blog
7 January 2025

Category I PPE for protection of workers: a complete guide with examples

Workers’ safety is becoming an increasingly important issue and it must be guaranteed in all workplaces, even those considered to be less hazardous, such as offices, restaurants and public spaces. This why PPE (personal protective equipment) plays a decisive role in preventing potential accidents in the workplace. Category 1 PPE is used to protect workers against minor hazards.

In this article, we will discover what Category I PPE is and we will look at several examples and the type of activities in which this PPE can be used.

What is Category I PPE and what are the differences with other categories

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is divided into three categories, based on the hazardousness of the activity performed by the worker. Category I PPE is designed to protect the user against minor hazards. These hazards include:

  • superficial mechanical injuries
  • contact with cleaning products of weak action
  • contact with hot surfaces (not exceeding 50°C)
  • exposure to the sun
  • exposure to atmospheric conditions
  • that are not extreme in nature

Category 2 PPE offers protection against medium hazards, such as cuts and bruising, whereas Category 3 PPE is designed to protect against serious or life-threatening hazards, such as falls from major heights (which we have discussed here).

Category I PPE: examples

So which PPE is actually in Category I? Let us look at several examples, the characteristics of each and the activities in which they can be useful.

Protective goggles

Protective goggles are used to protect the eyes against flying particles, dust, splinters or non-hazardous liquids. They are usually made from polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant and transparent. They may have anti-fogging and scratch-proofing treatment on the lenses for a clearer and longer-lasting vision. Some models include a side protection for complete coverage of the eyes. Protective goggles can be used, for example, in:

  • DIY
  • Gardening
  • Cleaning
  • School laboratory work

Latex gloves

Latex gloves provide a barrier against light and non-toxic chemical products, and protect against dirt and contaminants. They are elastic and have a good tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for work that requires precision. Natural latex is biodegradable, but there are also nitrile alternatives for anyone with an allergy to latex. This PPE is used for:

  • Housework
  • Handling food
  • Health and hygiene activities
  • Light maintenance work

Sun hats or anti-shock caps

This type of PPE is used to protect the head against direct exposure to the sun and against minor impacts and abrasions. The hats may be manufactured in lightweight materials such as cotton or polyester and often include a visor to protect the face against the sun. Some models also have a sweatband. Situations in which they should be used are:

  • Work outdoors
  • Gardening

Work boots

Work boots are designed to provide a secure grip on slippery surfaces. They have rubber soles with a specific tread design to improve the grip. These boots may be waterproof or water-resistant, making them ideal for wet environments or ones where liquids are present. Several of the most common applications for this PPE are:

  • Cleaning work
  • Food industry
  • Swimming pool maintenance
  • Work in kitchens or restaurants

Disposable masks

Disposable masks are used to protect the airways against dust, pollen or other non-hazardous agents present in the air. They are usually made from non-woven fabric and may have a filter layer. These masks cover the nose and mouth and are fixed with elastics behind the ears. Disposable masks are also perfect for the following activities:

  • Cleaning and maintenance
  • Dusty environments
  • DIY

As we have seen, Category I PPE is essential for preventing injuries and guaranteeing personal safety in a variety of everyday situations. For more hazardous activities on the other hand, such as work at heights, Category II and Category III PPE must be used.

D-Air Lab, the innovative start-up founded by Lino Dainese, has developed WorkAir, the world’s first airbag certified as Personal Protective Equipment for workers working at heights. This smart jacket, designed and manufactured entirely in Italy, uses a state-of-the-art technology to protect the worker in the event of a fall, by inflating in just a few milliseconds to protect the back and chest. The system is based on the suits developed by Dainese for motorcyclists and skiers, offering greater protection and contributing to reducing the risk of serious injury. WorkAir has received the ADI Design Index Innovation Award and represents a major step forward in workplace safety.

For more information, go to the WorkAir page and contact our collaborators for an even more precise overview of the range!