PPE and industrial safety: a selection guide for protective equipment

Q: "How do you choose the right PPE for your team?"

"Choosing PPE relies on assessing the risks of the workstation (mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical), compliance with CE standards (EN 397 for helmets, EN ISO 20345 for shoes), ergonomics and comfort. Any PPE must carry the CE marking and come with user instructions in the local language."

Q: "Which standards apply to safety shoes?"

"The EN ISO 20345 standard defines safety shoe classes: S1 (toe cap resistant to 200 joules), S1P (anti-perforation sole), S2 (water repellent), S3 (S1P + S2 combined), S4 and S5 (boots). For construction, S3 is the standard."

Q: "How often should you replace PPE?"

"Lifespan depends on use and PPE type: 5 years for an unhit construction helmet, 3 years for a fall-arrest harness, 6 months to 2 years for gloves depending on exposure. Any PPE must be replaced after an impact, deterioration or after the manufacturer's expiry date."

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the last barrier against workplace risks. Rigorous selection conditions team safety and regulatory compliance.

Key points

PPE selection follows a hierarchy: risk identification, applicable standard, ergonomics, budget.
CE marking and user instructions in the local language are mandatory.
Main standards cover helmets (EN 397), shoes (EN ISO 20345), gloves (EN 388), harnesses (EN 361).
The average annual PPE budget ranges between 150 and 400 euros per employee depending on the sector.

PPE families

Head protection (EN 397 helmets, EN 812 bump caps), foot protection (S1 to S5 shoes), hand protection (EN 388 gloves, EN 374 for chemical risks), fall protection (EN 361 harnesses, EN 354 lanyards), eye protection (EN 166).

S3 safety shoe comparison

Brand	Range	Average price	Strengths
Uvex	2 VIBRAM	150 to 220 euros	Lightness, comfort
Honeywell	Runner	90 to 140 euros	Value for money
Timberland Pro	Euro Hiker	180 to 250 euros	Field durability
Parade	Soldat	60 to 110 euros	Certified entry-level

See also our industrial measurement instruments guide for complete technician equipment, and our CMMS software comparison to track PPE allocations.

FAQ

How do you choose the right PPE for your team?

PPE selection relies on workstation risk assessment, CE compliance, ergonomics and comfort. Any PPE must carry the CE marking and user instructions in the local language.

Which standards apply to safety shoes?

EN ISO 20345 defines the classes: S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4 and S5. For construction, S3 is the standard.

How often should you replace PPE?

5 years for an unhit helmet, 3 years for a fall-arrest harness, 6 months to 2 years for gloves. Any PPE must be replaced after impact or deterioration.