Last updated on 27.07.2026.

Put on a helmet, slip on some gloves, and you're good to go... right? It’s not that simple. Personal protective equipment in the workplace is surrounded by persistent assumptions—about when it's needed, how it should be worn correctly, and even what it actually protects against. Some of these assumptions may seem harmless, but in practice they can make the difference between the wearer being properly protected or just having a false sense of security.

Many misconceptions about PPE still exist, precisely because it is so personal. In this article, we disprove ten of the most common myths about PPE.

Myth #1: “As long as I’m wearing PPE, I'm safe”

Partly true. You’re missing one crucial word: correctly.

Anyone can wear PPE, but you're only protected if you use it correctly. Only then you will be sufficiently protected against risks in the workplace.

“It’s not PPE if it doesn’t fit.”

Here are a few examples of correct PPE use:

• Put on your fall arrest harness according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it's too loose or worn incorrectly, it offers little to no protection.

• Wear flame-retardant workwear with all buttons fastened, sleeves fully down, and your shirt tucked into your trousers.
• Check that your safety helmet has not exceeded its service life.

Myth #2: “If PPE complies with the same standards, it's identical and therefore offers the same level of protection”

False. Two PPE products which comply with the same standard, may still differ significantly in terms of protection, comfort, and performance. Standards define minimum requirements—they do not guarantee identical quality, technology, or user experience.

Before purchasing PPE, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the PPE comply with the applicable safety standards , and also with the European PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425?
• Which technologies or materials influence its performance?

For example, cut-resistant gloves made from lightweight yet extremely strong fibres (such as Dyneema®) can provide the same level of protection as heavier alternatives, but offer greater user comfort. Comfort is not a luxury: comfortable PPE is more likely to be worn not only more often, but also worn correctly.

So, the manufacturer is not the “deciding factor” simply because it’s a well-known brand. Rather, the technology, material selection, and product quality determine how well PPE performs, even when products comply with the same standard.

Myth #3: “If my PPE still looks like it’s in good condition, then it will still protect me”

False, and in some cases, regular inspection is even a legal requirement. Just because PPE still looks to be in good condition does not mean it continues to provide adequate protection. Proper maintenance and correct cleaning help PPE last longer—which is better for both your budget and for sustainability—but, more importantly, they ensure it continues to safely perform the job it was designed to do.

For some types of PPE, maintenance is mandatory:

• Fall protection equipment must be inspected at least once every 12 months, and always following a fall.
  • In Belgium, this inspection must be carried out by an independent body.
  • In the Netherlands and France, it must be performed by a competent person and, where applicable, one who is authorised by the manufacturer.
• It's generally not advisable to wash protective workwear yourself. In Belgium, this is often not legally permitted because:
  • you may contaminate your personal clothing with hazardous substances;
  • washing can reduce or remove the garment's protective properties;
  • and contaminated workwear can itself become a safety risk (for example, high-visibility clothing that is less visible due to dirt, soot on firefighters' protective clothing, or contamination from hazardous substances).
• Dirty PPE can lose its protective effectiveness. For example:
  • high-visibility clothing that becomes less visible because of dirt;
  • firefighters' protective clothing with soot or residue left on it;
  • gloves or respiratory masks whose materials deteriorate due to contamination.

Use a specialised PPE maintenance or laundry service that cleans, inspects, and records your PPE in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Myth #4: “I don't need to shave if I'm wearing a respiratory mask”

False. A beard or moustache reduces protection against hazardous gases, vapours, and substances. Facial hair creates small leaks around the respirator's sealing surface. Cumulatively, these leaks can have a significant impact:

A leak of just 0.5% around the mask can result in 10 times more contaminated air entering your mouth and lungs.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, fit testing has become much more widely adopted. A fit test verifies whether a tight-fitting respirator—such as an FFP2, FFP3, or half-face respirator—forms a proper seal against your face. Passed the fit test? Then you can be confident that your respirator is providing you with the protection it was designed to deliver.

Myth #5: “The more standards a PPE product complies with, and the higher its performance ratings, the better protected I am”

False. Overprotection does not improve safety—it can actually introduce additional risks. For example, PPE that is unnecessarily heavy or offers more protection than the task requires can increase the risk of heat stress, restrict your freedom of movement, and reduce your visibility or sense of touch.

Let your risk assessment (RI&E) guide your choice. If the risk assessment shows that a Type 5 or Type 6 chemical protective coverall provides adequate protection, then there is no benefit in choosing a heavier Type 3 coverall that unnecessarily restricts your movement. The best PPE is not the heaviest or the one with the most certifications. It is the PPE that is appropriate for the actual workplace hazard.

Myth #6: “When I'm working with electricity, I need antistatic PPE”

Not necessarily! It depends on the specific hazard. Electrical work can involve different types of risks, including electric shock, fire, and explosion. Each hazard requires a different level of protection.

Antistatic means: allowing electrical charges to dissipate safely.

