In working environments with accident risks and exposure to hazardous conditions, personal protective equipment (PPE) is fundamental to the safety and well-being of workers. For example, sectors such as construction, the chemical industry and the construction and maintenance of wind and solar farms depend on the effective use of PPE to mitigate specific risks and keep everyone involved safe. Ensuring that this equipment is used properly is not just a matter of legal compliance; it is also a shared responsibility between employers and employees to promote a safer working environment.
What is PPE
Under occupational health and safety legislation, PPE consists of devices or products that workers use to protect themselves against risks that could threaten their safety and health. This equipment includes, among others:
Safety helmets: Protection against head impacts.
Safety gloves: Protection of the hands against cuts, chemicals or heat.
Ear protectors: Reduced exposure to excessive noise.
Safety glasses and face shields: Protection of the eyes against particles or chemicals.
Respirators: Protection against dust, fumes and toxic vapours.
Safety footwear: Protection of the feet against punctures, sharp objects or slips.
Fall arrest harnesses and connecting systems: Preventing falls when working at height.
Classifying PPE
PPE can also be classified according to the part of the body it protects:
Head protection: helmets that absorb impacts.
Eye and face protection: glasses, visors and protective shields.
Hearing protection: earplugs and ear defenders.
Respiratory protection: masks and respirators.
Hand protection: gloves suited to the type of risk.
Foot and leg protection: safety footwear and gaiters.
Body protection: special clothing for heat, chemicals or electricity.
Fall protection: fall arrest harnesses, lanyards and energy absorbers.
Standards and certifications
PPE must meet technical requirements harmonised at European level. In Portugal, the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) is responsible for inspecting its use in workplaces, while the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) publishes guidance at European level. Manufacturers, in turn, must demonstrate that their equipment meets the safety requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and in specific standards such as EN 166 for eye protection or EN 388 for protective gloves. Certifications and markings, such as the CE mark, also show that the equipment has passed testing and meets the applicable safety standards. Each type of equipment must therefore be certified to prove that it protects against the risks for which it was designed.
For the user company, this means a simple check before purchase or distribution: confirm the CE marking, which certifies compliance with the applicable health and safety requirements, and the EU declaration of conformity. In addition, it should confirm that the standard stated by the manufacturer matches the risk it intends to control.
Why using personal protective equipment matters
Using PPE correctly considerably reduces the risk of serious injuries and accidents at work. However, simply supplying the equipment is not enough; it is also necessary to ensure that:
Workers receive training in the proper use of PPE.
Regular inspections check the condition of the equipment.
The company replaces equipment whenever necessary to keep it effective.
Common situations where PPE is used
Construction: safety helmets, steel toe-cap boots, cut-resistant gloves and high-visibility vests.
Industrial maintenance: safety glasses against metal particles, hearing protectors for high noise levels and respirators for vapours and dust.
Chemical industry: respirators for chemical vapours, waterproof clothing resistant to corrosive products and specific rubber gloves for handling hazardous substances.
Working at height: fall arrest harness with retractable fall arresters to stop falls, and a helmet with a chin strap.
Wind farm maintenance services: full body harness for safety at height, helmet with face protection and antistatic gloves.
Legal responsibilities
The law requires employers to provide appropriate PPE, suited to the identified risks and in perfect condition. In addition, they must ensure that employees are trained in the correct use of the equipment and supervise its use. Workers, on the other hand, are responsible for:
Using PPE in line with the instructions received.
Looking after the equipment.
Reporting any damage or need for replacement to the employer.
Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines for the company and, above all, put lives at risk.
Factors that affect PPE effectiveness
Equipment quality: Certified products provide greater protection.
Correct size and fit: Poorly fitting PPE may be ineffective.
Regular maintenance and replacement: Worn equipment must be replaced.
Worker training: Training is essential for correct use.
Benefits for the company and for workers
Using PPE properly benefits everyone involved:
Fewer accidents: Reduces incidents and injuries.
Legal compliance: Avoids fines and other penalties.
Higher productivity: Workers feel safer and more confident.
Better company image: Shows commitment to safety and well-being.
Training and awareness
Training workers to use PPE correctly is as important as supplying the equipment. For this reason, it should include:
Practical demonstrations.
Simulations of real risk situations.
Instructions on proper care and storage.
The company should also actively promote a safety culture, creating an environment where workers feel responsible not only for their own safety but also for that of their colleagues.
Good practice in implementing PPE
Companies that successfully implement PPE policies invest in:
Detailed risk assessment for each role.
Supplying quality equipment with recognised certifications.
Frequent training and refresher courses.
Continuous monitoring of PPE use.
Incentives and recognition for correct use.
PPE as the last line of defence
Portuguese law sets a clear order for preventive measures. First, the employer must eliminate or reduce risks at source, through technical and organisational measures. Next, it must apply collective protection measures, such as guardrails, nets or ventilation. PPE only comes into play when these measures are not enough. This is the purpose of Decree-Law no. 348/93 and Ordinance no. 988/93, which state that PPE must be used when risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently limited by other means. In addition, Law no. 102/2009 builds this logic into the general principles of prevention.
PPE categories
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 divides PPE into three categories according to the severity of the risk. Firstly, category I covers minimal risks, such as gardening gloves. Category II, in turn, includes most common equipment, such as helmets, safety glasses and safety footwear. Category III covers risks that can cause death or irreversible harm, such as falls from height, hazardous substances or biological agents. Consequently, category III PPE requires stricter controls by the manufacturer and, within the company, specific practical training.
Practical example: Choosing hearing protection
Consider a workshop where noise measurements show 88 dB(A) at some workstations. First, the company tries to reduce noise at source by isolating the noisiest machines. Then, as the level remains above the action values, it supplies hearing protectors suited to the noise spectrum and trains workers on how to fit them. Finally, it records equipment issue and training on the document management platform. As a result, it can demonstrate that it followed the hierarchy of prevention and complied with Decree-Law no. 182/2006.
PPE checklist
- Collective measures assessed before resorting to PPE.
- PPE chosen based on the risk assessment for each role.
- CE marking and EU declaration of conformity checked.
- Equipment issue recorded and signed for.
- Practical training, especially for category III PPE.
- Inspection, maintenance and replacement planned.
Common mistakes to avoid
A frequent mistake is using PPE as the first measure instead of reducing the risk at source. Another mistake is confusing work positioning belts with fall arrest harnesses, which are the only equipment suitable for stopping a fall. In addition, many companies buy PPE without involving workers, which reduces comfort and acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
Does PPE replace other safety measures?
No. PPE complements technical, organisational and collective protection measures, and should only be used when these are not sufficient.
Conclusion
The importance of personal protective equipment is clear: it is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring safety at work. For this reason, investing in quality PPE, providing proper training and promoting a safety culture are fundamental steps for any company that cares about protecting its employees. In addition, document management platforms can make this process more efficient by tracking equipment expiry dates, recording completed training and monitoring periodic PPE inspections. This integrated approach reduces the risk of non-conformities and ensures proactive safety management.
Safety is an investment, not a cost. It starts with prevention, and PPE is a vital tool, but it never replaces eliminating the risk at source.
Read also: Essential care for personal protective equipment and Effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE).