PPE/General/TBT-PPE-015

Wet Weather PPE

Personal Protective Equipment › General › Wet Weather PPE

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Wet weather PPE protects construction workers from rain, wind chill, and waterlogged conditions on site.
Prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions causes hypothermia, reduced dexterity, and increased accident risk.
Waterproof jackets and trousers must also be high-visibility to EN ISO 20471 where required on site.
Breathable waterproof fabrics are essential — non-breathable materials cause sweating and internal dampness.
Waterproof safety boots with ankle support reduce the risk of slips and foot injuries in wet conditions.
Wet weather reduces grip strength and tool control, increasing the risk of hand injuries and dropped objects.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide suitable weather PPE.
Wet conditions also affect the performance of other PPE such as gloves, harnesses, and respiratory equipment.
Wet weather PPE must be maintained, dried, and stored correctly to remain effective over time.
Workers should be able to change into dry clothing during and after working in sustained wet conditions.

Prevent hypothermia	Wet clothing combined with wind chill rapidly lowers body temperature, causing hypothermia and impaired judgement.
Reduce accidents	Wet conditions reduce grip, visibility, and balance — proper PPE helps workers stay safe and effective.
Legal duty	The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide suitable weather protection for outdoor workers.

Don't

Provide waterproof jackets and overtrousers that meet high-visibility standards where required
Select breathable waterproof fabrics to prevent internal dampness from perspiration
Wear waterproof safety boots with good ankle support and slip-resistant soles
Change into dry base layers and socks during prolonged wet weather working periods
Inspect waterproof PPE regularly for worn seams, damaged zips, and loss of water resistance
Ensure wet weather PPE fits over other required PPE such as harnesses and tool belts
Provide a heated drying room for workers to dry clothing between shifts
Use waterproof gloves that maintain grip and dexterity for the task being performed
Store wet weather PPE clean and dry when not in use to maintain its effectiveness
Replace waterproof PPE promptly when it no longer repels water effectively

DON'T work in sustained rain without waterproof outer clothing provided by the employer
DON'T wear non-breathable waterproof layers that cause excessive sweating and dampness
DON'T use damaged waterproof PPE with split seams or worn coatings that let water in
DON'T ignore cold and shivering — these are early signs of hypothermia requiring action
DON'T store wet PPE bundled together without drying — it develops mould and loses function
DON'T assume standard cotton or polyester workwear provides adequate rain protection
DON'T remove high-visibility markings or wear non-hi-vis waterproofs where standards apply
DON'T continue working if wet clothing is causing loss of grip or reduced dexterity
DON'T rely on a single layer — wet weather conditions require layered clothing systems
DON'T skip boot maintenance — waterproof boots lose protection when seams are damaged

See also: Cold Weather PPE | Winter Working Safety

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