What Kind of PPE Does Your Industry Need?
🧰 What Kind of PPE Does Your Industry Need? A Sector-by-Sector Guide for Kenya
When it comes to workplace safety in Kenya, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Every industry has its own hazards, and choosing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first step to keeping your team safe, compliant, and productive.
Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or transport, you must understand what PPE your employees truly need—not just to tick the box, but to prevent injuries, fines, and downtime.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential PPE required for different industries in Kenya—based on common risks, government regulations, and local working conditions.
⚠️ Why Industry-Specific PPE Matters
Using the wrong type of PPE can be just as dangerous as not using any at all.
- A construction worker wearing basic fabric gloves won’t be protected from sharp rebar.
- A food handler using leather gloves instead of nitrile ones can contaminate produce.
- A boda boda rider without a certified helmet is vulnerable in a crash—even if they’re wearing a jacket.
That’s why understanding your sector’s specific hazards is key when choosing safety gear.
In Kenya, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) mandates that PPE be suitable to the risk and task being performed.
🏗️ 1. Construction Industry PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Falling objects, sharp tools, electric shocks, dust, and noise.
Essential PPE:
- Safety helmets (KEBS-certified)
- Steel toe safety boots (e.g. Vaultex S3)
- Reflective jackets or coveralls
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Dust masks or respirators
- Safety goggles
- Ear plugs (for machinery use)
- Fall protection (harness, lanyard) for high-rise jobs
Many Kenyan construction companies are now required to submit PPE documentation when applying for NCA registration or public tenders.
🏥 2. Healthcare & Medical PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Bloodborne pathogens, airborne viruses (like COVID-19), sharp instruments, and chemical disinfectants.
Essential PPE:
- Surgical face masks or N95 respirators
- Disposable gloves (nitrile/latex)
- Face shields or goggles
- Gowns or disposable aprons
- Shoe covers
- Head caps
- Biohazard disposal containers
PPE must meet Ministry of Health and WHO standards. Many clinics and hospitals in Kenya now buy PPE in bulk from trusted suppliers like Bansi Safety Gear.
🏭 3. Manufacturing & Industrial PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Machinery, chemicals, sparks, metal shavings, noise, and high temperatures.
Essential PPE:
- Industrial safety boots
- Coveralls or flame-retardant overalls
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles with anti-fog lenses
- Ear muffs or plugs
- Face shields for welders
- Respirators for chemical exposure
Different manufacturing sectors (e.g., welding, plastics, steel) may require customized PPE kits. Make sure your supplier understands your production environment.
🚚 4. Transport & Logistics PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Road accidents, poor visibility, heavy lifting, and weather exposure.
Essential PPE:
- Reflective vests or jackets (high visibility)
- Helmet (for boda boda or delivery riders)
- Steel toe boots
- Hand gloves (for offloading goods)
- Raincoats or waterproof gear (especially in rainy regions)
- Back support belts (for warehouse staff)
For logistics firms delivering across Kenya, having branded and uniform PPE improves visibility, professionalism, and safety.
🥕 5. Agriculture & Farming PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Pesticide exposure, animal bites, thorns, mud, sunburn, and machinery.
Essential PPE:
- Rubber gloves and aprons (for chemicals or milking)
- Gumboots
- Wide-brim hats or sun helmets
- Dust masks
- Eye protection
- Protective clothing (long sleeve overalls)
Tea pickers, dairy farmers, and horticulture workers all need specific PPE—especially for compliance with international exporters and HACCP standards.
🧼 6. Cleaning & Sanitation PPE – Kenya
Hazards:
- Harsh chemicals, waste material, slippery surfaces, and biohazards.
Essential PPE:
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Aprons (PVC or disposable)
- Safety boots or gumboots
- Face masks or respirators
- Goggles or face shields
- Coveralls for deep cleaning
Common in janitorial services, hospitality, schools, hospitals, and offices.
🛒 Where to Buy Industry-Specific PPE in Kenya
Many general stores sell basic PPE, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable or certified. Kenyan businesses should look for a supplier that offers:
✅ KEBS-certified gear
✅ Custom PPE packages per industry
✅ Expert consultation based on job risk
✅ Nationwide delivery
✅ Branding options
✅ Tender-ready documentation
💡 Try Bansi Safety Gear
At Bansi Safety Gear, we provide tailored PPE solutions for:
- Contractors
- Medical clinics
- Transport companies
- Cleaning firms
- Factories
- NGOs and institutions
We’ll help you choose the right equipment for your industry, staff size, budget, and compliance needs.
💬 Tips to Stay Compliant in Your Sector
- ✅ Train your staff on proper PPE use
- ✅ Replace worn-out gear regularly
- ✅ Keep a PPE inventory log
- ✅ Match PPE to job roles (not all staff do the same tasks)
- ✅ Stay updated on Kenya’s OSH laws
Did you know? Bansi Safety Gear can also help you prepare your PPE documentation for government tenders and health inspections.
📞 Ready to Gear Up?
The cost of the right PPE is nothing compared to the cost of an injury, a lawsuit, or a shutdown.
Choose a supplier that understands your industry, your risks, and your goals.
📲 Call or WhatsApp Bansi Safety Gear today for:
✔️ Free consultation
✔️ Industry-specific PPE package
✔️ Bulk order discounts
✔️ Countrywide delivery