• This is necessary where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
• Examples include safety footwear with antistatic soles (S1, S2, S3) and antistatic protective clothing certified to EN 1149-5.

Insulating means: preventing electrical current from passing through the material.

• This is required where there is a risk of electric shock.
• Examples include insulating gloves, boots, and insulating mats.

Please note: Antistatic safety footwear (S1–S3) has an electrical resistance between 10⁵ Ω and 10⁹ Ω. This only provides protection against electric shocks up to 250 V AC. If you are working with high voltage, you need certified insulating boots. Antistatic safety footwear alone is not sufficient.

Also, be aware of the updated footwear standard EN ISO 20345:2022, which introduces classifications such as S3L, S3S, S6, and S7. Make sure you choose the class that matches your specific working conditions.

Myth #7: “To determine how long I can work safely, I simply add together the permeation times of the PPE items I wear on top of each other”

False, and potentially very risky.

Permeation time or breakthrough time indicates how long it takes for a chemical substance to penetrate the material of a piece of PPE at a molecular level. For chemical-resistant gloves permeation time is an important factor when selecting the right product.

However, it's important to interpret permeation times with caution:

• Permeation times are measured under standardised laboratory conditions, at a fixed temperature, without movement or pressure, and using a single pure chemical. In real-world working conditions, where higher temperatures, friction, strain, and chemical mixtures are involved, the actual breakthrough time may be significantly shorter. Therefore, there is no automatic safety margin.
• Nor can permeation times simply be added together. Wearing multiple layers of PPE does not mean you can combine their permeation times to achieve a longer safe working period. Each material is affected independently.
• Degradation begins as soon as the material comes into contact with the chemical. As a result, the material gradually loses its protective properties, even before the breakthrough time has been reached.

Myth #8: “I can write my name on my safety helmet”

False. It may seem convenient, but doing so can damage your helmet. Permanent markers often contain solvents and plasticisers that can degrade the helmet's plastic shell. This weakens the helmet, and means its protective performance can no longer be guaranteed.

Safe alternatives:

• Use special helmet stickers that are specifically approved for use on safety helmets.
• Or have your helmet personalised by the manufacturer or distributor, ensuring that its protective properties remain intact.

Myth #9: “PPE is the first step towards workplace safety”

False. PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of your occupational health and safety strategy. The first step is to determine whether the hazard can be eliminated or substituted. If that is not possible, the next step is to control the risk through technical or administrative controls. Only when a residual risk remains should PPE be used as an additional protective measure.

Reversing this order places the responsibility for safety almost entirely on the individual worker, and overlooks structural improvements that can make the workplace safer for everyone.

Myth #10: “Any PPE bearing the CE mark is safe”

No. A CE marking simply indicates that a product may be sold within the European Union and complies with the applicable essential health and safety requirements. It does not indicate which specific hazards the PPE is designed to protect against.

For example, an ordinary winter glove and a chemical-resistant glove may both carry a CE marking, yet they provide entirely different types of protection. Winter gloves are designed to keep your hands warm, while a chemical-resistant glove must be tested and certified to protect against hazardous substances. The CE‑marking alone cannot differentiate between the two functions

Important points to remember

• PPE is the last step in the hierarchy of risk control, not the first.
• PPE only provides protection when it is worn correctly, is properly maintained, and replaced when necessary.
• The manufacturer, compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425, and the appropriate certification all make a real difference.
• Overprotection does not improve safety—it can actually introduce additional risks.
• Cheaper is rarely better value: poorly made or counterfeit PPE can put your employees at serious risk.

Need help choosing the right PPE?

Choosing the right PPE starts with a thorough risk assessment and expert advice. Our specialists are happy to help you find the right solution.

Make an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need to shave before wearing a respirator?
Yes. A beard or moustache can create leaks around the respirator's sealing surface. Even a 0.5% leak can allow up to 10 times more contaminated air into your lungs. Whenever possible, carry out a fit test.

Can you write your name on a safety helmet?
No. Permanent markers often contain solvents and plasticisers that can weaken the helmet's material. Instead, use helmet stickers specifically designed for safety helmets, or have the helmet personalised by the manufacturer.

How often should fall protection equipment be inspected?
At least once every 12 months, and following every fall. In Belgium, inspections must be carried out by an independent inspection body. In the Netherlands and France, inspections must be performed by a competent person.

What is the difference between antistatic and insulating PPE?
Antistatic PPE safely dissipates electrical charges, and is used where there is a risk of fire or explosion. Insulating PPE prevents electrical current from passing through the material, and is used where there is a risk of electric shock.

What does ‘permeation time’ mean for chemical-resistant gloves?
Permeation time is the time it takes for a chemical substance to penetrate the glove material at the molecular level under standardised laboratory conditions. In real-world working conditions, the actual permeation time is often shorter.

How can I identify reliable PPE?
Check the CE marking, the four-digit identification number alongside the CE marking for Category III PPE; compliance with the applicable standard (such as EN ISO 20345:2022); and the EU declaration of conformity. Always purchase PPE from a trusted and authorised supplier.