Personal protective equipment in logistics plants

Personal protective equipment in logistics plants

In logistics plants, where the activity is characterised by handling loads, the use of machinery and a high traffic of people and vehicles, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not optional, but a key requirement to guarantee workers’ safety.

Changing conditions, physical risks and the need for ergonomics make a rigorous selection of the most suitable PPE for each position essential.

Main occupational hazards in logistics environments

Before defining the PPE required, it is essential to identify the most common occupational hazards in a logistics plant:

  • Falls on the same level: due to slippery floors, spills or irregularities.
  • Knocks or trapping: caused by forklift trucks, pallet trucks or the handling of loads.
  • Cuts or punctures: during the handling of packaging, tools or goods.
  • Overexertion: as a result of forced postures or inadequate lifting of loads.
  • Electrocution due to electrostatic build-up (ESD): especially in electronic handling areas.
  • Exposure to noise or extreme temperatures, although less frequent, in specific areas.

Faced with these risks, the right choice of PPE can make the difference between a safe working day and an accident at work.

Essential Personal Protective Equipment in logistics

1. Safety footwear

Safety footwear is one of the most critical elements. In logistics, it must offer protection against impact, punctures, slipping, electrostatic build-up and also guarantee comfort during long days.

An ideal example is model AF20GR from Fal Seguridad’s Airfal line, specifically designed for demanding industrial and logistic environments.

Technical characteristics of model AF20GR:
  • Upper: hydrofuged, breathable fabric with reflective details, ideal for indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Toecap: Non-metallic Vincap, lightweight and resistant.
  • Safety insole: Anti-puncture textile (High Tenacity Polyester), complying with EN ISO 20345:2022 (PS).
  • Sole: Rebound System Technology, incorporating a polyurethane lining with high ergonomic properties. Improves comfort, cushioning and reduces fatigue.
  • Standards: Complies with EN ISO 20345:2011 (SRC) and EN ISO 20345:2022 (SR), guaranteeing high slip resistance.
  • ESD: Protection against static electricity build-up, essential in electronic handling areas.
  • Removable insole: Anatomic, ergonomic and with antibacterial treatment.
  • Closure: Laces with internal adjustment by means of lycra for a firm, comfortable fit.

This model offers a perfect balance between safety, ergonomics and lightness, essential features for logistics workers who spend long hours on their feet or on the move.

2. Protective gloves

Gloves are essential PPE for workers in logistics plants, as they protect against cuts, abrasions, punctures and chemical agents. The choice of the appropriate model will depend on the task performed:

  • For general goods handling, synthetic fibre gloves coated with nitrile or polyurethane are recommended, providing grip, slip resistance and tactile sensitivity.
  • For depalletising or packaging handling, cut-resistant gloves with protection level B or higher according to EN 388 are an optimal choice.
  • In areas where chemicals or solvents are handled, gloves must comply with EN ISO 374, ensuring resistance to penetration and permeation of hazardous substances.
    In addition, gloves should fit the worker’s size correctly so as not to interfere with manual dexterity or cause hand fatigue due to pressure or friction.

3. Workwear

Work clothing in logistics environments should be designed for comfort, freedom of movement and abrasion resistance, without compromising safety. It is recommended that it should have the following characteristics:

  • Breathable and resistant fabric, preferably with reinforcements in areas of greatest wear (elbows, knees).
  • Ergonomic cut, facilitating dynamic work (bending, lifting loads, climbing machinery).
  • In areas of low visibility or circulation of industrial vehicles, high-visibility clothing in accordance with EN ISO 20471 is essential, with reflective bands on the torso and extremities.
  • In cold areas (docks, cold rooms), thermal jackets or inner liners certified according to EN 14058 must be worn, without compromising mobility.

In addition, the use of padded waistcoats or garments with multiple pockets facilitates the portability of light tools and electronic devices such as code readers or management terminals.

4. Eye and ear protection

Depending on the area within the plant, workers may be exposed to eye and noise hazards that must be properly controlled:

  • Protective eyewear is necessary in areas with risk of particle impact, chemical splashes or dust generation. They must comply with EN 166, and it is recommended that they have anti-fogging and anti-scratch treatment to improve durability and visibility.
  • For hearing protection, especially in loading docks, maintenance areas or where compressors and power tools are used, hearing protectors such as earmuffs or earplugs should be used, which reduce exposure levels to less than 80 dB, in accordance with EN 352.

Una correcta señalización de las zonas con protección obligatoria ayuda a reforzar la cultura preventiva.

5. Respiratory protection

Although in most logistics areas the levels of contaminants are low, there are specific tasks or areas where specific respiratory protection is required:

  • In cleaning operations with chemical products, unloading containers that have transported dusty materials or handling industrial waste, the use of self-filtering masks FFP2 or FFP3, according to EN 149, should be assessed.
  • If the work environment involves prolonged exposure to particles, it is advisable to use models with exhalation valves, which improve comfort and reduce heat build-up.

Filtration systems should be checked and replaced at appropriate intervals, and personnel should be trained in their correct use.

The correct use of Personal Protective Equipment in logistics significantly reduces the occupational accident rate. In this environment, safety footwear plays a key role, as it is the first barrier against impacts, slipping and postural stress. Models like the AF20GR by Fal Seguridad not only comply with the most demanding technical standards, but also improve user comfort and favour safer, more efficient performance.