Personal Protection Equipment is vital to a worker's comfort and safety. Regardless of the season, the job, or the conditions, it is important to be mindful of how you step onto a job protected for any situation. Roofing is among the most dangerous professions, so it's important to stay protected, head to toe.
OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Association defines PPE as “equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses”. It is often referenced as “the last line of defense” and should be thoughtfully considered when planning for the hazards that may be present on any given job. The PPE worn, supplied, and required should match the hazard, environment, and task.
Understanding PPE Beyond the Product
Personal Protective Equipment is more than just checking a box for jobsite compliance. Each category of PPE is designed to protect against specific hazards, environments, and working conditions. From impact resistance and visibility ratings to respiratory filtration and chemical protection, understanding what PPE is designed to do is just as important as wearing it.
Not all PPE is created equal, and not every product is suited for every application. Some equipment is designed for general jobsite safety while other products are specialized for roofing-specific hazards like hot asphalt, silica dust, sharp materials, UV exposure, or prolonged kneeling on steep slope and low slope systems.
Throughout this guide, we’ll break down the major categories of PPE used across roofing and construction while covering:
- Common applications and hazards
- Key differences between product types
- ANSI and OSHA considerations
- Comfort and usability factors
- Seasonal and environmental considerations
1. Head Protection
Head protection is critical on roofing and construction jobs where falling objects, dropped tools, moving materials, and low-clearance hazards are common. Hard hats are designed to reduce the risk of impact injuries and help protect workers from serious head trauma on active jobsites. Different hard hat classifications, including Type 1 and Type 2 designs, provide varying levels of impact protection depending on the hazards present. OSHA requires head protection whenever there is a potential risk of head injury from impact, falling, or electrical hazards.
Hard Hats
- Type 1 - Protection against falling object, top-down impact
- Type 2 - Enhanced protection, top-side and lateral impact (side, front, back)
Vented (Class C) vs Non-Vented (Class G/E) and Electrical Considerations:
- While vented, or Class C hard hats are protective and ideal for warmer temperatures, they are not typically permitted for electrical work or work with high-voltage as they are not tested or made to consider the risks of electrical shock or hazards.
- Alternatively, non-vented, or Class E are suitable for electrical and high-voltage work, they provide less benefits when working in high temperatures and warmer climates. The key difference between Class G and Class E are the testing and rating for voltage exposure.
- Class G withstands 2,200 volts for one minute
- Class E withstands 20,000 volts for 3 minutes after impact.
- Class C is not tested for electrical insulation.
Impact protection:
- Type 1 - These are acceptable for general construction and typical overhead risks. These hats are usually more light-weight and feature venting and brimmed and non-brimmed styles.
- Type 2 - These are required when working around heavy machinery, and in areas where higher fall or slip risks are present. Due to the increase in harm from risks, these hats are typically heavier as they require more protection from numerous directions. These hats typically have a foam lining to protect from lateral shock.
Additional Accessories:
- Shades: There are a variety of shades or add-ons that can be used on either style of hard hat for increased protection against the sun and high temperatures.
- Liners: While shades shield from the outside of the hat, liners can be added to cool the head from inside of the hat. Liners provide additional cooling while working in high heat.
2. Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection helps shield workers from flying debris, airborne dust, chemical splashes, sparks, and material fragments commonly encountered on roofing and construction sites. Tasks involving cutting, grinding, fastening, chemical application, or welding may require different forms of protection depending on the exposure risk. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields are all designed for specific applications and levels of protection. OSHA requires appropriate eye and face protection whenever workers are exposed to hazards that could cause injury to the eyes or face.
Safety Glasses: General Construction - Low Hazard
Ideal for general working conditions including dust and light debris.
Safety Goggles: High Velocity Debris, Chemical Splashes, and Hazardous Vapors - Medium Hazard
- Direct Vented for impact
- Indirect Vented for chemical splashes
- Non-Vented for vapors and fumes
Face Protection: Comprehensive Coverage - High Risk
- Face shields
- Full face cover systems
3. Hearing Protection
Prolonged exposure to loud equipment such as saws, compressors, generators, and nail guns can contribute to permanent hearing damage over time. Hearing protection helps reduce noise exposure and protect workers from long-term hearing loss, fatigue, and other health effects associated with excessive workplace noise. Depending on the environment and duration of exposure, in-ear or over-the-ear protection may be required. OSHA establishes permissible noise exposure limits and requires hearing protection when workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels.
4. Respiratory Protection
Roofing and construction environments can expose workers to dust, silica, fumes, vapors, and chemical odors that may impact respiratory health. Respiratory protection is designed to help filter airborne contaminants and reduce exposure to harmful particles and substances. Depending on the hazard, disposable masks, reusable respirators, or full-face protection may be necessary to safely perform the task at hand. OSHA requires respiratory protection when workers are exposed to airborne hazards above permissible exposure limits or when engineering controls alone are not sufficient.
