Construction site PPE checklist.
Under RA 11058 and DOLE D.O. 198-18, the employer issues PPE — free of charge, appropriate to the task, replaced when worn. This is the working checklist: the baseline every person on site wears, and what each trade adds on top. The full range is on the PPE page.
The baseline, everyone on site
- Hard hat — ANSI Z89.1 or EN 397 rated.
- Safety shoes — steel or composite toe, ASTM F2413 rated.
- High-visibility vest — anywhere plant, trucks or lifting operate.
Additions by task
| Task | On top of the baseline |
|---|---|
| Masonry / concrete | Work gloves, dust mask, safety glasses; rubber boots on pours |
| Welding | Welding helmet shade 10–13, leather gloves and jacket or apron |
| Grinding / cutting | Face shield over impact goggles (ANSI Z87.1), cut-resistant gloves, ear protection |
| Work at height (≥ 1.8 m) | Full-body harness, double shock-absorbing lanyard, rated anchor point |
| Electrical work | Insulated gloves rated for the voltage, insulated tools; no exposed metal jewelry |
| Rebar / steel handling | Heavy leather-palm gloves, long sleeves |
| Noise above 85 dB(A) | Earplugs or earmuffs |
| Dust, silica, fumes | N95 or better, fit to the wearer; respirators for enclosed work |
The site safety and health program required by D.O. 198-18 is the controlling document — it assigns PPE per hazard, not per job title. This table is the common allocation.
Standards and replacement
- Hard hat shells retire around 5 years from the molded manufacture date — sooner in constant sun. Replace after any significant impact.
- Harnesses are inspected before each use and retired immediately after arresting a fall.
- Eye protection is ANSI Z87.1 impact-rated — ordinary eyeglasses are not.
- Respirator filters and disposable masks are replaced per exposure, not per payday.
What the law says
RA 11058 (the OSH law) and its implementing rules, DOLE D.O. 198-18, make PPE an employer obligation: provided at no cost to workers, matched to the hazard, and backed by a site safety and health program with a designated safety officer. DOLE inspects against this. Send the headcount and size breakdown and we quote the full issue the same day.
Common questions
Who pays for PPE on a construction site?
The employer. RA 11058 and DOLE D.O. 198-18 require employers to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers — the cost cannot be passed on through salary deductions.
At what height is a safety harness required?
Fall protection is commonly enforced from about 1.8m (6 ft) of fall exposure — a full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard anchored overhead. The site safety program under D.O. 198-18 sets the site's specific rules.
How long does a hard hat last?
Follow the manufacturer's date: shells are typically retired around 5 years from manufacture, suspensions sooner. Replace immediately after any significant impact, even with no visible damage.
What lens shade for welding?
Shade 10–13 for SMAW and MIG depending on amperage — darker as current rises. Cutting and grinding use impact-rated goggles or a face shield instead, not the welding filter.
Can Southend supply PPE for a whole site?
Yes — hard hats, safety shoes, vests, gloves, eye and ear protection, harnesses and respirators in bulk. Send the headcount and size breakdown and we quote it the same day.
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Reviewed July 2026 · Southend Construction & Industrial Supplies, Dasmariñas, Cavite