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Personal protective equipment - Trade fair impressions A+A. Various safety shoes.

Personal protection (PPE) at the A+A trade fair

Photo: Various safety shoes and safety gloves on a shelf at the A+A

What is personal protective equipment / PPE?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes all measures and devices used to ensure the health and safety of people in various working environments. This includes helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, masks and protective clothing.  
 
PPE is important to prevent injuries and damage to health at work. Different types of PPE must be worn depending on the activity and potential hazard. It is important that employers provide their employees with the right PPE and train them accordingly to prevent accidents and ensure safety in the workplace.
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PARADIGM SHIFTS

Efficient protective equipment, new technology, individual solutions, functional and fashionable clothing.

The industry‘s market leaders present themselves with their latest products. Digital innovations revolutionise and optimise personal protection; this is a paradigm shift! In addition, work clothes are being transformed into outfits that are both fashionable and professional.

Highlights
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Exhibitors

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Expert Forums & Networking

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Program overview

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Hall and site plans

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Corporate Fashion

The trend: Individualised work clothes, protective clothing and workwear. This very successful special segment of the A+A shows working clothes that are attractive as well as functional, and which communicate corporate identities. More and more companies have discovered that corporate fashion promotes team spirit among employees and facilitates the visual communication of brands.

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Various product categories relating to safety equipment

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A wide range of product categories covering all aspects of health and safety in the workplace will be presented at the trade fair. Everything from personal protective equipment and corporate wear to special equipment for emergency management will be represented. Topics such as occupational safety, health at work, media/training and sustainability will also be covered in detail. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out about components, sourcing & services and to discuss current trends and developments in the industry. The "Safety and Health" meeting point also offers a platform for networking and exchanging experiences.

Safety equipment for various occupational groups

In the professional world, there are many occupational groups that require specific PPE in order to carry out their work safely. These include firefighters, electricians, construction workers, chemists, carers, police officers, hairdressers, medical staff and security services. Specific equipment for these occupational groups will be presented in detail at the A+A trade fair. Firefighters, for example, require special protective suits and helmets, electricians need insulating gloves and shoes, while medical personnel need protective clothing and masks. The A+A trade fair offers a wide range of products and solutions to ensure the safety and health of workers in various occupational fields."

Types of personal / health protection

Photo: A mannequin wearing a breathing mask.
Head protection:
Safety helmets are often used on construction sites to protect the head from falling objects.
Eye and face protection:
Safety glasses or face shields protect the eyes and face from splinters and other flying particles, while also counteracting harmful radiation and chemical splashes.
Hearing protection:
Noise-reducing earplugs or ear muffs protect hearing in noisy working environments.
Respiratory protection:
Includes protective masks and respirators used when working in areas with contaminated air.
Photo: A person holding a safety glove in their hands.
Hand protection:
Gloves protect hands from injuries, such as cuts or burns, and from hazardous chemicals.
Body protection:
Protective clothing, such as overalls or safety waistcoats, provide protection against specific risks such as chemical exposure, heat, cold or moisture.
Foot protection:
Safety shoes and boots can protect against puncture injuries, heavy objects that could fall on the foot or slippery surfaces.
Protection against falls:
Protective equipment against falls, such as safety harnesses, fall protection systems and anchor points, are important in working environments where work is carried out at heights.

Overview of laws relating to personal protection

In general, the law stipulates that the employer must provide suitable PPE and train employees accordingly. Depending on the area of work, additional or special equipment requirements may apply. For example, different guidelines apply in the construction industry than in the chemical industry. To prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace, it is important that the employer provides the right PPE and ensures that employees use it correctly. In addition, PPE must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness in terms of health and safety.

Important points when selecting PPE

There are several important aspects to consider when selecting personal protective equipment (PPE). Firstly, the PPE should be comfortable and fit well without restricting the wearer's movement or work performance. In addition, the equipment must be tailored to the respective activity and the specific hazards. It is ensured that the PPE fulfils certain standards and certifications so that an appropriate level of protection is provided. Finally, the durability of the equipment and the need for and frequency of maintenance should also be taken into account when making a decision.

The importance of PPE training

It is not enough to have access to PPE. Workers also need to be trained to know when and how to use it correctly. They must also be instructed on their maintenance and replacement to ensure that PPE is always effective. Training should also include how to recognize worn or defective PPE.

FAQ on personal protective equipment

What is personal protective equipment?

Personal protective equipment is special clothing and equipment designed to protect against health or safety risks in the workplace. This can include helmets, gloves, safety goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection or respiratory masks. 

What criteria apply to the selection of PPE?

When selecting PPE (personal protective equipment), attention should be paid to the type of hazard, the level of protection, wearing comfort and fit. Factors such as quality, durability and any legal requirements also play a role. 

What needs to be considered when buying PPE?

When buying PPE (personal protective equipment), you must look for the CE mark, which confirms that the product complies with EU safety standards. The PPE should also be comfortable and fit properly. Make sure you are well informed about the intended use and the specific requirements of the equipment in question. 

What categories of personal protective equipment are there?

Personal protective equipment can be divided into different categories. These include head, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, skin protection and body protection. There is also protective equipment for special work situations such as fall protection or protection against electromagnetic fields.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss A+A

  • Complete overview of the entire value chain
  • Comprehensive range of products and solutions
  • Top rating: 98% visitor satisfaction
  • International industry meeting point: 48% from Germany | 37% from the rest of Europe | 15% from outside Europe
  • Exciting LIVE topics: Elaborately staged and highly practical
  • Compact expert knowledge: Including the A+A Congress (Europe’s largest discussion forum on occupational safety and health)
  • Prime location: State capital Düsseldorf | Next to the airport | Direct connection to the main train station | Short distance to the city center

Further product areas at the A+A

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Security at work

Whether you are a corporate group, a medium-sized company or a small business - the protection of people, property and processes always takes centre stage.
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Health at work

Healthy workplaces and workplace health promotion are crucial for good work - from occupational medicine and ergonomics to movement, digitalisation, robotics and AI.
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Corporate Fashion

A+A is the world's largest trade fair for corporate fashion - the platform for textile innovations and trends. Experience it live in the fashion shows.
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Fire Protection Disaster Management

Presentations and live demonstrations will show how accidents and major damage can be prevented - and how companies can protect themselves.
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Components, Fabrics, Pre-products

From labels and emblems to pre-products for work shoes - at A+A, developers, designers and buyers will find everything they need for modern protective workwear.
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Ergonomics at the workplace

Ergonomics is a central theme at A+A, as ergonomic workstations enable healthy working and have a positive effect on well-being and productivity. 
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