Personal Protective Equipment | Safety

Overview

PPE protects only at the point of contact — the last layer, after other controls.

Basic site PPE (mandatory for everyone)

Hard hat and safety glasses.
Hi-visibility clothing.
Safety boots.
Task-appropriate gloves.

Task-specific PPE

Task	Additional PPE
Welding / hot work	Shaded face shield, FR clothing, leather gloves.
Confined space / chemicals	Respirator/SCBA, chemical suit, gas detector.
Working at height	Full-body harness, double lanyard.
High noise	Hearing protection above ≈ 85 dB(A).

Step-by-step procedure

From the JSA, identify hazards needing PPE.
Select the correct type and rating.
Inspect each item before use.
Fit correctly — loose PPE doesn't protect.
Replace when damaged, contaminated or expired.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using PPE as the first control, not the last.
Wrong glove/filter for the chemical.
Skipping pre-use inspection.

Legal requirements (Thailand)

Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) — the governing workplace-safety law in Thailand.
Personal protective equipment requirements issued by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare under the Act.
Ministerial Regulation on OSH for machinery, cranes and boilers B.E. 2564 (2021).

Frequently asked questions

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE protects the worker only at the point of contact, so it sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls — used after elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls have done their part. It must be the right type for the hazard, correctly fitted, and in good condition to work at all.

Who is responsible?

Welding / hot work: Shade-rated face shield, FR clothing, leather gloves & apron.; Confined space / chemicals: Respirator or SCBA, chemical suit, personal gas detector.; Working at height: Full-body harness, double lanyard with shock absorber.; High noise: Ear plugs/muffs above ≈ 85 dB(A) exposure.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Treating PPE as the first control instead of the last. Wearing the wrong glove or respirator filter for the chemical. Skipping the pre-use inspection of harnesses and respirators.

References — Company PPE procedure; manufacturer instructions; Thai OSH Act B.E. 2554.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)