Improved Worker Protection

Correctly selected PPE supports workplace risk controls and helps reduce exposure to specific hazards.

Clearer Procurement Specifications

Standards, classifications, dimensions and materials make quotations easier to compare.

Better Tender Compliance

Organized technical requirements and documents support formal procurement and project approvals.

Product Traceability

Manufacturer, model, batch and documentation information help teams identify what was supplied.

Consistent Multi-Site Supply

A documented PPE specification helps branches, departments and projects order comparable products.

Reduced Procurement Errors

Clear performance requirements reduce the risk of ordering the wrong protection for the task.

ISO

International standards covering products, testing, quality systems, safety and management processes.

EN Standards

European standards frequently referenced on PPE, safety equipment and technical specifications.

CE Marking

A conformity marking used for certain products placed on the European market. Review the applicable declaration and technical documentation.

ANSI

American standards commonly referenced for industrial head, eye, footwear and workplace safety products.

ASTM International

Technical standards and test methods used across materials, product performance and industrial applications.

IEC

International standards used for electrical, electronic and related safety equipment.

BS and BSI

British standards and conformity references used in safety, construction, fire and industrial procurement.

KEBS

Kenya Bureau of Standards develops and applies standards that support quality and market compliance in Kenya.

Manufacturer Documentation

Datasheets, declarations, manuals and test information provide model-specific details beyond a printed standard number.

Head Protection

Common standards used for industrial safety helmets, bump caps and electrically insulating helmets.

• EN 397 – Industrial safety helmets
• EN 812 – Industrial bump caps
• EN 50365 – Electrically insulating helmets
• ANSI Z89.1 – Industrial head protection
• Check shell type, suspension, chin strap and accessories

Eye and Face Protection

Standards used for safety spectacles, goggles, face shields and welding eye protection.

• EN 166 – Personal eye protection
• EN 169 – Welding filters
• EN 170 – Ultraviolet filters
• EN 172 – Sun glare filters
• Check impact rating, lens markings, anti-fog and splash protection

Hearing Protection

Standards commonly applied to earmuffs, earplugs and helmet-mounted hearing protection.

• EN 352-1 – Earmuffs
• EN 352-2 – Earplugs
• EN 352-3 – Helmet-mounted earmuffs
• Review SNR or attenuation data
• Match attenuation to the noise exposure assessment

Respiratory Protection

Standards used for disposable filtering masks, reusable respirators and gas filters.

• EN 149 – Filtering half masks
• EN 140 – Half masks
• EN 136 – Full-face masks
• EN 14387 – Gas and combination filters
• Check contaminant type, filter class, fit and limitations

Hand Protection

Standards used for gloves protecting against mechanical, chemical, heat, cold and electrical hazards.

• EN 388 – Mechanical risks
• EN 407 – Heat and flame
• EN 374 – Chemicals and microorganisms
• EN 511 – Cold protection
• EN 60903 – Electrical insulating gloves

Foot Protection

Standards used for safety, protective and occupational footwear.

• EN ISO 20345 – Safety footwear
• EN ISO 20346 – Protective footwear
• EN ISO 20347 – Occupational footwear
• Review S1, S2, S3 and related classifications
• Check toe protection, penetration, slip and electrical features

High-Visibility Clothing

Standards covering garments intended to improve worker visibility.

• EN ISO 20471 – High-visibility clothing
• Review garment class
• Check fluorescent material and reflective tape
• Confirm colour requirement for the work environment
• Ensure correct sizing and garment coverage

Body Protection

Standards covering heat, flame, rain, chemical and general protective clothing.

• EN ISO 11612 – Heat and flame protection
• EN 343 – Protection against rain
• EN 14605 – Liquid chemical protective clothing
• Review garment type, seams, closure and compatibility
• Confirm limitations in the manufacturer instructions

Fall Protection

Standards used within personal fall protection systems.

• EN 361 – Full body harnesses
• EN 354 – Lanyards
• EN 355 – Energy absorbers
• EN 360 – Retractable fall arresters
• EN 362 – Connectors
• EN 795 – Anchor devices

Welding PPE

Standards covering welding helmets, filters, gloves and protective clothing.

• EN 175 – Welding eye and face protection
• EN 379 – Automatic welding filters
• EN 407 – Heat-protective gloves
• EN ISO 11612 – Protective clothing
• Match shade, process, amperage and work environment

Chemical Protection

Standards and documents used for chemical gloves, suits and respiratory equipment.

• EN 374 – Chemical protective gloves
• EN 14605 – Liquid chemical protective clothing
• EN 14387 – Gas and combination filters
• Review the chemical compatibility chart
• Request the Safety Data Sheet where applicable

Disposable PPE

Disposable products still require correct selection, use and replacement.

• Check product-specific standard and class
• Confirm size and fit
• Review shelf life and storage conditions
• Inspect packaging before use
• Do not reuse single-use items

Construction

Typical hazards include falling objects, dust, noise, sharp materials, moving equipment and work at height.

• Safety helmets
• Safety boots
• High-visibility clothing
• Gloves and eye protection
• Respiratory and fall protection where required

Manufacturing

Selection should reflect machinery, process, noise, heat, chemicals and material-handling hazards.

• Eye and face protection
• Hearing protection
• Mechanical or chemical gloves
• Safety footwear
• Protective clothing

Warehousing and Logistics

Visibility, vehicle movement, manual handling and falling objects are common considerations.

• High-visibility vests
• Safety footwear
• Bump caps or helmets where required
• Handling gloves
• Weather protection for outdoor teams

Welding and Fabrication

PPE must address radiation, sparks, heat, fumes, noise and sharp metal.

