Safety Gear & Apparel

What is Safety Gear & Apparel?

Safety gear & apparel (PPE) includes the eye, face, hand, hearing and respiratory protection, plus high-visibility and site-control items used to keep workers safe during welding, fabrication and general shop work. On this page you’ll find everyday PPE such as safety glasses and goggles, welding gloves, disposable earplugs and earmuffs, respirators and PAPR components, and jobsite items like caution tape.

What Safety Gear & Apparel Do We Carry?

Eye Protection: Wrap-around safety glasses and sealed goggles in clear, gray and welding tints (anti-fog / anti-scratch options).
Gloves: General-purpose, cut-resistant and chemical-resistant gloves for material handling, shop tasks and light chemical contact.
Hearing Protection: Disposable earplugs and reusable earmuffs for grinding, cutting and high-noise areas.
Respiratory Kits & Filters: Disposable particulate respirators, half-mask options, and PAPR kits & separables for welding fume control.
Site Control: High-visibility caution tape for marking hazards, restricted zones and traffic flow.

How Do I Select the Right PPE?

Start with a hazard assessment (impact, chemical, cut, noise, fumes, visibility) and choose PPE to address each exposure.
Match standards & ratings listed on each item to your site requirements (e.g., ANSI Z87.1 for eye protection, NRR for hearing, respirator approvals as applicable).
Confirm fit and comfort—adjustable headgear, correct glove size, proper earplug insertion, and the right respirator size/model.
For welding tasks, pair helmets & filters with appropriate shade levels, and add grinding-mode protection as needed.
Stock spares & replacements (cover plates, lenses, cartridges/filters, earplugs, gloves) for quick change-outs.

How Do I Care for and Replace PPE?

Inspect PPE before use; replace items that are cracked, pitted, torn or no longer seal/fit properly.
Clean lenses and goggles with non-abrasive wipes; avoid solvents that may damage coatings.
Follow product guidance for respirator filter/cartridge change-outs and pre-use checks.
Store PPE dry and protected from spatter when not in service.
Place caution tape where it’s clearly visible; replace if damaged or faded.

Related Categories

Welding helmets & auto-darkening filters
Welding glasses & goggles
Respirators, filters & cartridges
Face shields, ear protection & storage

Safety Gear & Apparel FAQ

How do I choose safety glasses for my job?

Pick lenses that match the hazard and lighting. Use clear or gray for grinding/layout, green welding lenses for oxy-fuel cutting/brazing, and anti-fog coatings for humidity. Confirm the eyewear’s impact rating and side coverage meet your site rules.

What’s the difference between glasses, sealed glasses, and goggles?

Glasses are light and breathable for impact hazards. Sealed glasses add a foam gasket to reduce dust and splash. Goggles create the best seal and accept some specialty lenses; they’re bulkier but offer greater containment.

Which lens shade should I use for welding or cutting?

Follow a published shade chart for your process and output. As a general idea: clear/gray for grinding, green welding shades for oxy-fuel cutting/brazing, and a welding helmet with the proper shade for arc welding. Always confirm against your procedure.

How do I stop glasses from fogging?

Choose lenses with anti-fog coatings, keep foam gaskets dry, and use a proper-fit respirator to route exhaled air away from lenses. Clean with non-abrasive, anti-fog wipes.

How do I size and select gloves?

Measure hand width at the knuckles and consult the size chart. For tasks: use general-purpose gloves for handling, cut-resistant gloves where sharp edges are present, and chemical-resistant materials (e.g., Nitrile, Neoprene, PVC) per the chemical’s compatibility chart.

Are all gloves safe for chemicals?

No. Chemical resistance is material-specific and time-limited. Check the glove’s chemical compatibility sheet for each substance, and replace gloves that swell, soften, or show discoloration.

How often should I replace gloves?

Replace when they’re torn, abraded, oil-soaked, stiff, or after the recommended service life for chemical exposure. Disposable gloves are single-use.

What hearing protection should I pick, earplugs or earmuffs?

Either can work if fitted correctly. Earplugs are compact and great with other PPE; earmuffs are quick to don and useful in intermittent noise. Choose a protection level suitable for your measured noise (consider dual protection in very high noise).

How do I insert disposable earplugs correctly?

Roll into a thin cylinder, pull the ear up/back to straighten the canal, insert fully, then hold until expanded. Re-insert if they loosen or you can see much of the plug.

Do I need a respirator or a PAPR for welding fume?

Base it on your hazard assessment. Disposable or half-mask respirators with the proper filters may be adequate for some tasks; PAPRs add powered airflow and higher comfort/coverage. Confirm filter/cartridge type (particulate vs. gas/vapor) and follow a respiratory program.

How often do I change filters and cartridges?

Change particulate filters when breathing resistance rises, they’re damaged, or per your schedule. Gas/vapor cartridges follow a change-out plan based on contaminant, concentration, and use time; replace immediately if odor/taste/irritation is detected.

How do I check respirator fit and function?

Perform pre-use checks: inspect valves and straps, verify a good seal, and do positive/negative pressure checks (or follow manufacturer PAPR airflow checks). Facial hair can compromise a seal on tight-fitting respirators.

What’s “grind mode” on a welding helmet?

It disables darkening so you can grind without lifting the hood. Turn it off before welding or the helmet won’t darken.

Which auto-darkening filter features matter most?

Correct shade range for your process, adequate viewing area, and adjustable sensitivity/delay. Ensure you have the right inner/outer cover plates for the filter size.

When should I replace cover plates and lenses?

Replace when pitted, scratched, or cloudy. Damaged plates reduce visibility and can affect sensor performance.

How do I clean and store PPE?

Use non-abrasive lens wipes on eyewear, mild soap for helmet shells/goggles, and follow manufacturer cleaning for respirators. Store dry, out of UV and heat, in a case or bag.

Can I launder safety apparel and gloves?

Some garments can be laundered; follow the care label. Many coated or chemical-exposed gloves shouldn’t be machine washed—inspect and replace instead.

When is caution tape appropriate, and how should I use it?

Use it to mark hazards, restricted zones, and traffic flow. Place at eye level where possible, secure it to stay taut/visible, and replace when torn or faded. Use the proper color/message for the hazard type your site requires.

How do I make sure PPE works with other gear (helmets, respirators, muffs)?

Check compatibility before purchase: ensure earmuffs seal around glasses’ temples, respirator exhalation is directed away from lenses, and helmets clear hard-hat adapters or PAPR headtops.

What’s the best way to set a replacement schedule for PPE?

Write a simple plan by category: daily inspection + criteria to replace (damage/soil/fit), plus time-based intervals for items with predictable wear (earplugs: each use; filters/cartridges: per program; cover plates: upon damage or X hours of arc time).

Do I need training to use PPE correctly?

Yes—users should be trained to recognize hazards, select PPE, don/doff correctly, and maintain/replace it. Follow your company program and any applicable regulations.

Safety Gear & Apparel

ACF Apparel

Caution Tape

Eye Protection

Gloves

Hearing Protection

Respiratory Kits