What Are the Construction Site PPE Requirements?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work is nothing new, but it can be difficult to understand your obligations. We have provided a helpful construction site PPE checklist, which will help you to understand what your construction site PPE requirements are as well as some general tips on how you can lower the risk of head injury, falling, other accidents and improve health or safety on a building site.

We will take a more detailed look at the minimum PPE you will need based on what area of the body it protects, as well as the things to remember when procuring high-quality safety gear. For a fast & reliable delivery services for mandatory PPE and other protection-based equipment, we provide sound advice to ensure your safety on-site.


Many people use a checklist known as 5 point PPE, which protects all major areas.

Please note: This is a general construction site PPE checklist, other equipment may be necessary for some types of work. For more information on your legal obligations, please see the official guidance provided for the construction industry by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

When you register with us now and buy online you will get fast, easy PPE procurement. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Head Protection

Safety helmets are worn at all times on building sites as they offer an incredible level of protection. A helmet is a simple device, but with great safety benefits. Even small and lightweight items can cause serious injury when falling from a height, so helmets are vital for safety.

Things to remember about head protection PPE in the construction industry include the following:

• Condition matters: Hard hats or helmets such as ours are very durable, you have to inspect them to be fit for purpose whilst working. When damaged there is usually no possibility of repair, so you will have to order replacements.
• Fit is crucial: Helmets have to fit properly. Wearing helmets that doesn't fit can be just as unsafe as wearing no helmet at all. We sell some handy helmet accessories, such as chin straps.
• Fake hats exist: Fake hard hats are on the market. It is not just designer goods that people knock off, so make sure that you always select a reputable supplier. Look for signs of high-quality services, such as fast and flexible delivery times.

Head protection is legally required in almost every instance on a construction site. It is not optional even when the risks appear low. We stock many CE-approved helmets, such as JSP and Uvex, and soon we are launching an innovative Vircu helmet with integrated, lifesaving Koroyd, twICEme NFC smart tech for storing medical data that can be accessed in case of emergency, and Sanitized antimicrobial padding preventing growth of bacteria and keeping it more hygienic. All our helmets comply with stringent European standards for safety, so they are great for all types of construction work.

Eye Protection

Safety goggles and spectacles are essential for many types of work. Eye damage is one of the most overlooked aspects of safety. The main concern is airborne particles, from an angle grinder, sander or a pneumatic drill, flinging debris into the eyes. Even small accidents can cause lasting damage.

Things to remember about the requirements for eye protection on construction sites include the following:

• Unusual hazards crop up: It is not just dust that can damage the eyes, there are potentially dangerous substances that can cause blindness, such as chemicals, to be aware of too. Many gases and vapour exhausts can also damage the eyes instantly.
• Task suitability is key: Safety goggles might work in some cases, but other work requires a combination of guards to the eyes, face or entire head. For example, working with metal requires a lot of protection for the whole head, and the body too.
• Cleanliness makes a difference: Eye protection products can create more risks if they are dirty. Even small bits of dirt on a pair of safety goggles or spectacles will cause big visual impairments. We stock eyewear accessories if you need cleaning products. 

You should also use tinted work spectacles for outside site work, which will protect the eyes from damage by ultraviolet (UV) light.

Simple maintenance and outdoor work can cause accidental damage to the eyes, so PPE is vital in even small-scale construction work. Another thing to remember is people visiting or working on the site, will still need to wear appropriate eyewear.

Hand Protection

Working with your hands means they require protection. In the majority of cases, you can easily find suitable options for handling all types of general building materials and equipment. For example, gloves with cut-resistance features for working with sharp tools like mechanical saws.

Points to note about hand protection requirements on construction sites include the following:

• Temperature changes matter: Even small temperature differences can cause damage to the hands. Accidental burns from equipment that has been under heavy use can be avoided by using proper gloves. 
• Machinery can cause issues: The HSE is clear that wearing gloves while using certain types of equipment is a hazard. They use the example of bench drills, which can cause a risk of the gloves getting caught and potentially cause damage to the hands too.
• Chemicals affect gloves: Some gloves might work for an anti-cut property, but they may also be easily penetrated by chemicals. Always select gloves or hand PPE that uses materials that will resist chemicals during tasks that involve such substances.

You should also remember that you always need to use gloves with the right cut level.

The hands and arms can be damaged from even basic construction activities, such as banging a finger with a hammer. As a result, using the correct hand protection will help to avoid small issues becoming worse and can even prevent major incidents from occurring at all on-site.

Foot Protection

Safety shoes, steel-toed boots and other foot protection will protect the feet, ankles and even the lower shins from accidental impacts. Foot protection is important as damage to the feet and legs from injury can be severely debilitating.

Think about the following considerations regarding your foot protection equipment for use on-site:

• Beware of rigger boots: The HSE says that rigger boots could, emphasis on could, lead to a higher chance of twisted or sprained ankles. So, consider the tasks at hand and the nature of your construction project before electing to use rigger boots on-site.
• Temperature changes: Again, temperature changes can affect the health of the feet. We sell accessories and socks that can help with the aeration or warmth of feet on site, which is excellent for better health and safety during hot or cold weather.
• Remember moisture: Wet conditions can cause significant damage to the feet, this includes many skin issues. Some moisture protection will come as standard on most boots but wet environments may require more protection, such as Wellingtons.

While a hand can function well with a small cut or light burn, damage to the feet will be more likely to make workers unable to carry out their duties. We stock many quality shoes, boots and equipment with class S3 SRC ratings, following EN ISO 20345:2011 standards.

High-Visibilty Clothing

Light levels can drop significantly during daylight and even good conditions can cause issues for the visibility of personnel. For example, if staff are wearing dark clothing and carrying out work on a foundation they may blend into the background of the soil when viewed from a distance.

