Best Practices for Wearing PPE Coveralls 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against workplace hazards. Among the most important pieces of PPE in many environments are protective coveralls, which protect skin and clothing from contaminants, chemicals, biological hazards, and other workplace risks. PPE coveralls only provide effective protection when they are selected, worn, removed, and disposed of properly. 

Improper use and handling of PPE coveralls can lead to contamination, exposure to hazardous materials, and increased risk to workers and those around them. Understanding proper handling procedures helps protect both people and the surrounding environment. 

Proper Storage of PPE Coveralls 

Key points to keep in mind when storing your coveralls: 

• Keep coveralls clean and dry, as moisture can compromise the fabric structure.
• Avoid extreme heat and cold weather. Heat can weaken fibers, while very low temperatures can make fabric brittle.
• Avoid UV exposure, as it can reduce chemical resistance and fabric strength.
• Keep coveralls in their original sealed packaging to prevent dust, moisture, or tearing.
• Keep multiple sizes in stock to avoid workers stretching or damaging improperly sized garments.
• Monitor the shelf life of PPE, particularly chemical protective suits. 

Pre-Use Inspection for Protective Coveralls 

Checking your coveralls before use helps confirm they are suitable, intact, and capable of providing the required level of protection. Selecting the correct coverall is essential for balancing risk, duration of work, and budget considerations. 

• Verify any regulatory or compliance requirements for the task.
• Determine whether the coverall is required to protect the wearer from hazards or protect the environment from contamination.
• Decide whether disposable or reusable suits are appropriate.
• Assess workplace hazards and environmental conditions before selecting the appropriate coverall.
• Ensure the correct size is worn to prevent tearing or snag hazards.
• Inspect the garment for tears, seam separation, faulty zippers, or damaged elastics.
• In many hazardous environments, certified garments such as Category III Type 5/6 protective coveralls are commonly used to help protect against hazardous particles and limited liquid exposure. 

How to Properly Don PPE Coveralls 

Follow these basic steps when putting on protective coveralls: 

• Put on appropriate footwear first.
• Step carefully into the coveralls and pull them up to your waist.
• Insert arms into the sleeves and pull the garment over the shoulders.
• Zip the coverall fully up to the chin and secure the zipper flap if present.
• Wear gloves over the sleeves and tape gloves to sleeves if there is a liquid exposure risk.
• Tape the ankles if additional liquid protection is required.
• Ensure the hood fits snugly without restricting movement; no skin is exposed to the wrists or neck. 

Best Practices When Working in PPE Coveralls 

• Avoid sharp edges or rough surfaces that could damage the coveralls.
• Avoid standing in pooled chemicals unless the suit is specifically designed for high liquid exposure. Regularly check for tears, wet spots, or seam failures. Exit the area immediately if the garment becomes compromised.
• Monitor heat stress, stay hydrated, and follow work rest cycles. 

Safe Removal and Disposal of Coveralls 

Safe removal of PPE coveralls is critical because improper doffing can expose workers to hazardous substances and increase the risk of contamination. 

• Exit the contaminated area or job site before removing the coverall.
• Remove any tape and gloves carefully.
• Unzip the coverall slowly and roll the suit inside out as it is removed downward.
• Avoid shaking the garment to prevent spreading contaminants.
• Dispose of the coverall in a designated waste container according to workplace procedures.
• Wash hands immediately after removal.
• Dispose of the coverall as contaminated waste if exposed to hazardous materials and follow local regulations.
• Do not reuse disposable coveralls. 

PPE Done Right: Safety All the Way 

Proper use of PPE coveralls helps protect workers from workplace hazards while reducing the risk of injuries or contamination. Following correct procedures for storage, inspection, donning, safe use, and removal ensure protection throughout the entire work process.

Stephanie Osmond
Product Manager, Head and Body Protection
RONCO Safety