Your Guide to Protective Clothing in the Workplace
Your Guide to Protective Clothing in the Workplace
It’s not always so easy to determine which type of protective clothing employees should be equipped with when performing their job function. Below, we’ve detailed OSHA’s PPE guidelines, what to know about certain types of clothing and fabrics, what to consider when selecting PPE for your unique application, and more.
The Law
OSHA 1910.132
This law requires that an employer shall assess their workplace to determine the hazards present and which personal protective equipment is required.
The Protective Clothing Essentials
Considerations for Disposable Coveralls
Do Any of the Work Functions Involve Heat Stress Concerns?
Does the Work Involve Toxic Dusts, Such as Asbestos or Lead?
Does the Work Involve Pressure Washing or Possibility of Non-Toxic Chemical Splashes?
Does the Work Involve a Chance of Getting Hit by Sparks or Working Near Open Flames?
What Size Should the Coveralls Be?
Types of Fabrics
Polypropylene
Spunbond Polypropylene
SMS
Coated Polypropylene
Polyethylene
Polyethylene
Coated Polyethylene
Polyolefin
Flame-Retardant (FR) Fabric
Pyrolon Plus 2
Related: Shop all coveralls on our website.
Hairnets
Hairnets are required in most food processing facilities and other clean room work scenarios where hair control is critical.
Hairnet Sizing
- Size of hairnet is the outer circumference when hairnet is laid flat on table
- Regardless of the hairnet size, the elastic is the same circumference within the same brand
- You should order a larger size based on length of hair, not size of head:
- Short Hair – Use size 18” or 19” hairnet
- Long, Thick Hair – Use various sizes up to 28” or larger
- Imported listings are less expensive, but come packaged in bags; domestic hairnets are usually packaged in dispenser boxes
Types of Fabrics
Chemical Resistant
Sanitary Fabric
- Made of polypropylene
- Least expensive material
- Best hair control and keeps most particulates out of hair during certain processes
- Warmest of the hairnets, but still breathes
- Various colors are available to distinguish visitors from employees and to designate between departments
Stockinet
- Most expensive material
- Durable and comfortable
- Excellent hair control
- Second warmest of the hairnets
Nylon
- Beehive grid pattern
- Breathable with good hair control
Fine Mesh Nylon
- Most breathable
- Individually wrapped in tissue paper
- Poorest hair control, may not even be allowed in certain work environments
- Blends in well with hair color due to the fineness of the netting
Related: Shop All Hairnets on our website.
Aprons/Sleeves
While aprons and sleeves offer limited protection to specific areas of the body, they can be more comfortable than wearing full coveralls for protection from splashes.
Types of Fabrics
Chemical Resistant
Polyethylene
- Disposable and low cost
- Majority of use is in food processing
- Thickness from 1-2 mils available
- Smooth or embossed finish, embossing adds to durability and reduces static cling
Vinyl (PVC)
- Economical, heavy-duty protection
- Use glove charts to check chemical compatibility
- Varying thicknesses and formulation of plastic
- VR apron is a high-end, long-wearing vinyl material
Urethane/Nylon
- Lightweight, excellent chemical protection
- Nylon scrim is flexible, yet strengthens apron to prevent tearing
Rubber
- Moderate chemical resistance
- Excellent abrasion and tear resistance
- Use glove charts to check chemical compatibility
Neoprene
- Broad spectrum chemical resistance
- Added protection from snags and punctures
Nitrile
- Broad spectrum chemical resistance
- Ideal for grease and animal fats in cold conditions
- Polyester scrim adds good cut and abrasion protection
Silvershield
- Highest chemical resistant apron/sleeves offered
- Material can tear easily and feels like crinkly plastic
Related: Shop all aprons on our website.
Rainwear
Rainwear Basics
- The term “three-piece suit” implies bib overalls, a jacket, and a detachable hood
- The thickness of the suits coating is measured either by the term mil (1/1,000 of an inch) or mm (millimeters)
- The thinner the coating, the more light and flexible the suit; however, you do suffer in abrasion resistance and longevity of the material
- Remember that many rainsuits are not used for rain, but chemical protection, so it is important to match up the coating material with the chemical being used
Substrate/Fabric
Substrate is a term used for the fabric that the waterproof coating is attached to which gives the suit its strength, durability, and cut resistance.
- If coated only on the outside, the rainsuit is referred to as fabric lined. This may be for comfort against the skin and sweat absorption.
- If coated on both sides or double-coated, then the fabric is referred to as a scrim.
- We sell one style of a 3-piece rainsuit and rain poncho without a fabric substrate, they are very economical and considered disposable.
Polyester
- The most common and least expensive of the substrates
- Durable and effective
Nylon
- Generally viewed as a nicer substrate
- More expensive
- Very flexible and lightweight
- Excellent cut and snag resistance
Cotton
- Lightweight, excellent chemical protection
- Nylon scrim is flexible, yet strengthens apron to prevent tearing
Types of Coating
The coating of a rainsuit determines the chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability.
PVC
- By far the most common coating used on rainsuits
- Economical and effective for a wide range of chemicals
Polyurethane
- More chemical resistant than PVC
- Flexible and lightweight coating
- Stays flexible in cold weather
- Long wearing
Neoprene
- Excellent chemical resistance in petrochemical environments
- Stays flexible in cold and heat
- View chemical resistant charts when ordering
Rubber
- Acid and mildew resistant
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Heavy coating on cotton fabric base is very durable
Related: Learn more about the Hi-Vis Rainwear we offer on our website.
Flame Resistant vs. Fire Retardant
Did you know that the terms “flame resistant” and “fire retardant” have significantly different meanings?
First, let’s make things a little simpler by throwing out the words “flame” and “fire” as these are interchangeable. Now let’s look at the two more significant terms of “resistant” and “retardant.”
Resistant (Flame/Fire)
This term covers those materials that are inherently resistant to catching on fire and are self-extinguishing. These materials do not melt or drip when directly exposed to extreme heat. The flame/fire resistant protection does not wash out over time.
Note: In an arc flash scenario, you will want to use flame resistant products and not flame retardant. Products approved for arc flash will always have a calorie rating right on the label (i.e. 4.5 cal).
Retardant (Flame/Fire)
This term covers those materials that have been chemically treated to self-extinguish and without that chemical treatment would not be flame/fire retardant. The flame/fire retardant protection will wash out over time.
Related: Shop our full selection of FR Clothing on our website.
Foot Protection
Foot protection is another important component of your safety program. Learn more about foot protection guidelines by downloading our FREE Foot Protection Ready Reference.
Learn more: Chemical-Resistant boots are a vital part of construction safety - especially in hazardous areas. Check out our article about how to select the proper pair of chemical resistant boots for your workers.