Complete Guide to All Kinds of PPE Used in Singapore Construction

# **Complete Guide to All Kinds of PPE Used in Singapore Construction**

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory on Singapore construction sites to ensure worker safety under the **Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act**. This guide covers all essential PPE types, their standards, and proper usage.

## **1. Head Protection (Helmets)**

### **Types & Standards:**

- **Industrial Safety Helmets (Type I & II)**  

  - **Standard:** EN 397 (EU) / SS 98 (Singapore)  

  - **Features:** Impact-resistant shell, adjustable harness  

  - **Use:** Protects against falling objects, electrical hazards  

- **Bump Caps**  

  - **For:** Light head protection in low-risk areas  

### **Key Requirements in Singapore:**

✔ Must be replaced after **5 years** or if damaged  

✔ High-visibility colors (white/yellow) preferred  

## **2. Eye & Face Protection**

### **Types:**

- **Safety Goggles (EN 166)**  

  - Chemical splash, dust protection  

- **Face Shields (EN 166)**  

  - For grinding, welding, or chemical handling  

- **Welding Helmets (EN 175)**  

  - Auto-darkening lenses for arc welding  

### **Singapore Regulations:**

✔ Mandatory for tasks with flying debris, chemicals, or UV exposure  

## **3. Hearing Protection**

### **Types:**

- **Earplugs (EN 352-2)**  

  - Disposable foam/reusable silicone  

- **Earmuffs (EN 352-1)**  

  - Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) **25–30 dB**  

### **When Required:**

✔ Noise levels **>85 dB** (e.g., jackhammers, heavy machinery)  

## **4. Respiratory Protection**

### **Types:**

| Type                | Standard       | Use Case                     |

|---------------------|---------------|-----------------------------|

| **N95 Masks**       | EN 149        | Dust, non-toxic particles   |

| **Half-Face Respirator** | EN 140 + filters | Paint fumes, solvents |

| **Full-Face Respirator** | EN 136       | Toxic gases, asbestos       |

| **SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)** | EN 137 | Confined spaces, chemical leaks |

### **Singapore Requirements:**

✔ Fit-testing mandatory for tight-fitting respirators  

✔ Cartridges must match hazard (e.g., **A2B2E2K2** for organic vapors)  

## **5. Hand Protection (Gloves)**

### **Types & Uses:**

| Type                | Protection Against          | Standard       |

|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------|

| **Cut-Resistant**   | Sharp edges, blades       | EN 388        |

| **Chemical-Resistant** | Acids, solvents        | EN 374        |

| **Heat-Resistant**  | Welding, hot surfaces    | EN 407        |

| **High-Visibility** | Signal for safety       | EN 420        |

### **Best Practices:**

✔ Inspect for tears before use  

✔ Match glove material to hazard (e.g., nitrile for chemicals)  

## **6. Body Protection**

### **Types:**

- **High-Visibility Vests (EN ISO 20471)**  

  - **Class 2 (Yellow/Orange)** for daytime work  

  - **Class 3 (+ reflective strips)** for night/low light  

- **Coveralls (Type 3-6)**  

  - Chemical splash protection (EN 14325)  

- **Flame-Resistant (FR) Clothing (EN ISO 11612)**  

  - For welding, electrical work  

### **Singapore Standards:**

✔ Hi-vis gear **mandatory** near vehicles/machinery  

## **7. Foot Protection (Safety Boots)**

### **Types:**

| Type                | Features                  | Standard       |

|---------------------|-------------------------|---------------|

| **Steel-Toe Boots** | Impact protection (200J) | EN ISO 20345  |

| **Anti-Static**     | Prevents sparks          | EN 61340      |

| **Waterproof**      | For wet conditions       | EN ISO 20347  |

| **Chemical-Resistant** | Acid/oil protection  | EN 13832     |

### **Regulations:**

✔ Must have **SB (Safety Basic)** or **S1-S3** ratings  

## **8. Fall Protection (For Work at Height)**

### **Equipment:**

- **Full-Body Harness (EN 361)**  

- **Lanyards (EN 354)**  

  - Shock-absorbing (EN 355)  

  - Retractable (EN 360)  

- **Anchorage Points (EN 795)**  

### **Singapore WSH Guidelines:**

✔ Required for work **>2m** above ground  

✔ Annual inspection mandatory  

## **9. Specialized PPE for Hazardous Work**

- **Arc Flash Suits (EN IEC 61482)** – Electrical workers  

- **Asbestos PPE (EN 13984)** – Disposable coveralls + P3 respirator  

- **Confined Space Gear** – Gas detectors, harnesses  

## **10. PPE Maintenance & Compliance in Singapore**

### **Employer Responsibilities:**

✔ Provide **free PPE** to workers (WSH Act)  

✔ Train workers on **proper usage**  

✔ Replace damaged PPE immediately  

### **Worker Duties:**

✔ Wear PPE **at all times** in hazardous zones  

✔ Report defects to supervisors  

### **Penalties for Non-Compliance:**

- Fines up to **$20,000 SGD**  

- Jail term for severe violations  

## **Conclusion**

Singapore’s construction industry requires **strict PPE compliance** to prevent injuries. Key items include **helmets, gloves, respirators, safety boots, and fall protection**. Always check **EN/ISO standards** and replace damaged gear promptly.