Things to remember about getting high-visibility clothing for use on site include the following:

• Day and night: The type of hi vis clothing you select needs to be visible during both day and night time. We stock many types of clothing that conform with the necessary EN471 standards, for top levels of protection when it comes to hi-vis safety.
• Mixing with other PPE: If construction is taking place in low light conditions and there are chemicals involved, such as when working with substances while you are underground, the high-visibility clothing must not be hindered by other forms of PPE.
• Fitting: Hi-Vis clothing can be very cumbersome and thick in some cases. Poorly-fitting PPE will reduce the range of movement of a person, which can also slow reaction time and increase the risk of an accident. Ensure all high-vis PPE fits correctly.

The use of site vehicles is one of the main reasons for high-visibility clothing. Large dump trucks, heavy machinery and cranes can all cause fatal injury, making the visibility of personnel the utmost importance onsite. Also note that employers must provide high-vis clothing free of charge.

Face Masks & Lung Protection

Respiratory protective equipment such as a simple dust mask has long been an essential breathing apparatus in construction work, especially with materials like concrete, timber and gypsum products like dry lining. Lung damage often goes unseen, so protection is crucial.

Things to remember about PPE requirements for lung protection on construction sites include the following:

• Use the right type: With a suitable face mask, you can filter particulates out of certain areas. However, some masks are not suitable for specific tasks. For example, a half-face or disposable mask may not be appropriate for many types of work that involve gases and fine construction silica dust.
• Regularly replace: Disposable masks should always be single-use when on-site and particle filters have a limited lifespan, so you need to replace them regularly. We have many filters, testing equipment and accessories available if you need to check masks. We also have many reusable half masks.
• Confined spaces: While a deficiency in oxygen levels is the primary reason for wearing a mask, you can also experience danger from particulates in confined spaces. This is a very important consideration for lots of construction work, such as fitting insulation.
• Face fit testing: Sites should make sure they have their masks fit tested before use, which will make sure the mask is functioning correctly. Face fit testing can significantly improve the airtightness and comfort of a mask in the wearer.  We can help with Face Fit Testing get in touch for more details.

You should not take lung protection lightly, as the slow and progressive damage particles can cause will lead to irreparable damage. Recent changes to best practices from the COVID-19 pandemic also mean that the use of disposable masks has become more prevalent.

Ear Protection

Hearing damage is another aspect of site safety that some people overlook in the construction industry. Loud drills, heavy machinery, large vehicles and even simple hammering can damage a person’s hearing, resulting in many workers developing lasting auditory problems over time.

A few points to remember when picking ear protection products for a construction site include the following:

• You can overprotect: You might think that stopping all noise is the best solution. However, the HSE is clear that ear protection that reduces the level in the ear to below 70 dB should not be used. Too much noise reduction disrupts communication on site.
• Protection areas need signs: You should always identify areas where hearing PPE is necessary by using the appropriate signage. Proper signage is vital as there can be many zones on construction sites where the decibel level will fluctuate dramatically.
• Maintenance and supply are crucial: Ear defenders or earplugs must be readily accessible in every area that requires them, similarly to helmets. Ear PPE must be maintained for it to work effectively too. Order yours with us for the best quality items.

People might have a sense of when something is too loud. But, for the most part, it is difficult to tell what is safe and unsafe. Ear protection needs to be at the forefront of site safety. We stock many corded and disposable earplugs with fast shipping so you can keep supplies on hand.

One important innovation in hearing protection is active hearing products, such as our Secure 2H Active Hearing Headband SNR30. These remain active to listen for sounds of warnings or hazards such as a horn while preventing noise such as drilling from entering.

Fall Protection

Falling when working at height is an obvious hazard, and you do not have to fall very far to cause a serious injury. According to the HSE, falls continue to be the biggest cause of fatal injury in construction. The good news is that the right PPE will offer a quick fix for working at height.

Things to remember when procuring fall protection equipment to use on-site include the following:

• Carry out assessments: You need to have regular assessments to determine the type of equipment you will need and the level of danger in the work you are carrying out. This is part of the HSE’s height regulations to plan and organise the work properly.
• Avoid obstacles: Walkways need to be kept clear, obstacles are one of the biggest causes of a trip or fall on construction sites. PPE cannot protect you from carelessly placed obstacles.
• Use accessories: Safety at height is not just about harnesses or hoists, many other simple accessories will protect people on the ground too. We stock a range of quality lanyards for tools, helmets and other pieces of kit, for safe use when working at height.

Falls and drops of equipment, materials or simple trips on-site can cause severe injuries, so it is one of the most important construction site PPE requirements to comply with. Buy your fall protection equipment with us for fast delivery.

Why Do We Need PPE?

The construction industry of the UK is very safe, thanks to stringent rules on minimum PPE and tough regulations on mandatory PPE for certain types of work. All of the PPE requirements on construction sites are designed to protect workers, site visitors and people carrying out surveys, safety checks or other assessments on a building project throughout construction.

There is always something that will make work more comfortable, safe or otherwise convenient for personnel. Check out our general workwear for a list of other construction site PPE that might be useful in your particular trade, industry or project. Employers can also get PPE and signage with custom branding, which helps to promote brand awareness while on site.

Order PPE to Use on Construction Sites With Fast UK Delivery

You can meet your construction site PPE requirements much more easily with a fast, reliable delivery service. There is nothing worse than unnecessary delays when you are unable to get the right goods at the right time. With us, you will never have to worry about speedy procurement.

Take a look at the high-quality PPE available to buy from our fantastic online store and register today for excellent prices and professional service, ideal for the most demanding of construction sites. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any further questions.