The Best Plumbing Safety Equipment - PPE for Plumbers

After years in plumbing, the hazards can start to fade into the background. But they're always there and can lead to life-altering consequences if not taken seriously. Preparing for the day's tasks isn’t just about getting the job done. It’s about protecting yourself in the process. After all, you’re far less effective with a broken back, impaired vision, or damaged hearing. Beyond gloves and boots, essential safety gear for plumbers includes safety glasses, hard hats or bump caps, and hearing protection. 

Keep your team safe with a comprehensive Toolbox Talk. 

Looking for more of the best gear for plumbers? Check out: 

• The Best Workwear Clothing For Plumbers
  
• Best Boots For Plumbers

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1. Safety starts with awareness
2. Hard hats
3. Bump caps
4. Knee pads
5. Back protection
6. Eye protection
7. Gloves
8. Face mask
9. Boots
10. Hearing protection
11. Equipment inspection and disinfection

1. Safety starts with awareness 

Chances are, a plumber who handles residential fixture repairs and drain cleaning will require less protective gear than someone working on large commercial boiler systems. The important thing is to be aware of the possible hazards and how to minimise the risk. 

• Slips and falls.
• Exposure to toxic or carcinogenic substances, such as:
  • Mould
  • Asbestos
  • Lead
• Exposure to biohazards from:
  • Septic tanks
  • Animal droppings
• Electrical hazards
• Steam burns
• Falls from working at heights
• Chemical burns from handling harsh cleaning agents or chemicals
• Injuries from heavy lifting or awkward positions
• Burns from hot water or pipes
• Noise-induced hearing loss from working in loud environments
• Eye injuries from flying debris or splashing chemicals
• Cuts from sharp tools or materials
• Risk of fire or explosion when working with gas lines

2. Hard hats 

While hard hats may not be your typical daily wear for plumbers, they're essential when working in crawl spaces, low basements, or attics where head injuries from beams and other obstructions are possible or where there's a risk of falling tools or electrical exposure. 

Our pick: Klein Tools — Hard Hat, Vented Full Brim

• Quick-release headlamp.
• Lightweight.
• Made from carbon fibre.
• Securely attached detachable light.
• Fast rechargeable light with long-lasting full brightness.
• Effective sweatband and suspension pad to keep sweat out of your eyes, even in extreme conditions.
• Adjustable vents to regulate temperature.

3. Bump caps

A more comfortable, reasonable day-to-day alternative to a hard hat is a bump cap. These comfortable alternatives to helmets will protect your head from knocks or cuts, without the same weight and discomfort as a helmet or hard hat.

Our pick: Pyramex — Safety Baseball Bump Cap

• Custom-fit with a soft inner foam cushion for comfortable wear.
• The size can be adjusted with a hook and loop strap to give a quick, secure fit.
• Easy clean - the tough polyethylene vented shell is removable and the outer cap is fully washable.

4. Knee pads

It's easy (and pretty common) for younger plumbers to dismiss the threat of knee damage from something they consider fairly easy, such as crouching to complete a job. However, as most veteran plumbers will tell you, plumbers need to use good knee pads to avoid static stress damage. Static stress occurs when the knee is under pressure for extended periods and it can cause traumatic or fatal damage to the knee joints. Sustained pressure can damage the cartilage and tissues. Compounded over the years, this can cause serious issues and constant discomfort. Using skid-proof knee pads protects your knees during extended periods of kneeling. 

Our pick: Sellstrom — Hard Plastic Hinged Knee Pad

• Secure, no readjustment needed.
• Easy, single-time adjustment.
• No slipping, stable fit.
• Moulded for personalised comfort.

5. Back protection

Remember, you only have one back, so never agree to lift something heavier than what feels comfortable. To prevent injuries, plumbers should wear a back brace when lifting heavy equipment or working in awkward positions. While the speed of the job might seem crucial at the moment, recovering from a back injury can take anywhere from weeks to a lifetime.

Our pick: Bracability — Back Brace for Work

• Medical grade back brace.
• Fits under a safety vest.
• Flexible, inclusive sizing options for men and women.
• Adjustable compression.

