- Head, eyes, ears, lungs, hands, body, feet
- Fall protection where work is at height
- Tested to SANS or EN standards
- NRCS approval for some items
- Sizes and fits for men and women
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is clothing and gear that shields a worker from a hazard that cannot be removed at the source. It covers the head, eyes, ears, lungs, hands, body, feet and falls. PPESuppliers.co.za is a free quote-request service for South Africa. Send us your list and we pass it to independent suppliers who quote you directly. We do not sell PPE and we do not give prices. There is no charge and no obligation, so you can compare offers before you buy.
The main groups of PPE
PPE is grouped by the part of the body it protects.
- Head: industrial helmets and bump caps.
- Eyes and face: safety glasses, goggles, face shields and welding screens.
- Ears: plugs and earmuffs where noise is high.
- Lungs: dust masks and respirators.
- Hands: gloves for cuts, heat, chemicals and electricity.
- Body: overalls, hi-vis, flame-resistant and rain clothing.
- Feet: safety boots and gumboots.
- Falls: harnesses and lanyards.
Some tasks need several groups at once. Welding, for example, calls for eye, hand, body and lung protection together.
PPE is the last line of defence
PPE does not remove a hazard. It limits harm when other controls are not enough. A sound safety plan first tries to eliminate the hazard, then substitute it, then use guards, ventilation or training. PPE comes last, and it only works if it fits, is worn and is kept in good condition.
That is why a risk assessment comes before any order. It lists the tasks, the hazards and the protection each task needs. Under the OHS Act, the employer provides PPE free of charge and makes sure workers know how to use it.
Standards and certification
Look for PPE tested to a recognised standard. In South Africa that usually means a SANS standard or its EN equivalent. Examples include SANS 20345 for safety footwear, SANS 1397 for industrial helmets and EN 388 for gloves. Some items, such as safety footwear and helmets, need a letter of authority from the NRCS.
Ask the supplier for the standard, the class or rating, and the test certificate. A rating such as S3 or FFP2 tells you what the item is built to do. Never accept an unmarked item for a high-risk task.
Standards also say how long an item stays fit for use. Helmets, filters and harnesses have service lives, so check the date marking and the maker's instructions before you reissue anything from store.
What affects the quote
We do not show prices. Cost depends on the item, the rating, the quantity and the finish. Tell suppliers the sizes, the standard each item must meet, and whether you want branding or reflective trim. Say how many people need a full set, and whether you want a once-off purchase or regular replacement. Add your delivery address and when you need the goods. If you are not sure which rating to choose, describe the task and hazard instead, and let the supplier suggest options for you to compare.
Comparing personal protective equipment quotes
PPE prices move with fabric, leather and rubber costs, the exchange rate and stock levels. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact item and standard: the product, the standard or rating it is certified to, and an NRCS letter of authority where one is required.
- Sizes and quantities: price per unit or per pack, size runs available and any minimum order.
- Stock or lead time: ex stock, or imported or made to order, and how long that takes.
- Delivery and VAT: delivery to site, branding costs, whether VAT is included and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- Attach or list the items from your risk assessment.
- Give sizes and quantities for each person.
- State the standard or rating each item must meet.
- Say if you need hi-vis, reflective trim or branding.
- Add the delivery address and the date you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell personal protective equipment?
What is on a basic list of PPE?
Who pays for PPE at work?
How do I know PPE is genuine?
Personal Protective Equipment by province
- Personal Protective Equipment Gauteng
- Personal Protective Equipment Mpumalanga
- Personal Protective Equipment North West
- Personal Protective Equipment Limpopo
- Personal Protective Equipment Northern Cape
- Personal Protective Equipment Free State
- Personal Protective Equipment KwaZulu-Natal
- Personal Protective Equipment Eastern Cape
- Personal Protective Equipment Western Cape
Personal Protective Equipment by city and town
- Personal Protective Equipment in Johannesburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Pretoria
- Personal Protective Equipment in Centurion
- Personal Protective Equipment in Midrand
- Personal Protective Equipment in Sandton
- Personal Protective Equipment in Randburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Roodepoort
- Personal Protective Equipment in Krugersdorp
- Personal Protective Equipment in Randfontein
- Personal Protective Equipment in Germiston
- Personal Protective Equipment in Boksburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Benoni
- Personal Protective Equipment in Kempton Park
- Personal Protective Equipment in Alberton
- Personal Protective Equipment in Vanderbijlpark
- Personal Protective Equipment in Vereeniging
- Personal Protective Equipment in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Personal Protective Equipment in Middelburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Secunda
- Personal Protective Equipment in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Personal Protective Equipment in Rustenburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Brits
- Personal Protective Equipment in Klerksdorp
- Personal Protective Equipment in Potchefstroom
- Personal Protective Equipment in Polokwane
- Personal Protective Equipment in Tzaneen
- Personal Protective Equipment in Lephalale
- Personal Protective Equipment in Kimberley
- Personal Protective Equipment in Kathu
- Personal Protective Equipment in Upington
- Personal Protective Equipment in Bloemfontein
- Personal Protective Equipment in Welkom
- Personal Protective Equipment in Sasolburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Durban
- Personal Protective Equipment in Pinetown
- Personal Protective Equipment in Pietermaritzburg
- Personal Protective Equipment in Richards Bay
- Personal Protective Equipment in Newcastle
- Personal Protective Equipment in Ladysmith
- Personal Protective Equipment in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Personal Protective Equipment in East London
- Personal Protective Equipment in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Personal Protective Equipment in Cape Town
- Personal Protective Equipment in Bellville
- Personal Protective Equipment in Paarl
- Personal Protective Equipment in Stellenbosch
- Personal Protective Equipment in George
- Personal Protective Equipment in Worcester
