What cheap personal protective equipment really has to do
The price decides – but not always about the right thing. When you shop for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you may be wondering the question: Is the low-cost model enough? The honest answer: Sometimes yes – but only if you know what's important. Because: Not every cheap glove or helmet is automatically bad. But any PPE that does not provide protection in accordance with standards is a safety risk – for you, your team and your company.
Cheap is not the same as cheap – that makes the difference
Cheap PPE can be a sensible choice if it meets the relevant standards. Cheap products without certification, on the other hand, are dangerous – they often do not provide sufficient protection and only give you a deceptive feeling of security. Practical example: An inexpensive glove without cut protection may be enough in the warehouse - but in metalworking it can become a real danger. In case of doubt: Better simple but tested PPE than a supposed bargain without proof.
Safety before price – always
Whether on the construction site, in the laboratory or in the workshop – the most important task of PPE is to protect your health. There are binding standards for this, such as:
| Product | Relevant standard | Protective |
| Chemical Protective Gloves | EN ISO 374-1/-5 | Protection against chemicals and microorganisms |
| Safety shoes | EN ISO 20345 | Protection against shocks, penetration, slipping |
| High-visibility clothing | EN ISO 20471 | Visibility day and night |
Additional tip:
Make sure that the standard information is always verified with a test number or certificate. This is the only way to ensure that the PPE is really verifiably tested and approved - and not just advertised with a supposed standard.
Comfort is part of safety
Cheap PPE is often a bit simpler – that doesn't have to be a bad thing. But: If it is not comfortable, it will not be worn. And that is a risk in itself. A glove that slips, a helmet that pinches – such products quickly end up in the corner.
Comfort features that really count:
- good fit & size variety
- breathable materials
- non-slip grip surfaces
- Padded zones or soft inner coating
- Ergonomic design for longer wear
Result: Even cheap PPE should be so comfortable that you will enjoy wearing it every day – only then will it really protect you.
Ask yourself these 4 questions before you buy
- What needs to be protected? (e.g. chemistry, pruning, heat)
- Which standard is mandatory or useful?
- How long do you wear PPE every day?
- Do you have to move, grasp, see or hear a lot?
The more precisely you know your requirements, the better you can decide whether a cheap model is sufficient - or whether it needs to be more.
How to recognize tested PPE
Do you want to make sure that your PPE meets the standard requirements?
Look for the following clues:
- CE marking: indicates that the product meets European safety requirements.
- Manufacturer's information: check whether the standard (e.g. EN ISO 374-1 or EN ISO 20345) is mentioned in full.
- Declarations of conformity or certificates: available on request from the dealer or manufacturer – they prove the actual test.
This information should be clear and transparent on the packaging, label or product data sheet.
Conclusion: Security must not be a compromise
Cheap PPE is perfectly okay – if it protects. But: Standard protection, comfort and practicality are mandatory. Because PPE is not a fashion item – it's your daily safety equipment. Therefore, the following applies: It is not the price that decides, but the protective effect.
Your protection professional tip
You don't want to pay too much - but you don't want to give away security either? Then pay attention to the following when shopping:
- Certified standards
- Comprehensible test reports
- Comfortable wearing properties
- Real practicality
Get advice from professionals – and take a look at tested PPE models with a good price-performance ratio.
More know-how for your safety:
Die Schutzprofis – Blog Magazine for PPE & Occupational Safety »