Mandatory PPE in the building

The construction sector is a risky environment where workers are often confronted with falling objects, chemical splashes, irreversible injuries, falls, and other work accidents. To prevent these various occupational risks, they must therefore be well equipped and wear personal protective equipment.

What are the 3 different types of construction PPE?

There are three main categories of PPE, including class 1 PPE. They cover minor risks. Class 2 PPE concerns significant risks and class 3 PPE concerns irreversible or fatal risks.

What PPE is mandatory and is it the employer's obligation?

In the construction industry, workers must have head protection, the hearing, hands, body, feet, eyes, face, respiratory tract and falls from heights. These must be provided by the employer as mentioned in Article l.230-2 of the Labor Code.

When is PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) mandatory?

Given that the wearing of PPE has been established in order to protect the worker from possible risks that could threaten his safety and health, it is therefore mandatory on the construction site. On the other hand, there is no specific equipment for a given sector, the choice of protective equipment adequate individual is made according to the working conditions and the risks inherent in the job.

What PPE is required on the construction site in the construction and industrial trades?

To be able to protect themselves and work properly on the construction site, construction professionals must wear:

safety helmets compliant with the NF EN 352-1 standard : regulated by European standard EN 397. It is essential construction PPE that protects workers' heads from shocks, collisions, perforation and falling objects.

goggles, face shields and protective visors: they ensure the protection of the eyes of the employee against potential splashes of wood shavings, glass, molten metals, fires, chemical substances or liquid particles.

protective masks (disposable mask, filter cartridge...): this equipment protects the respiratory tract of dust, particles, viruses, and help to avoid various diseases.

ear plugs governed by standard NF EN 352- 2: they provide hearing protection against the continuous noise of machinery and high noise levels can cause hearing damage.

CE marked gloves: they must protect the worker's hands from cuts, tears, burns, abrasions, punctures, cold, heat and other injuries.

Carabiners, harnesses and safety lanyards: these equipment are necessary for avoid falls and loss of balance that can cause fractures, sprains, hemorrhages and trauma.

safety clothing: in this category, we generally find pants, vests, shorts, jackets, overalls, jackets, jumpsuits, polo shirts, bermudas, parkas, vests, T-shirts and down jackets. These professional outfits for the construction industry must comply with the standards:

• EN 340: general requirements in terms of comfort, ergonomics, maintenance, performance, safety, size�;
• EN 343: which certifies the resistance of clothing to bad weather and weather hazards;
• EN 470: concerning safety clothing used during welding operations;
• EN 471: relating to signalling clothing. These are mandatory on a construction site to ensure the wearer's visibility day and night as mentioned in article l. 134 of book I �Road signs� 8? part � �Temporary signage�;
• EN 531: attests to the resistance of clothing to flames and the heat used in industry (radiant, convective heat, projection of molten cast iron, etc.);
• EN 24920: which certifies that clothing materials are waterproof and water resistant;
• EN 1149-5: relating to the manufacture and materials of electrostatic charge dissipation clothing to prevent electrical discharges that can cause fires in an ATEX (Explosive Atmosphere) zone.

safety shoes: low shoes, high shoes, sneakers, boots, these PPE are essential to avoid possible foot injuries: sprains, fractures, laceration, wounds, crushing, etc. For optimal comfort and increased safety on the construction site, work shoes are governed by NF standards EN ISO 20345, EN ISO 20346 and EN ISO 20347. The latter attest that the pair is well equipped with protective toes, antistatic, non-slip and anti-perforation sole, water-repellent upper, water-repellent cleanliness...

Where to buy cheap painter, worker or welding PPE in the building industry?

At Oxwork, you will find many models of PPE for painters, welders, tilers, carpenters, drivers, etc. Several designs, several materials, several brands, sizes and colors are available so that you can find the most appropriate equipment.