The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) defines Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the last line of defense in preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
That means PPE doesn’t replace smart design or safer processes — but when a hazard slips through the cracks, PPE protects the individual. It can be the difference between a close call and a serious injury.
Here at FlexTrades, we believe safety starts with knowledge. So we’ve put together a quick breakdown of essential PPE and how to use it.
The Four Basic Categories of PPE
While each job site is different, PPE typically falls into one of four categories:
- Face and Eye Protection
- Respiratory Protection
- Skin and Body Protection
- Hearing Protection
A hazard assessment will help you determine which equipment is necessary. Below, we break down each category and offer practical tips to help you get it right.
Face and Eye Protection
This type of PPE shields you from sprays, splashes, flying objects, and high-heat tasks like welding.
Common examples include:
- Goggles
- Safety glasses
- Face shields
- Welding visors
Pro Tip: Always make sure your eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1 standards. Inspect lenses regularly for cracks or wear.
Respiratory Protection
Respiratory PPE is essential when you’re exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or biological hazards. It protects your lungs, airways, and internal organs.
Examples include:
- Full-face respirators
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Gas masks
- N95 masks and surgical masks
Pro Tip: Always fit test respirators and replace filters regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Skin and Body Protection
This category is broad — it includes anything designed to protect your skin or body from burns, cuts, impact, chemical exposure, or falls.
Key areas of protection:
- Head – Hard hats, bump caps
- Body – Safety vests, flame-resistant suits
- Hands – Cut-resistant gloves, heat shields
- Feet – Steel-toe boots, anti-slip soles
- Fall – Harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points
Pro Tip: If gear is damaged or contaminated, replace it immediately. Compromised PPE isn’t PPE at all.
Hearing Protection
Loud environments can lead to long-term hearing damage if proper protection isn’t used.
Options include:
- Earmuffs
- Earplugs
- Ear caps
Pro Tip: Hearing protection is only effective if it fits properly. Dirty or worn equipment should always be discarded.
Your PPE Checklist Starts Here
If you’re not sure where to begin, use this guide as a PPE checklist to support your next hazard assessment. Improving your understanding of safety gear is a simple but powerful way to strengthen your facility’s safety culture.
Want to go further? Revisit our Every Technician’s Toolbox blog to learn more about PPE and other essential safety practices.
And if you already know your way around all this gear, you might be ready for your next opportunity in manufacturing. Send your resume to retoolrecruiting@flextrades.com and let’s see where you belong.
