PPE | Personal protective gear | PPE protects

OOPP, or personal protective equipment (PPE), represents the essential gear for any worker performing risky tasks. This category includes protective elements that safeguard health and life – from gloves, helmets, goggles, respirators to fall protection equipment. In our offering, you will find certified personal protective equipment for various industries and types of activities in accordance with applicable safety standards.

What are PPE used for? Protection that should not be underestimated

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the fundamental ways to prevent injuries and health complications at work. Many work-related injuries – from minor cuts to serious eye or hearing damage, or falls from heights – occur precisely because workers underestimate or completely neglect the use of PPE. Often, all it takes is a simple step: putting on protective glasses, work gloves, or a helmet to significantly reduce the risk of injury.

PPE is used to protect various parts of the body – from mechanical injury, chemicals, noise, dust, falls from heights, or other specific hazards. The selection should always take into account the specific work environment, the type of work performed, and current legislative requirements. Investing in the right protective equipment will pay off many times over – in terms of health, safety, and reduced workplace absenteeism.

Useful properties of PPE

Protection against mechanical injury (cuts, impacts, punctures)

Insulation against cold, heat, or direct contact with fire

Respiratory protection against dust, vapor, aerosols, or harmful gases

Reduction of hearing damage from excessive noise

Prevention of falls from height injuries

Eye protection from mechanical particles, chemicals, or UV radiation

Hygienic protection when working with chemicals, oils, or dirt

Visibility of the worker in low light conditions (e.g., reflective elements)

Increased comfort and safety during long working hours

Compliance with legal and occupational safety requirements

Basic classification of work equipment: What falls under PPE?

PPE – personal protective equipment – represents an extensive and comprehensive category that includes various types of equipment designed to protect specific parts of the body. To make the selection easier and more organized, work equipment is divided according to the type of risk it protects against – such as hand, hearing, vision, respiratory protection, or fall protection. Each subcategory has its own specifics, features, and standards that must be met. Below you will find an overview of the main PPE groups and their practical use.

Work gloves

Work gloves are among the most basic and commonly used personal protective equipment. They protect hands from mechanical injury, contamination, chemicals, extreme temperatures, or electric current – depending on the type. They are made from various materials such as fabric, leather, nitrile, latex, or Kevlar, and meet specific EN standards based on their intended use. When selecting gloves, it's important to consider the type of work, the materials being handled, and the environment in which they will be used.

Classification of work gloves:

Leather gloves – suitable for heavier work, excellent mechanical resistance
Coated gloves – textile gloves with a protective layer (nitrile, latex), ideal for assembly and handling
Cut-resistant gloves – resistant to cuts, perfect for machining or working with sharp objects
Welding gloves – heat-resistant gloves made of thick leather for welding and metalworking
Disposable gloves – thin gloves for single use, often made of nitrile or latex
ESD gloves – antistatic gloves suitable for working with electronics
Chemical gloves – protect hands from aggressive chemicals, acids, and solvents

Typical uses of work gloves:

Construction and manual labor
Metalworking and mechanical workshops
Handling chemicals or oils
Assembly and service activities
Work in cold or outdoor environments
Delicate tasks in warehouses and logistics
Welding, electrical installations, and live work

Disposable protective clothing

Disposable protective clothing is an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE), designed for short-term use in environments with high hygiene and protection requirements. These garments protect workers from contamination, dust, chemicals, and other hazardous substances, while also preventing the transfer of dirt from the worker to the workplace. They are made from lightweight, breathable materials that ensure comfort during wear and are designed to meet the specific needs of various industries.

Classification of disposable clothing:

Disposable coveralls – full-body protective suits with hoods, designed to protect against dust, chemicals, and biological hazards
Disposable gowns – lightweight protective garments for visitors or workers in the food and healthcare industries
Disposable aprons – protection against contamination during short-term tasks, such as in the food industry or laboratories
Disposable shoe covers – protection for shoes and floors from contamination, commonly used in cleanrooms
Disposable hair covers (caps) – prevent hair from falling into the work environment, suitable for the food and healthcare sectors
Disposable arm sleeves – additional protection for the forearm when handling liquids or chemicals

Typical uses of disposable clothing:

Healthcare facilities and laboratories
Food industry and catering
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Construction and painting work
Clean rooms and production lines
Visits to hygiene-sensitive areas

Head protection

Head protection is a key part of personal protective equipment, especially in construction, industry, and energy sectors. Protective helmets are designed to protect against falling objects, impacts, electric shocks, and other mechanical hazards. Helmets must meet safety standards (e.g., EN 397) and are often equipped with additional functional elements – shields, integrated goggles, or ventilation. Proper adjustment and comfort during wear are also important, especially for long-term use.

