A construction site PPE starter kit covers a safety helmet, S3 safety boots, hi-vis, safety glasses and gloves, plus hardwearing work clothes. Whether you're an apprentice, a new labourer or a tradesperson going self-employed, most sites won't let you through the gate without the basics. Here's the essential checklist.

The non-negotiables: helmet, boots and hi-vis

• Safety helmet to EN 397. Buy new rather than borrowing an old one, as safety helmets have a service life set by the manufacturer and some sites check it. A bump cap is not a substitute where there's a risk of falling objects.
• S3 safety boots. Under EN ISO 20345:2022, S3 safety boots have a toe cap, antistatic sole, water-resistant upper, penetration-resistant midsole and cleated outsole.
• Hi-vis to EN ISO 20471. A Class 2 vest is a common minimum, but many principal contractors now ask for long-sleeved Class 3 hi-vis jackets or two-tone hi-vis. Check site rules before you buy.
• Safety glasses and gloves. An increasing number of sites enforce both at all times. Look for eyewear to EN 166 and gloves to EN 388.

Check the midsole code on boots too. Under the 2022 standard, P means a metal midsole, while PL and PS are non-metallic types, so you may see S3, S3L or S3S on the label.

Work clothing that lasts

Proper work trousers with kneepad pockets and holsters will outlive cheap alternatives many times over. If you kneel a lot, use kneepad inserts certified to EN 14404 with that trouser. Pair them with breathable t-shirts or polos and a hoodie or fleece for cold starts.

A waterproof jacket, ideally hi-vis, earns its keep by October. Look for taped seams, a hood that fits over a helmet and cuffs you can tighten.

Worth adding: hearing, dust and winter kit

Ear defenders or plugs to EN 352 are worth carrying for plant and power tools. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must make hearing protection available where daily exposure reaches 80 dB(A), and must provide it and make sure it's worn at 85 dB(A).

For cutting, chasing or drilling that creates silica dust, HSE recommends RPE with an assigned protection factor of 20, such as an FFP3 mask or a half mask with a P3 filter. Tight-fitting masks must be face-fit tested, and you need to be clean-shaven where the mask seals. Our guide to FFP dust mask ratings explains the levels.

Round it off with a beanie for winter, thermal socks and a kit bag to keep everything together between sites.

Who pays for construction PPE?

Buy the best boots and trousers you can afford, since they're the items you'll feel every single day. If you're employed, remember that under the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 your employer must provide the PPE your work requires, free of charge. Since 6 April 2022 that duty also covers most casual and agency-type workers. Employers taking on several people can use our new starter workwear and PPE checklist.

Quick answers

What PPE do you need for a construction site?

Most sites expect a safety helmet, safety boots and hi-vis as a minimum, and many also require safety glasses and gloves at all times. Check the principal contractor's site rules before your first day.

Do I have to buy my own PPE for a building site?

Not if you're an employee or a limb (b) worker, as employers must provide the PPE your job needs free of charge. Self-employed tradespeople generally supply their own.

What safety boots do I need for a building site?

S3 safety boots are the usual choice because they combine a toe cap, water-resistant upper, penetration-resistant midsole and cleated outsole. Some sites specify extra features, so check before you buy.

Browse our PPE range to build your site starter kit, or contact us for advice. Firms taking on new crews can open a trade account for bulk orders. Start day one site-ready.