Rain Gear & Wet-Weather PPE
Working wet and cold drains your energy and attention. Good rain gear keeps you dry, but it also has to work with the rest of your PPE: it must be visible, must not block your view, and in some jobs must be flame resistant.
- Construction
- Outdoor workers
- Utilities
Photo: road crew in Class 3 hi-vis rain jackets and bib pants during a rainstorm
Choosing rain gear
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PVC | Cheap, tough, fully waterproof, resists many chemicals | Heavy, stiff in cold, hot inside |
| Polyurethane-coated | Lighter and more flexible than PVC | Less tough; coating wears with abrasion |
| Breathable membranes | Let sweat out; much more comfortable for hard work | More expensive; may tear on rough work |
Bib pants with a jacket stay put better than a long coat around ladders and equipment. Look for sealed seams, a storm flap over the zipper, and cuffs that close around gloves and boots.
Rain gear and other PPE
- Hi-vis: near traffic or equipment, the rain gear itself should be hi-vis (ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 jackets are common). A vest under a raincoat can’t be seen.
- Flame resistance: electrical, utility, welding and oil and gas workers need rainwear rated for flame and arc (look for ASTM F1891 and an arc rating). Ordinary PVC rain gear can melt and burn.
- Hoods: choose a hood made to fit over or under a hard hat, or a hard hat rain brim. A hood can block side vision and hearing, so turn your whole head to check traffic and equipment.
- Eye protection: anti-fog safety glasses help. Don’t take your glasses off because they’re wet.
- Gloves: waterproof work gloves with good grip; wet hands lose grip on tools and ladders.
- Boots: waterproof safety-toe boots with deep tread. Rubber boots need a safety toe if the job requires one.
Hazards that come with rain
- Slips and falls: wet ladders, roofs, steel and plywood are slick. Many roof and steel jobs should stop in heavy rain. See Slips, Trips & Falls.
- Electrical shock: water raises shock risk. Use GFCIs and keep cords out of puddles. See Wet Locations.
- Trenches: rain weakens trench walls and fills excavations. A competent person must inspect after rain. See Competent Person Inspections.
- Lightning: stop outdoor work when thunder roars. Rain gear gives no protection. See Severe Weather.
- Heat: non-breathable rain gear traps heat. On warm, rainy days, take breaks and drink water.
- Visibility: drivers see less in rain. Hi-vis and lights matter more.
Care
- Hang rain gear to dry after use; don’t ball it up wet in the truck
- Rinse off mud, oil and chemicals, which break down coatings
- Check seams, zippers and reflective tape regularly
- Replace gear that leaks or has torn or faded hi-vis
Who pays? Under federal OSHA, ordinary raincoats and rubber boots used only for weather protection generally don’t have to be paid for by the employer. Special gear, like FR rainwear when FR is required or chemical-resistant suits, is different. Union contracts often cover rain gear.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1926.95: PPE criteria and payment exceptions
- OSHA: Personal protective equipment
- See also: High-Visibility Clothing · Cold-Weather Work Clothing
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