"SAFETY FIRST AT EVERY WORKPLACE"

Choosing the right protective clothing and equipment is worth careful consideration, and finding the right fit is just as important. Unfortunately, choosing proper fitting PPE for you or others can be confusing. Understanding sizing conventions and determining which sizes are the right ones can be a challenge. Here are some simple PPE size charts to help you make the best decision when purchasing sized PPE.

To measure for your hat size, place a soft cloth tape measure around the widest part of your head (this is usually just above the eyebrows). Pull the tape measure snug, but not tight. Convert inches to hat size using the sizing chart below.

Safety eyewear size measurements depend on the type of lens you have. With a single-lens system, size is measured in millimeters (mm) from the outside of the left temple to the outside of the right temple (25.4 mm equals an inch). If the eyewear has a two-lens system, such as prescription eyewear, size is measured in mm from the left to right of each lens.

Of all PPE sizing challenges, accurate sizing for respirators is the most critical. Confusion sometimes occurs because respirator sizes are given descriptors (small, medium and large), but these do not relate to any measurable value. Respirators are made with the assumption that most people’s faces and heads have about the same width and length. This means that a medium size will fit approximately 70 percent of the adult population. Small and large sizes are made for a minority of the population. People who need these sizes generally know from their experience buying hats or prescription eyewear that their face and head size falls outside the norm. The only way to ensure the correct size for tight fitting respirators is to conduct the required fit testing.

Measuring the hand for correct fit will give the employee the best possible protection without compromising the task, duty or safety of the wearer. To find the correct glove size, measure around the hand (a dominant hand measurement is preferred) with a tape measure as shown below. The dominant hand will be the right if you are right-handed and left if you are left-handed. If the gloves you are purchasing come in numbered sizes, you can relate the inch measurement directly to the numerical size listed for the glove. For example, if the measurement taken is 8 inches, then you would select a size 8 glove. If the measurement is over 8 inches then it is prudent to select the next size larger in order to avoid hand fatigue from a too small glove. If the gloves you are purchasing come in lettered sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL or XXL), use the table below to translate the measurement.

We know that proper fit is so important to overall foot health. It will bring comfort for every worker if their footwear are in the right size. To help you make an the right decision on choosing the right size of your footwear, we have provided Cavalier size chart and fit assistance tools.

Measuring yourself to ensure that your workwear fits well is important to maintaining a professional appearance. Maintaining your professional appearance can be a stepping stone to new job opportunities with your company, and even raises. When measuring yourself for work wear, it’s best to enlist the help of a family member, friend, or tailor. It can be hard to properly reach the tape measure around yourself and get the correct measurement, so having help ensures that you will get correct measurements for your work pants, work shirts, coveralls, and/or jackets. Before you begin, you will need a tape measure, assistant, and a pencil and paper to take down your measurements.