Protective Clothing

Protective clothing are personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers from physical, chemical, biological, and environmental hazards. In occupational health and safety practices, they are an indispensable piece of equipment for minimizing risks that workers may be exposed to, especially in hazardous work environments.

The use of protective clothing gained importance as a result of increasing workplace accidents and occupational diseases following the Industrial Revolution. Particularly in the chemical, mining, construction, and healthcare sectors, the development and use of protective clothing have become widespread to safeguard workers against various hazards.

Technical Characteristics

Protective clothing is designed and manufactured in accordance with various standards. In Türkiye, the TS EN 340 standard defines the general requirements for protective clothing. According to this standard, protective clothing must possess properties such as durability, ergonomics, breathability, water resistance, and chemical resistance. Additionally, the design of the clothing must ensure full compatibility with the user and should not restrict mobility.

Importance in Occupational Health and Safety

In workplaces where workers may be exposed to various hazards, the use of protective clothing is of great importance. Particularly in environments involving chemical substances, extreme heat or cold, areas with radiation risks, and locations with biological hazards, protective clothing plays a critical role in safeguarding worker health. According to the regulations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye regarding personal protective equipment, it is a legal obligation for workers to use appropriate protective clothing in hazardous environments.

Types of Protective Clothing

Protective clothing is categorized into various types based on its intended use and level of protection:

• Chemical Protective Clothing: Made from materials resistant to chemical substances and provides protection against chemicals in liquid or gaseous form.
• Heat and Flame Protective Clothing: Made from non-flammable or heat-resistant materials to protect against high temperatures and flame hazards.
• Biological Protective Clothing: Provides protection against bacteria, viruses, and other biological agents and is commonly used in the healthcare sector.
• Mechanical Protective Clothing: Made from durable materials resistant to cuts, punctures, or abrasions.
• High-Visibility Clothing: Equipped with reflective materials to enhance worker visibility under low-light conditions or during night operations.

Protective clothing is of vital importance in occupational health and safety. Properly selected and correctly used protective clothing prevents workplace accidents and occupational diseases by safeguarding workers against various hazards. Therefore, it is essential that employers conduct risk assessments to provide appropriate protective clothing and ensure that workers use it correctly.