Classification of head protection:

Classic protective helmets – basic type of helmet designed to protect against impacts and falling objects
Helmets with integrated goggles – ideal for combined head and eye protection without the need for separate glasses
Helmets with face shields – provide extended face protection when grinding, cutting, or working with hazardous materials
Safety caps – lightweight and comfortable alternatives to helmets with internal reinforcement, suitable for lower-risk environments

Typical uses of head protection:

Construction and height work
Industrial plants and manufacturing halls
Energy sector and electrical installations
Handling heavy materials
Logistics and warehousing
Work with tools or in environments with a risk of falling objects

Eye protection

Vision is one of the most vulnerable yet crucial senses at work, and therefore, its protection is absolutely essential. Protective work goggles and shields protect the eyes from mechanical particles, dust, chemicals, UV radiation, sparks, and liquids. There are various types – from simple plastic goggles to specialized closed models or shields combined with face protection. When selecting, it is important to consider the type of risk, visibility, compatibility with other gear, and comfort during prolonged wear.

Eye protection classification:

Basic protective glasses – designed to protect against dust, splinters, and small particles
Closed (sealing) glasses – protect the eyes from liquids, aerosols, or chemicals
Glasses with UV filter – ideal for outdoor work or exposure to sunlight
Safety sunglasses – combine eye protection with tinting, suitable for outdoor work in intense light
Welding glasses and shields – special eye and face protection for welding, grinding, and hot processes
Combined face shields – protection for the entire face, often combined with hearing or head protection

Typical uses for eye protection:

Grinding, cutting, and machining materials
Chemical laboratories and pharmaceutical production
Working with liquids and cleaning agents
Welding, burning, polishing
Construction and industrial operations
Handling hazardous substances and vapors

Hearing protection

Long-term exposure to excessive noise at the workplace can lead to permanent hearing damage. Hearing protection is therefore one of the key elements of personal protective equipment, especially in industry, construction, and forestry. Various types of protectors are used – from simple earplugs to specialized headphones with electronic functions. The choice depends on the noise level, exposure time, and requirements for comfort or compatibility with other PPE (e.g., helmets).

Types of hearing protection:

Earmuff plugs – simple earplugs for single or multiple uses, suitable for low to medium noise levels
Classic earmuffs (cup-style protectors) – universal protective earmuffs, suitable for a wide range of workplaces with higher noise levels
Helmet-mounted earmuffs – specially designed to attach to protective helmets, ideal for combined head and hearing protection
Bluetooth earmuffs – modern electronic hearing protectors with the ability to receive calls or listen to communication while maintaining protection

Typical use of hearing protection:

Working with noisy machinery and equipment
Construction, woodworking, and metalworking
Airports, railways, and logistics
Forestry and agriculture
Warehouse and handling work in noisy halls
Working with demolition and cutting tools

Respiratory protection

Respiratory protection is essential in environments where there is a risk of inhaling harmful particles, gases, or vapors. Various types of protective equipment, such as respirators and half-masks, are used to filter hazardous substances and protect workers' health. The choice of the right protection depends on the specific risks in the workplace.

Types of respiratory protection:

FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 respirators – filtering half masks designed to protect against solid and liquid particles. The FFP1 class provides basic protection, FFP2 offers medium protection, and FFP3 provides the highest level of filtration
Half masks – reusable masks with replaceable filters that protect against particles, gases, and vapors. They are suitable for long-term use in demanding work conditions

Typical uses for respiratory protection:

Construction and demolition
Working with asbestos and other hazardous materials
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Healthcare facilities and laboratories
Welding, grinding, and cutting metals
Agriculture and working with pesticides

Fall protection

Working at heights carries an increased risk of falls, which can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for fall protection. These systems ensure the safety of workers when working on roofs, scaffolds, poles, and other elevated areas.

Fall protection classification:

Safety harnesses – a basic element of fall protection, which distributes the forces during a fall to stronger parts of the body. They are used in combination with other system components
Fall arresters – devices that absorb energy during a fall, reducing the risk of injury
Rope and carabiners – used to connect the harness to a secure anchor point and ensure the worker's stability
Anchoring systems – fixed points or systems to which the protective system is connected, ensuring secure anchorage

Typical uses of fall protection:

Construction and assembly work on high-rise buildings
Maintenance and installation on roofs and masts
Work on scaffolds and platforms
Rescue and evacuation operations
Work in industrial facilities with fall hazards

Protective work equipment is important, it prevents injuries

The use of personal protective equipment should not be seen as a duty, but as an investment in health and safety. Most work injuries occur precisely where PPE was neglected or used incorrectly. From minor injuries to serious and life-threatening accidents – many of them can be prevented simply by wearing a helmet, goggles, gloves, or harness. Prevention is always easier than dealing with the consequences.