Everything you need to know about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Construction

Working in the construction sector involves following a number of health and safety requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and visitors on a construction site, one of those requirements is wearing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment, also known as PPE.

Do I have to wear PPE while on a construction site?

Wearing PPE Equipment not only ensures safety guidelines are being followed by both workers and visitors on a construction site, but it is also a mandatory requirement as stated by Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

By law employers should provide employees with the necessary PPE so that they can undertake their duties safely.

What are the 4 level of PPE?

PPE is separated into 4 different categories. These 4 categories are

• Respiratory Protection
• Eye Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Hand Protection

What kind of PPE do I have to wear?

The most common PPE is the Hard Hat, which has become synonymous with construction workers. Other forms of PPE include Gloves, Safety Goggles, Ear Protectors and Safety Boots. Each of these types of protective clothing and equipment fall into one of the 4 PPE categories.

Why is PPE important?

Making the workplace safe includes providing instructions, procedures, training and supervision to encourage people to work safely and responsibly. Wearing PPE can be the difference between working safely in a hazardous and often dangerous environment, to an accident occurring, or even something far worse.

How to work in the construction site

While workers should be legally provided PPE by their employer, one requirement that employees must obtain themselves is a CSCS Card.

A CSCS Card is issued as part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and allows individuals to work on construction sites.

For those beginning their career within the construction industry, a Green CSCS Green Labourer Card is a good place to start.

How do I get a CSCS card?

Anyone applying for a Green CSCS Green Labourer Card will be required to complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course.

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course provides a practical summary of health and safety, welfare and environmental issues identifying individual responsibilities for looking after themselves and others, what the employer’s duties are and what should be done if they think anyone’s health and safety, including the individual’s is being put at risk.

While on the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course, you will also cover the 4 levels of PPE, and how to effectively use them to ensure you are safe while working on a construction site.

How do I book myself on the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course?

Once you have finished the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course and passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, will you then be able to apply for your Green CSCS Green Labourer Card.

But first, you will need to book yourself on the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course. Find a  CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course via Get Licensed, and kick-start your career in the construction industry TODAY!