FEATURE
EVOLUTION OF PPE
Paul Spencer, ABUS Marketing and Communications Director, highlights the key considerations for specifying personal protective equipment that is both compliant and fit for purpose.
PPE is a highly specialised field where design choices are guided by precise hazard assessments, regulatory standards and real-world user feedback. From helmet chinstrap strength to the placement of ventilation channels, every detail influences safety outcomes and day-to-day usability.
THE RIGHT STANDARD FOR THE RIGHT RISK
Selecting PPE is about matching the right protection to the specific hazards of the job. In head protection, an EN 397-certified industrial helmet is designed to protect against falling objects and lateral deformation. This is appropriate for construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing floors.
For work at height, EN 12492 climbing helmets deliver all-round impact protection, secure chinstraps that prevent helmets from dislodging in a fall, and designs optimised for mobility. Electricians require EN 50365 insulating helmets, providing electrical insulation up to 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC, a critical safeguard in live-working environments.
These distinctions matter. A helmet chosen for the wrong application may pass a visual inspection yet fail in the field.
Understanding these standards and applying them correctly is a shared responsibility between employer and worker. The employer must ensure proper selection, provision, and training, while the worker must understand why certain equipment is required and how to use it effectively.
COMFORT, COMPATIBILITY AND THE HUMAN FACTOR Discomfort, overheating, poor visibility and restricted movement are common reasons workers remove or adjust their equipment. This is why comfort is not a secondary consideration but an integral part of PPE design.
Latest helmets may feature lighter shell materials, multi-point adjustment systems and moisture-wicking padding to improve comfort during long shifts.
The same principle applies across all PPE categories. Cut-resistant gloves must be selected based on the specific cut hazard level according to EN 388, while hearing protection must be tailored to the actual noise levels on site. Respiratory protection should match the particle size, concentration and exposure duration of airborne hazards.
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