The usage of safety PPE was first well recorded in World War I–back when soldiers needed respirators to protect themselves against air contaminants or vests and helmets to shield their bodies against physical hazards.
As times modernize, personal safety products have evolved, from the technology that comes with it to the varying industries and workers that benefit from such equipment.
Today, safety PPE is not only limited to soldiers on the battlefield. So much so that its advantages have been enjoyed widely by workers in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, chemical, aerospace, etc.
Its variations have also progressed; it’s not merely body and respirator protection anymore. Other safety PPE types have been introduced, including items for the hands, eyes, and ears, among others–all intended to promote workplace safety.
As workers or managers in high-risk workspaces, you must equip yourselves or your people with the necessary equipment that protects against your industry’s specific hazards. To maximize workplace protection, explore all the possible types of PPE you can use in your workplace in our safety PPE list.
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE are safety items worn by workers to protect themselves against workplace hazards such as falling objects, chemical injuries, crushing injuries, etc.
It aims to minimize the adverse effects of the risks and may include safety boots, gloves, respirators and other protective gear tailored to specific job functions.
Aside from ensuring safety, personal protective equipment is also designed to ensure compliance with health and safety standards regulated by organisations.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enforces the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA), which requires employers to promote a safe working environment by including maintenance and provision of safety PPE.
The 8 Types of Safety PPE and Their Uses
1. Head Protection (Helmets, Hard Hats)
Head protection such as hard hats, head gears or safety helmets is particularly crucial for work environments where falling objects are most likely to occur.
In mining or construction, head safety equipment can help absorb impact and save a worker from injuries from falling rocks or debris, tools, and materials.
For industries involving electrical work, hard hats that are modelled to reduce electrical shock can significantly protect workers dealing with electrical connectors that may come in contact with the head.
2. Eye and Face Protection (Goggles, Face Shields)
Face shields and safety goggles are essential for construction and manufacturing industries that face flying wood or concrete pieces from saws, drills, and grinders. These hazards can potentially hit and damage the eyes.
Welders and workers from the metal fabrication industry could also use eye and face safety PPE to protect themselves against heat, sparks, and intense light. Without proper equipment in place, a welder can develop the arc-eye or the “welder’s flash,” a painful eye condition prompted by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Pharmaceuticals and laboratory employees working with chemicals are also in close contact with substances that harm the eyes, including corrosive acids and alkalis. Safety eye equipment can protect workers and avoid their chances of sustaining eye injuries in the lab.
3. Respiratory Protection (Respirators)
Respiratory protection shields users against inhaling dust, mists, vapors, and harmful gases, which may cause lung damage, cancer, or, worse, death. Equipment that falls under this safety PPE category includes disposable respirators, half and full-face respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators.
Industries that can benefit from this safety PPE are chemical plants, healthcare, and factories that deal with airborne contaminants. Additionally, confirming the fit of a respirator to the user through fit testing services is essential to ensure that there are no contaminant leaks into the facepiece.
4. Hearing Protection (Earplugs, Earmuffs)
Noise-induced deafness (NID) is one of the occupational diseases in Singapore that has been increasing in recent years, with 624 cases recorded in 2022. Excessive noise in the workplace can be dangerous depending on three factors: the volume of the sound, the duration of exposure, and the frequency of that exposure.
Noise raises an issue if a worker notices temporary hearing loss after leaving work, experiences ringing or humming in their ears, or has the need to shout to be heard by a coworker just an arm’s length away.
Workplaces that may be particularly affected are construction, airports, and manufacturing. Employees in these industries can use hearing protection safety PPE such as earplugs or earmuffs to shield their ears from high noise levels.
5. Hand Protection (Gloves)
Our hands often lead the work at any work we do. Protecting them to prevent injuries such as cuts, scrapes, burns, and amputations is important to maintain their functionality.
To keep your hands safe, you will need a safety PPE like gloves when working on chemicals, rotating equipment, or touching hot and cold spots. Laboratory, food handling, and manufacturing workers can benefit from gloves fitted for their tasks.
6. Body Protection (Overalls, Vests, Flame-Resistant Clothing)
Body protection gear, such as overalls, vests, and flame-resistant clothing, is essential to guard workers against risks in their work environment, such as chemical spills and extreme temperatures. While body safety PPE can be suitable for various industries, it can be particularly beneficial for firefighters and workers in industrial manufacturing.
7. Foot Protection (Steel-Toed Boots, Slip-Resistant Shoes)
Foot protection is as important as any other type of personal protective equipment. Foot injuries are commonly obtained through slips and falls, standing for extended periods, or putting frequent pressure on your foot, resulting in stress fractures. These may put quality work, productivity, and worker’s health at risk and are mostly common in construction, warehousing, and electrical work.
Wearing steel-toed boots and slip-resistant shoes can significantly reduce foot injuries in the workplace.
8. Fall Protection (Harnesses, Lanyards)
Falls can occur in any workplace, but they are especially prevalent in the roofing, scaffolding, and construction sectors. Protection like harnesses and lanyards can minimize risks and safeguard workers from fall injuries and accidental deaths, especially when working at heights.
Why PPE is Essential for Workplace Safety
Wearing proper safety PPE is a non-negotiable in the workplace. All workplaces have risks, but personal protective equipment limits a worker’s exposure to workplace hazards that can cause injury, illness, or death.
For example, if your industry involves working with hazardous chemicals that can result in respiratory issues and cancer—respirators and fit testing could save your life. The same goes for how body, hand, and foot protection can prevent you from being injured when operating heavy machinery in the workplace.
Along with ensuring that PPE is available, it’s crucial to know its proper usage. Clear guidelines and regulations should be established for employees to follow.
Which Personal Safety Products from Our List Do You Need?
At the end of the day, it is worth noting that the more workers feel safe and secure while working, the more they can be productive and efficient in performing their jobs. In achieving this, ensuring safety through premium safety products and the correct use of PPE is a shared responsibility between employers and workers.
3M PPE provides safety solutions for various settings, from the simplest to the most high-risk environments, with products engineered to meet the highest quality standards across industries.
3M always innovates its products while maintaining safety, reliability, comfort, and adherence to Singapore’s rules and regulations.
Whether you are looking for eyes, hearing, respiratory, and all other types of PPE in our list, safety managers and workers in Singapore can purchase 3M safety products through an authorized PPE supplier like Lim Kim Hai Electric. Contact us to learn more.
