PPE Buying Guide for Construction
Personal protective equipment is both a legal requirement and a practical investment. Poorly specified PPE that workers don't wear is useless; correctly specified PPE that arrives in the right quantities at the right price protects both workers and the company. This guide covers what to buy, why, and how to do it efficiently at trade scale.
Legal Requirements in the UK
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 (which updated the 1992 version) extend the duty to provide PPE beyond employees to limb-of-firm workers. Employers must assess the risk, provide suitable PPE free of charge, maintain it, and ensure workers are trained to use it. On construction sites, CDM 2015 also requires principal designers and contractors to plan for adequate PPE as part of the Health and Safety file.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses (EN 166) are the minimum for most dry trade operations — grinding, nailing, chasing, drilling. Safety goggles are required wherever liquid splash is a risk: chemical mixing, waterproofing application, or drainage work. The Riley AREZZO goggles are a practical choice for sites where workers wear multiple items of PPE simultaneously, as their slim profile is compatible with hard hats and hearing defenders.
Respiratory Protection
Dust mask ratings under EN 149: FFP1 filters at least 80% of particles, FFP2 at 94%, FFP3 at 99%. For construction involving cutting, grinding concrete, or handling insulation, FFP2 is the minimum. For silica dust (cutting sandstone, concrete), asbestos-containing materials, or any biological hazard, FFP3 is mandatory. Our FFP3 valved dust masks at £1.75 each (boxes of 200) represent good value for regular site restocking.
Hearing Protection
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require hearing protection when noise exposure exceeds 80dB averaged over a working day. Our ear defenders (EN 352-1) are sold in boxes of 25 at £12.50 each. For operations with intermittent noise, over-ear defenders are generally preferred over disposable foam plugs as workers are more likely to wear them consistently.
High Visibility Clothing
Hi-vis is required on any site where moving vehicles are present. Class 2 vests with reflective tape meet the minimum standard for most sites. Road workers require Class 3, which covers the arms. Our hi-vis vests are sold in boxes of 100 at £3.75 each — a cost-effective way to keep a full crew compliant.
Disposable Coveralls
Paper spray suits protect workers during painting, insulation work, and demolition of dusty materials. They are also required during removal of certain hazardous materials. Our suits are sold in boxes of 50 (sizes M–2XL) at £5.00 each. Being disposable, they remove the laundering cost associated with reusable coveralls on high-contamination tasks.
Buying at Trade Scale
The most cost-efficient way to buy PPE for a site is to combine categories in a single order: gloves, dust masks, eye protection, ear defenders, and hi-vis together. Kent Industrial Supplies offers free delivery on orders over £200, and trade account holders receive at least 10% off. For large sites or framework agreements, call 07867 476304 to discuss volume pricing — pallet quantities can reach 35% off RRP.