Protective clothing saves lives—but only when worn correctly.
In our experience supplying PPE across construction, chemical, and industrial sites, we’ve found that over 90% of workers make at least one mistake when wearing protective clothing. These errors might seem small, but they can compromise safety, reduce protection, and even lead to regulatory violations.
Here are the most common misuses we’ve seen—and how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Wearing the Wrong Type of Suit for the Job
Not all protective clothing is created equal. Using a Type 5/6 coverall for chemical splash protection (which actually requires Type 3 or 4) puts you at risk of exposure.
✅ How to avoid it:
Always check the EN standard or ANSI rating that matches your hazard:
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Type 3: liquid-tight
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Type 4: spray-tight
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Type 5: airborne particulates
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Type 6: light spray/mist
👉 At Gonow Safety, we provide suits labeled clearly by EN classification so you never guess wrong.
❌ Mistake #2: Gaps at the Wrists, Ankles, or Neck
Even the best suit fails if it’s not sealed properly. Leaving sleeves loose, or not taping wrists and ankles when required, creates direct entry points for harmful substances.
✅ How to avoid it:
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Use elastic cuffs or adhesive sealing tape.
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Pair suits with gloves, boots, and hoods designed to overlap.
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Follow donning procedures from safety data sheets (SDS).
❌ Mistake #3: Reusing Disposable Protective Suits
Disposable means single-use—yet many workers reuse their coveralls, especially if they “look clean.” The problem? Invisible contamination from particles or splashes can remain and cause harm.
✅ How to avoid it:
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Never reuse single-use suits (especially in chemical or biohazard environments).
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For reusable gear, follow proper decontamination and storage protocols.
❌ Mistake #4: Wearing the Suit Too Late—or Too Soon
Some workers don the suit after exposure risk starts, others wear it too early and overheat or sweat excessively, reducing comfort and alertness.
✅ How to avoid it:
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Set clear PPE zones where dressing and undressing is timed with task start/end.
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Choose breathable or cooling material suits for high-heat settings.
❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring Compatibility with Other PPE
Your coverall might fit—but does it fit with your harness, mask, or gloves? Poor compatibility can cause restricted movement or leave parts of the body exposed.
✅ How to avoid it:
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Test the entire PPE ensemble during training, not just individual pieces.
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Choose suits designed for use with harnesses, respirators, or belts.
🟢 Quick Checklist: Are You Wearing Your Protective Suit Correctly?
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Suit matches the hazard (Type 3/4/5/6)
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No visible gaps at edges
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PPE is clean or decontaminated
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Other gear (gloves, masks, belts) fits smoothly
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Suit is worn and removed in correct order
✅ Final Thoughts
Protective clothing only protects when it’s used the right way.
At Gonow Safety, we don’t just supply coveralls—we help you choose and wear them correctly. Whether you’re in construction, chemical processing, or hazardous cleanup, we offer PPE that’s practical, compliant, and tested in the real world.
✅ Call to Action
Not sure if your team is using PPE properly?
Contact Gonow Safety for product training resources, selection guides, and customized protective gear.