5. Hand Protection
Hands are among the most frequently used and most vulnerable tools on any jobsite. Gloves help protect workers from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, heat, sharp materials, adhesives, and harsh roofing products encountered throughout construction and roofing work. Different glove materials and designs are intended for different applications, making proper glove selection important for both safety and performance. OSHA requires employers to ensure workers use appropriate hand protection whenever workplace hazards could cause injury to the hands.
Gloves
- Disposable Gloves: Latex and Nitrile
- Reusable Gloves:
- Chore Gloves: Extended Wrist Protection, Comfort, and Grip
- Cotton Gloves: Comfort, Reliability, Light Protection
- Drivers Gloves: Grip, Durability, Comfort
- Jersey Gloves: General Protection, Breathable, Light-Duty Tasks
- Leather Palm Gloves: Grip, Durability, and General Protection
- Cut-Resistance Gloves: For Handling Sharp Materials or Use With Blades
- Insulated Gloves: For Cold Weather
- Nitrile Gloves: Grip, Chemical Resistance, and General Material Handling
- PVC Gloves: Grip and Chemical Resistance
- String Knit Gloves: General Labor and Material Handling
- Welders Gloves: High Heat Protection
6. Visibility and Jobsite Awareness
Visibility on a jobsite plays a major role in worker safety, especially in areas with vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, cranes, or low-light working conditions. High visibility clothing and safety vests help improve worker awareness and make crews easier to identify in active and potentially hazardous environments. Depending on the jobsite conditions, ANSI-rated garments may be required to meet visibility standards for workers exposed to roadway traffic or moving equipment. OSHA requires employers to provide appropriate visibility protection when workers are exposed to struck-by or visibility-related hazards.
7. Lower Body and Mobility Protection
Roofing and construction work often places repeated strain on the knees, joints, and lower body through kneeling, climbing, lifting, and prolonged movement across uneven surfaces. Protective equipment such as knee pads helps reduce fatigue, discomfort, and long-term wear on the body while improving mobility and stability during demanding tasks. Proper lower body protection can also help workers maintain safer positioning and control while working on sloped or elevated surfaces. OSHA emphasizes the importance of reducing workplace injuries caused by repetitive motion, strain, and physical stress through proper protective equipment and safe work practices.
8. Foot Protection
Foot protection is essential on roofing and construction sites where workers are exposed to slips, sharp materials, uneven surfaces, falling objects, and changing weather conditions. Proper footwear helps improve traction, stability, and support while reducing the risk of slips, punctures, and foot injuries on the job. Roofing-specific footwear and boot accessories may also help workers maintain grip and mobility on steep slope and low slope roofing systems. OSHA requires protective footwear when there is a risk of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, punctures, or slippery working conditions.
Footwear and Accessories:
9. Heat and Environmental Protection
Working outdoors exposes roofing and construction crews to heat, UV radiation, changing weather, and environmental conditions that can impact both safety and performance. Heat protection measures such as hydration, cooling gear, breathable workwear, and sun protection help reduce the risk of heat stress, dehydration, fatigue, and sun-related illnesses. Environmental protection should be considered alongside traditional PPE, especially during periods of extreme temperatures or prolonged outdoor exposure. OSHA recognizes heat as a major workplace hazard and recommends employers implement training, hydration, rest, and protective measures to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Summer Heat Protection
Pitch Protection
Safety Starts Before the Work Begins
Personal Protective Equipment is more than a requirement, it is a critical part of creating safer, more efficient, and more prepared jobsites. From head protection and eye safety to footwear, respiratory protection, and heat prevention, every category of PPE serves a purpose in reducing risk and helping workers perform safely in demanding environments.
Understanding the differences between classifications, ratings, materials, and applications helps ensure the right equipment is being used for the right hazards. Whether selecting ANSI-rated visibility gear, choosing between Type 1 and Type 2 hard hats, or determining the proper glove or respirator for a task, PPE should always be selected with the specific jobsite conditions, environment, and exposure risks in mind.
Comfort and usability also play an important role in protection. PPE that fits properly, performs well, and remains comfortable throughout the workday is more likely to be worn consistently and correctly. The best protective equipment is the equipment workers trust enough to wear every day.
While PPE is often referred to as the “last line of defense,” it remains one of the most important layers of protection in roofing and construction. Investing in proper PPE, understanding industry standards, and educating crews on the purpose behind the equipment helps create stronger safety practices both on and off the roof.
At Big Rock Supply, we believe safety starts with education. Whether you are outfitting a new crew, replacing worn equipment, or learning more about OSHA and ANSI standards, understanding PPE from head to toe helps build safer jobsites for everyone involved.