Complete Guide to Buying PPE

Your Guide to buying the best PPE

Overview

This buying guide is designed to provide potential buyers with helpful information on selecting and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). We will provide an overview of the different types of PPE, considerations for choosing the best type of equipment for the job, and tips for buying and maintaining PPE. With the right knowledge and resources, you can make an informed decision when selecting the best personal protective equipment for your needs.

Key features

  1. Type of PPE – It is important to consider the type of PPE you need. There are different kinds, such as respirators, dust masks, goggles, and face shields.
  2. Fit – Make sure the PPE is fitted correctly and securely to your face or body. This helps ensure protection against airborne particles and other hazards.
  3. Comfort – Consider the comfort of the PPE. Make sure it is lightweight and does not cause discomfort while wearing it.
  4. Durability – Look for PPE that is made of high-quality materials and is designed to be long-lasting and durable.
  5. Certification – Ensure the PPE you purchase has been certified by a trusted industry or regulatory body.
  6. Size – Make sure you get the right size PPE for your face or body size.
  7. Price – Consider the price of the PPE. Be sure to balance cost with the quality of the product.

See the most popular PPE on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Protection - PPE provides a physical barrier between the user and potential hazards, such as chemicals, flying debris, and other health risks.
  • Comfort - PPE has been designed to be comfortable while providing a secure fit, so you can stay safe without sacrificing comfort.
  • Durability - PPE is designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of whatever environment it is intended to be used in.
  • Cost-effective - PPE is often cheaper than other protective equipment, making it an economical alternative.
  • Flexibility - PPE is available in a variety of styles and materials, providing users with the option to choose the perfect combination of protection and comfort.
  • Lightweight - PPE is usually light in weight, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time.

Cons

  • Cost: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often expensive and can be a burden on a business's budget.
  • Comfort: If the protective equipment is not comfortable or breathable, it can be difficult to use for long periods of time.
  • Maintenance: PPE often requires regular maintenance. This can be costly and time consuming.
  • Availability: Depending on the type of PPE needed, it may not be available in certain sizes or styles.
  • Quality: Not all PPE is made to the same standards. It is important to research the quality of the product before making a purchase.
  • Certification: Some types of PPE require certification or registration before it can be used.

Best alternatives

  1. N95 masks – disposable face masks that filter out 95% of airborne particles
  2. Safety glasses – protective eyewear designed to guard against eye injuries
  3. Face shields – transparent plastic visors that guard face and neck
  4. Ear plugs – ear protectors designed to block out loud noises
  5. Gloves – protective garments for hands and arms to guard against injury
  6. Coveralls – protective clothing to cover body from head to toe

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Face Masks - Protective masks that cover the nose, mouth and chin, designed to stop the spread of germs. Face Shields - Clear plastic face coverings designed to protect the head, face, and eyes from infectious organisms. Goggles - Eye protection designed to shield the eyes from infectious organisms. Gloves - Disposable gloves designed to protect the hands from germs or hazardous chemicals. Disinfectants - Chemical cleaning agents used to destroy germs on surfaces and objects. Hand Sanitizers - A topical antiseptic used to reduce the number of germs on the skin.

Common questions

  1. What types of PPE are available? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes a range of products that are designed to protect individuals from potential risks of infection or injury. These products include safety glasses, face shields, gloves, hard hats, respirators, ear protection, and more.
  2. What factors should I consider when selecting PPE? When selecting PPE, important factors to consider include the type of work being performed, the potential hazards present, and the duration of the activity. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the PPE selected is compatible with any other safety equipment that may be worn.
  3. How do I ensure my PPE is the right fit? Properly fitting PPE is essential for it to be effective. To ensure that the PPE fits correctly, it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on sizing and to measure the individual’s head, face, and body. Additionally, when selecting respirators, it is important to consider the individual’s face shape and facial hair.
  4. What safety standards should I look for? When selecting PPE, it is important to make sure that the product has been tested and is certified to the appropriate safety and quality standards. Commonly accepted standards include ANSI/ISEA, OSHA, NIOSH, and CSA.
  5. How often should I inspect and replace my PPE? It is important to regularly inspect PPE to ensure that it is in good condition and providing adequate protection. Additionally, it is important to replace PPE when it is worn, damaged, or out of date. Depending on the type of PPE, this may be anywhere from 6 months to 5 years.
  6. Where can I purchase PPE? PPE can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Additionally, many employers provide PPE to their employees.

Trivia

In recent months, there has been an uptick in the sale of PPE due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many companies have been selling PPE that is not up to safety standards. In fact, one of the most memorable stories of PPE that failed to meet safety requirements was when a company in Canada sold over $1 million worth of masks that had plastic faces on them. The masks were not able to filter any air and did not meet the safety standards to be used in a medical setting. Fortunately, the company was held accountable for their actions and the masks were removed from the market. Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/fake-masks-1-million-canada-covid-19-1.5677408

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.