Safety & Workwear Guides
Practical, accurate guides on PPE standards, safety footwear, workwear regulations and more — written for site managers, H&S officers and procurement leads.
9 June 2026
FFP1 vs FFP2 vs FFP3: Which Respirator Mask Do You Need?
The FFP rating on a disposable respirator tells you how much airborne particulate it filters out — but the differences between FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 aren't always obvious. Here's a plain-English guide.
Read guide9 June 2026
Safety Boot Standards Explained: EN ISO 20345:2022 (SB to S7)
The 2022 update to EN ISO 20345 added S6 and S7, replaced SRA, SRB and SRC, split puncture protection into PS and PL, and made fuel-oil resistance optional. Here is what every code means now.
Read guide22 June 2026
Hi-Vis Class 2 vs Class 3: EN ISO 20471 Classes Explained
Class 2 or Class 3? The difference is how much fluorescent fabric and reflective tape a garment carries, and whether it covers the arms or legs. Here is what each EN ISO 20471 class needs and how to choose.
Read guide22 June 2026
EN 388 Explained: Glove Cut Levels, Codes & How to Choose
The code under the hammer pictogram on a safety glove — like 4X43D — is its EN 388 rating. Here is what every digit means, the test values behind each level, and how to pick the right cut level for the job.
Read guide22 June 2026
What Is Face Fit Testing? A Plain-English Guide for Employers
If your team wears tight-fitting masks, UK law expects each person to be face-fit tested. Here is what that means, when it applies, and the two methods used.
Read guide22 June 2026
Embroidery vs Print for Workwear: Which Should You Choose?
Branding your workwear comes down to two main methods — embroidery and print. Each suits different garments, designs and budgets. Here is how to choose.
Read guide27 September 2026
GORE-TEX® vs Standard Waterproof Workwear: Is It Worth It?
For people outdoors all day in the rain, usually yes. For occasional use, usually no. Here is how GORE-TEX® Workwear compares with PU-coated and breathable waterproofs, with real prices from our range.
Read guide27 September 2026
How to Wash GORE-TEX® Workwear (Jackets & Trousers)
Washing doesn’t harm a GORE-TEX® Garment. Dirt does. Here is Gore’s own care routine for GORE-TEX® workwear, with the extra checks that hi-vis and rail garments need.
Read guide27 September 2026
EN 343 Explained: Waterproof Workwear Classes
4:4:R, 3:1 or 3:3? The EN 343 label on a waterproof tells you how well it keeps rain out and how well it lets sweat out. Here is how to read it.
Read guide8 October 2026
EN 166 Markings Explained: How to Read Safety Glasses & Goggles
1 FT KN or BT 3 4? The small print on a lens and frame tells you how clear the eye protection is, how much impact it takes and which hazards it is made for. Here is how to read it.
Read guide8 October 2026
Coverall Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 Explained: Disposable Protective Clothing
Type 5/6, Type 4-B, Type 3? The Type number on a disposable coverall tells you what it was tested to keep out — and a Type 5/6 suit is not a chemical suit. Here is how the types work.
Read guide8 October 2026
Hearing Protection SNR Explained: How Much Do You Need?
SNR 27 or SNR 37? A higher number is not always better. Here is what SNR means, how much you need for the noise you work in, and why over-protecting can be as risky as under-protecting.
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