Wearing suitable Personal Protective Equipment during the manufacturing and installation stages of façade projects is vital to preventing accidents and injuries.
In a nutshell:
• Specific PPE requirements depend on risks associated with the activity.
• Wearing suitable and effective PPE minimises risk and aids compliance with regulations.
• General PPE hard hats, safety boots, high vis, safety gloves and safety goggles.
• Working at height PPE includes harnesses, lanyards and non-slip safety boots.
• When drilling, workers should wear respiratory masks, face shields, vibration-resistant gloves, hearing protection and shock-absorbing boots.
• PPE is also vital offsite, such as during welding and cutting work to protect against extreme heat, noise and fumes.
• When drilling, workers should wear respiratory masks, face shields, vibration-resistant gloves, hearing protection and shock-absorbing boots.
• PPE is also vital offsite, such as during welding and cutting work to protect against extreme heat, noise and fumes.
The specific requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) depend on the risks associated with the project type and environment. Ensuring that workers have task-specific PPE helps to minimise risk and comply with regulatory standards such as HSE guidelines.
Following the publication of the Personal Protections at Work PPE Regulations 1992, every employer must provide workers with suitable PPE as well as information on how and when to use it and how to prevent risks.
Below is a guideline of the PPE that is mandatory for the following situations.
General Construction Site PPE
Hard Hat (BS EN 397): To protect from falling objects and prevent head injuries. Do not wear woolly hats, etc beneath the hard hat and only purpose-made liners are permitted. When working at height chin straps on hard hats should also be worn.
Safety Boots (ISO 20345): To prevent foot injuries and boot punctures caused by heavy objects.
High-Visibility Vest or Clothing: To ensure workers are visible in low-light or high-traffic areas.
Work Gloves ( BS EN-388): To protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and contact with hazardous materials.
Safety Glasses or Goggles (BS EN 166 1F): To shield eyes from dust, debris, or chemical splashes.
There will be times when there will be a requirement to wear additional task-specific PPE as identified on the Method Statements / Risk Assessments (RAMS).
Working at Heights
Safety Harness and Lanyards: To prevent injury by falling when working above ground.
Non-slip Safety Boots: To provide grip on ladders or roofs.
Drilling Operations
Respiratory Masks (FFP3): Prevents inhalation of dust and particulate matter (e.g., silica dust). FFP3 Half Mask c/w certified face fit tested for each operation.
Vibration-resistant Gloves: To reduce risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from power tools.
Face Shield: To protect the face from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: For loud drilling or blasting activities.
Shock-absorbing Boots: Reduces the impact of standing on vibrating machinery.
PPE isn’t only applicable to building sites, it's also paramount during manufacturing processes.
Welding and Cutting Work
Welding Helmet with Auto-darkening Filter: To protect eyes from UV/infrared radiation and flying sparks.
Welding Gloves: To protect from burns when dealing with extreme temperatures.
Leather Apron or Flame-Resistant Clothing: To protect from heat, sparks, and molten metal.
Respiratory Protection: Masks or respirators prevent workers from breathing in harmful fumes and gases.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs, earmuffs and semi-insert/canal caps to protect ears if working with metal-cutting tools.