There are a wide variety of jobs and industries that require specific clothing to carry out their activity safely. But is all work clothing considered PPE?

If you have ever wondered what we call Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and what work clothing is outside of this category, keep reading because we will tell you about it in the following article.

What does it mean
PPE?

The term PPE refers to “Personal Protective Equipment” or what is the same: any equipment that a worker wears to avoid risks that harm their health and safety.

According to the UNE-EN 340 standard regarding general requirements for protective clothing, PPE is defined as those that cover or replace personal clothing and that are intended and designed to provide protection against one or more risks at work.

PPE work clothing has been designed and technically regulated for certain trades. It is a type of clothing designed with specific qualities and materials and we can find different types of PPE on the market.

Differences between EPIS
and work clothes

Now, is all work clothing considered PPE? The answer is no. According to current regulations, the work uniform as such is not considered personal protective equipment since its purpose is not to protect the worker against any risk in the performance of their professional activity.

It is not considered PPE

  • Relief and rescue services equipment.
  • Uniforms of military, police and law enforcement services.
  • Road transport equipment.
  • Hospitality uniforms, flight attendants, employees in supermarkets or other food stores.

Types
protection

The EPIS are based on a study of occupational risks and are updated according to changes in the environment. To correctly choose PPE, you not only have to take into account the level of safety, but also the comfort to carry out your work activity.

There are different types of PPE according to different protection categories :

EYES

EYES

HEAD

HEAD

EARS

EARS

RESPIRATORY TRACT

RESPIRATORY TRACT

FEET

FEET

HANDS

HANDS

BODY

BODY

EXPENSIVE

EXPENSIVE

AGAINST FALLS

AGAINST FALLS

Personal protective equipment can be cataloged by ranges or grades according to its protection and uses or according to the sector to which we belong. We can differentiate between:

> Mechanical risks

> Protection against heat and fire

> Chemical risk

> Protection against the elements

> High visibility clothing

> Electrical risks

In conclusion, PPE is considered the equipment that the worker must wear to avoid risks to their health and safety and not all work clothing is considered PPE.

Now that you know the difference between work clothes and PPE, it is important to choose the most appropriate option to protect ourselves. At Impotusa we have both work clothing and Personal Protective Equipment. If you need help, contact us .

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