QUESTION: Safety during renovation: what PPE is needed (glasses, gloves, respirator)?

Safety during any repair and construction work is an absolute priority for every craftsman, whether professional or amateur. When it comes to ensuring safety on-site, it is always best to start by drawing up a simple, yet clear action plan. At the first stage, determine the main goal of your work and estimate the available budget, then factor in the costs for high-quality personal protective equipment. Next, set realistic deadlines for completing tasks and make an exhaustive list of the necessary protective materials and devices that will protect you from injuries and occupational diseases.

Once the basic plan is approved, implement safety habits gradually through small iterations, making sure to check the results at each individual step. The basic PPE kit includes safety glasses with side shields, which will save your eyes from flying concrete chips, angle grinder sparks, and paint splashes. Be sure to use durable gloves selected for the specific type of work: thick split-leather gloves for rough handling of brick and metal, or thin nitrile gloves for precise painting and finishing procedures. To protect your respiratory tract from fine dust during wall sanding or old plaster demolition, a quality respirator with a protection class of at least FFP2 is required.

A comprehensive approach to safety helps avoid most typical injuries on a construction site and preserves health for years to come. Regularly check the condition of purchased protective gear for damage and replace respirator filters or worn gloves on time. Remember that saving money on PPE can turn into serious health problems and significantly higher financial costs for treatment. By following the principle of regular safety checks at every stage of renovation, you create a comfortable and controlled working environment for yourself and your assistants.