• Welding helmet and correct filter
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Flame-resistant clothing
• Safety boots
• Respiratory and hearing protection where required

Electrical Work

Electrical PPE must be matched to voltage, task, arc risk and the employer's safe system of work.

• Electrically insulating gloves
• Suitable head and face protection
• Arc-rated clothing where specified
• Electrical safety footwear where required
• Inspection and test records

Road and Traffic Work

Workers need visibility and protection from weather, vehicles, dust and site hazards.

• High-visibility clothing
• Safety helmets
• Safety boots
• Gloves and eye protection
• Rainwear and hearing protection where required

Food Processing

PPE selection must consider hygiene, contamination control, chemicals, slips and temperature.

• Food-area compatible clothing
• Disposable gloves where appropriate
• Slip-resistant footwear
• Eye and chemical protection
• Cold or heat protection

Mining and Quarrying

Dust, noise, impact, machinery and difficult terrain require task-specific controls.

• Head, eye and hearing protection
• Respiratory protection
• High-visibility clothing
• Heavy-duty safety footwear
• Fall protection where applicable

Healthcare and Laboratories

Selection depends on biological, chemical, splash and contamination risks.

• Disposable gloves
• Protective clothing
• Eye and face protection
• Respiratory protection
• Chemical-resistant PPE where needed

Technical Datasheet

Summarizes materials, dimensions, ratings, performance and intended applications.

Declaration of Conformity

Relates the exact product to specified requirements and should identify the manufacturer and model.

Certificate

May show certification or assessment details. Confirm it applies to the product being quoted.

Test Report

Provides test methods, results, conditions and product identification.

Safety Data Sheet

Important for chemicals, cleaning agents, coatings and hazardous substances.

User Instructions

Explain correct use, limitations, inspection, storage, maintenance and replacement.

Warranty Statement

Defines scope, duration, exclusions and claim procedures.

Inspection Record

Supports tracking of reusable and safety-critical PPE throughout its service life.

Traceability Information

May include batch, serial, manufacturing, expiry and supplier references.

Buying PPE by Price Alone

The lowest price may not provide the correct performance, fit, comfort or service life.

Using One Glove for Every Task

Different hazards require different materials, thicknesses and performance levels.

Ignoring Product Classification

A product may meet a standard but not the class or level needed for the hazard.

Accepting Generic Certificates

A certificate may not apply to the exact model being supplied.

Not Checking Product Markings

Model, class, dates and manufacturer details should match the supporting documents.

Ignoring Fit and Comfort

Uncomfortable PPE is less likely to be worn correctly for a full shift.

Mixing Incompatible Components

Fall protection, helmets, visors, filters and accessories must work together correctly.

No Receiving Inspection

Delivered PPE should be checked against the approved quotation and specification.

No Replacement Plan

PPE should be inspected and replaced according to damage, expiry, contamination and manufacturer guidance.

Corporate and Project RFQs

Submit PPE schedules, BOQs, quantities, sizes, standards and delivery requirements.

Multi-Category Supply

Combine head, eye, hand, foot, respiratory, body and fall protection in one request.

Technical Document Requests

Manufacturer datasheets and other supporting documents can be requested where available.

Bulk Order Support

Suitable for contractors, factories, institutions, warehouses and corporate procurement teams.

Nationwide Delivery

Coordinate delivery to project sites and organizations across Kenya, subject to agreed terms.

PPE Selection Guidance

We help buyers organize product requirements while final technical approval remains with the responsible safety professional.

What is PPE certification?

PPE certification generally refers to assessment or confirmation that protective equipment meets defined requirements. The exact meaning depends on the product, standard and conformity route.

What is the difference between EN and ISO standards?

EN standards are European standards, while ISO standards are international. Some standards are jointly adopted and appear with combined references.

Does CE marking prove that PPE is suitable for my workplace?

Not by itself. Suitability depends on the hazard, product classification, fit, limitations, instructions and intended application.

What is EN 397?

EN 397 is commonly referenced for industrial safety helmets.

What is EN 388?

EN 388 is commonly referenced for protective gloves against mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear and puncture.

What is EN ISO 20345?

EN ISO 20345 is commonly referenced for safety footwear with protective toe caps and other classified features.

What is EN 166?

EN 166 is commonly referenced for personal eye protection such as safety spectacles and goggles.

What is EN 352?

EN 352 is a group of standards commonly referenced for hearing protection such as earmuffs and earplugs.

What is EN 149?

EN 149 is commonly referenced for filtering half masks, including FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 classes.

What is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 is commonly referenced for high-visibility clothing.

What is EN 361?

EN 361 is commonly referenced for full body harnesses used in personal fall protection systems.

Can one PPE product meet more than one standard?

Yes. A product may address multiple hazards and may reference more than one applicable standard.

How do I know whether a certificate applies to the quoted product?

Compare the manufacturer, exact model, scope, certificate number, issue date and product description.

Can Bansi Safety Gear provide datasheets?

Technical datasheets and other manufacturer documents can be requested where available.

Can you support corporate and tender procurement?

Yes. Organizations can submit BOQs, PPE schedules, quantities, sizes, standards and document requirements for quotation.

Do certified products still need inspection?

Yes. PPE should be inspected when received and before use, and reusable items should be inspected according to the product instructions.

Does certification replace training?

No. Correct selection, fitting, use, inspection, maintenance and supervision remain essential.

How should PPE be stored?

Follow the manufacturer instructions and protect PPE from sunlight, moisture, chemicals, deformation, dirt and extreme temperatures.

When should PPE be replaced?

Replace PPE when damaged, contaminated, expired, involved in an impact or fall, or when required by the manufacturer instructions.

Can Bansi Safety Gear help me select PPE?

Bansi Safety Gear can help organize product requirements and commonly requested standards. Final approval should remain with the responsible HSE or technical professional.