PPE for DIY Projects
Home projects use the same tools and materials as professional work, yet many homeowners skip protective gear. Eyes, ears, lungs and hands are hurt every day in garages and yards. Good personal protective equipment (PPE) is cheap compared with the cost of an injury.
- Homeowners
- DIYers
- Hobbyists
- Renters
The basics
- PPE is the last line of defense. First, remove or reduce the hazard (use a quieter tool, wet cutting, ventilation), then add PPE. See DIY Project Safety.
- PPE must be the right type, the right size and worn correctly to work. Look for standards markings.
- Wear it every time you do the task, not just for big jobs.
What to wear
| Body part | Protection | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Safety glasses or goggles; face shield for grinding and splashes | Marked ANSI Z87.1. Use goggles for dust, chemicals and spray. See Eye & Face Protection |
| Ears | Earplugs or earmuffs | Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Use for tools over about 85 dB. See Protecting Your Hearing at Home |
| Lungs | Dust mask, N95, P100 or cartridge respirator | NIOSH-approved N95 for dust, P100 for lead and fine dust, organic vapor cartridges for paint and solvents. Paper nuisance masks don't seal. Needs a good seal. See Respiratory Protection |
| Hands | Work, cut-resistant, chemical-resistant or insulated gloves | Match the hazard. Don't wear loose gloves near rotating tools. See Hand Protection |
| Feet | Sturdy boots, steel or composite toe, slip-resistant soles | ASTM F2413 for protective toe. See Foot Protection |
| Head | Hard hat or bump cap | ANSI Z89.1 hard hat for falling objects; bump cap for bumps only. See Hard Hats |
| Knees | Knee pads | For flooring, tile and roofing. See Knee Protection |
| Body | Long sleeves and pants, coveralls, apron, welding gear | Snug clothing near machines; flame-resistant for welding. See Welding Leathers |
Match PPE to the job
- Sawing, sanding, grinding, hammering and spraying: safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask or respirator, gloves where suitable.
- Painting and chemicals: goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and organic vapor respirator; ventilate. See Painting at Home.
- Demolition, insulation and attic work: respirator, goggles, coveralls and gloves. See DIY Demolition and Attics & Crawl Spaces.
- Mowing, trimming, chainsaw and pressure washing: eye, ear and foot protection; chaps and helmet for chainsaws. See Chainsaws for Homeowners.
- Welding and grinding: welding helmet with the correct shade, leather gloves and FR clothing. See Welding & Torch Work at Home.
- Roof and ladder work: sturdy shoes, hat and fall protection when needed. See Should You Get on Your Roof?
Fit, care and replacement
- Choose PPE that is comfortable, since uncomfortable gear gets left off. Try different sizes. Facial hair prevents a respirator seal.
- Inspect before use: scratched lenses, cracked frames, torn gloves, worn earplugs and clogged filters. Replace damaged items.
- Replace respirator filters and cartridges as directed, and when breathing gets hard or you smell contaminants.
- Store PPE clean and dry away from sunlight and chemicals, in a labeled box near where you work.
- Keep PPE away from children or buy child-size when kids help, and supervise them.
DIY PPE checklist
- I have ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses or goggles and use them every time
- I use hearing protection with loud tools
- I have the right respirator or mask for dust, lead or vapors and it seals
- I wear gloves, boots and knee pads suited to the job
- I inspect, clean and replace PPE as needed
Standards & references
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