Types of PPE Used in Industries

 

Types of PPE Used in Industries

(Basic → Advanced | Practical Site Examples 

Introduction

Different industries have different hazards, so one type of PPE is not enough. PPE must be selected based on the nature of work, hazard level, and work environment. This blog explains types of PPE used in industries, starting from basic protection and moving toward advanced protection, with real site examples.

1. Head Protection PPE

🪖 Safety Helmet

Protects from:
Falling objects, head injury, electrical shock (special helmets)

Used in:
Construction sites, factories, warehouses

📜 IS Code: IS 2925
📜 Law (Simple):
Factories Act, 1948 & BOCW Rules require helmet use where overhead hazards exist.

Site example:
Material falling from scaffold can seriously injure an unprotected head.

2. Eye & Face Protection PPE

👓 Safety Goggles & Face Shield


Protects from:
Dust, flying particles, sparks, chemical splashes

Used in:
Grinding, welding, chemical handling

📜 IS Code: IS 5983

Site example:
Grinding wheel particles can permanently damage eyes.

3. Hand Protection PPE

🧤 Safety Gloves

Protects from:
Cuts, burns, chemicals, electrical shock

Types:

  • Cotton gloves – light work

  • Leather gloves – welding

  • Rubber gloves – electrical/chemical work

📜 IS Code: IS 4770

4. Foot Protection PPE

👞 Safety Shoes

Protects from:
Sharp objects, heavy loads, slips, electric shock

Types:

📜 IS Code: IS 15298
📜 Law: Mandatory in construction and industrial zones.

5. Respiratory Protection PPE

😷 Masks & Respirators

Protects from:
Dust, fumes, vapors, gases

Used in:
Welding, painting, cement handling

📜 IS Code: IS 9473

Site example:
Cement dust without mask causes lung disease.

6. Hearing Protection PPE

🔊 Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs

Protects from:
Noise‑induced hearing loss

Used in:
Compressors, DG rooms, heavy machinery areas

📜 IS Code: IS 6229

7. Body Protection PPE

🦺 Safety Jackets & Coveralls

Protects from:
Visibility risk, chemical splashes, heat

Used in:
Road work, night work, chemical plants

8. Fall Protection PPE (Advanced Level)

🧷 Safety Harness System

Protects from:
Fatal falls from height

Includes:

📜 IS Code: IS 3521
📜 Law (Simple):
BOCW Rules mandate fall protection for work at height.

Site example:
Roof work without harness often results in fatal accidents.

9. Electrical Protection PPE

⚡ Electrical Gloves & Mats

Protects from:
Electric shock and burns

Used in:
Electrical maintenance, panels, substations

📜 IS Code: IS 4770 / IS 15652

10. Special PPE for High‑Risk Jobs

  • Welding helmet

  • Chemical splash suit

  • Fire proximity suit

  • SCBA (breathing apparatus)

Used in:
Firefighting, confined spaces, chemical emergencies

11. PPE Selection – Simple Site Rule

Choose PPE based on:

  1. Type of hazard

  2. Work activity

  3. Comfort & correct size

  4. IS‑marked certification

👉 Wrong PPE = No protection.

12. Common PPE Mistakes on Site

  • Using damaged PPE

  • Sharing PPE

  • No training given

  • PPE not worn properly

Conclusion

PPE is a worker’s last safety shield. Different industries require different PPE, and correct selection saves lives. Safety officers must ensure right PPE, right worker, right job.

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