work, there are high-visibility clothing that can ensure the visibility of the professional. They are available in the form of a vest, a jacket, trousers... These protective clothing are made of fluorescent fabric and are equipped with retro-reflective strips.

Construction gloves

Construction professionals may have to handle dangerous tools and machines as part of their job. A pair of worksite gloves is therefore essential for them to work in complete safety. This category of personal protective equipment keeps workers' hands safe from cuts, burns, electric shocks and potentially harmful substances.

There are three main categories of construction gloves and the choice largely depends on the risks involved in the workplace. There are protective gloves against mechanical hazards, governed by the EN 388 standard. You will also find gloves standard EN 374, highly resistant to chemical risks. To prevent thermal risks, gloves complying with the EN 407 standard are the most suitable.

Safety shoes

The safety shoes, compliant with EN 345 ??standard , are essential worksite PPE. They are divided into three distinct classes, offering different levels of protection.

S1 safety shoes

The S1 safety shoes ensure the protection of workers' feet against crushing, falls due to slippery ground, oils and hydrocarbons.

S2 safety shoes

The S2 safety shoes have identical characteristics to the S1 classified models. They differ only in their resistance to penetration and absorption of moisture.

S3 safety shoes

In addition to their common properties with S2 shoes, S3-classified models are equipped with anti-perforation soles.

What are the three different categories of PPE used in construction, building and public works?

The risks related to the working environment, and in particular construction sites, can be divided into 3 main categories:

• The minor risks: mechanical, physical or chemical. This category includes minimal shocks and vibrations with no effect on vital parts of the body;
• The intermediate risks: including shocks to vital parts, which can be the source of irreversible bodily harm;
• Serious or fatal risks: the hazards in this category can result in the death of the worker following serious injuries, burns or exposure to highly toxic products.

Who must provide personal protective equipment on site?

According to article L.230-2 of the Labor Code, the employer is obliged to provide the necessary equipment to ensure the protection of workers . The latter must in return follow the instructions on the use, storage and maintenance of this said equipment. Failure to comply with these conditions is considered serious misconduct and may be subject to a fine for breach of professional duties. Depending on the severity of the case, the offense may lead to a prison sentence.