6. Eye protection 

Every plumber should always have eye protection on hand. Whether you're snaking a drain, working under a sink, or soldering, eye protection is essential to shield you from unexpected sprays, leaks, or splatters. The two most common types of eye protection you'll need on the job are safety spectacles and safety goggles. Both are designed to protect your eyes from caustic chemical splashes—like when a client forgets to mention they poured Draino or another harsh agent down the sink before calling you in a last-ditch effort to unclog it themselves.

Our pick for daily wear: Natty Workwear — Kenneth Clear Frame

• Clear frame with clear lens
• Meets AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 standard
• Transparent side shields for ultimate peripheral protection
• Moulded nose bridge designed for maximum comfort
• UV400 UV protection
• An all-rounder for both him and her

Goggles protect your eyes from tools, flying debris, and other impact hazards. For situations with significant wind or heightened danger from flying debris, sealed safety glasses provide additional protection. However, they can be less comfortable, making them less likely to be worn all day unless the threat is constant.

Our pick for high risk jobs: DeWalt — Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle

• Elastic Headband
• DEWALT ToughCoat hard-coated lens provides tough protection against scratches.
• DEWALT anti-fog lens coating provides tough protection against fogging.
  Soft, dual-injected rubber conforms to the face to provide a high level of protection from dust 
  and debris
• Adjustable, elastic cloth head strap provides a comfortable fit.
• Ventilation channels allow breathability and added protection against fogging.
• Low profile design provides full field of vision / Polycarbonate lens meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provides 99.9% UV protection.

7. Gloves

While gloves may become contaminated with toxic materials, they are essential for protecting plumbers from the threat of exposure to chemical burns, contamination or simply touching something you'd really rather not... Latex gloves are cost-effective for biohazards, while heat-insulated gloves are ideal for caustic materials, chemicals, or high heat. Synthetic gloves like latex, nitrile, butyl, and neoprene offer chemical protection and are usually cheap and disposable, reducing the risk of contamination. 

Our pick: Sabco Nitrile Disposable Gloves

• Powder and latex-free.
• Puncture resistant.
• Extra thick and durable.
• Commercial grade.

8. Face mask

Dust, mould, and debris are common in plumbing work. A mask is necessary to filter carcinogenic and toxic fumes, such as those created by ABS and PVC glue. Keep a face mask in your tool kit, and consider having a carbon monoxide, gas, and smoke detector on hand to safeguard against airborne hazards. 

Our pick for disposable masks: AccuMed BNX N95 Mask Black

• N95 Certified Protection: Filters 95% of non-oil-based particles, 0.3 microns or larger.
• Made in USA
• 5-Layer Filtration
• Latex-Free, soft, durable headbands; adjustable metal nose piece for a secure fit.
• Flat fold for easy storage; 3D design reduces eyewear fogging.

• Shields against dust and fumes from substances like micro-organisms, wood, textiles, and more.
• Specifically protects against harmful dusts like asbestos, coal, silica, and iron ore.
• Extremely lightweight and compact for maximum comfort
• Allows for a full range of vision without interfering with eye or ear protection.
• Filters last up to 5 years and are easily replaceable.
• Made from soft, odourless thermoplastic elastomer, free from latex and silicone
• Easy-to-adjust headband.
• NIOSH Approved: Certified P100 respirator (Approval Number: TC-84A-6949).

9. Boots

Slips and falls are a leading cause of injury among plumbers. Wearing skid-proof work boots helps to maintain secure footing on the job. Plumbers encounter numerous hazards on the job, from contaminated water to extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and slippery surfaces. That's why it's essential to have reliable boots that protect your feet. Whether you're tackling residential or commercial plumbing, the ideal boots for plumbers should be both waterproof and slip-resistant. The best part? You don't have to sacrifice style or comfort for safety.

Our pick: Timberland PRO Series - Men's Boondock 6" Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot

• Premium Timberland® waterproof leather uppers.
  
• Internal waterproof, breathable membranes.
  
• Resistance to blood-borne pathogens.
  
• Moulded Timberland PRO® rubber toe protectors.
  
• Composite safety toes.
  
• Rigid external heel cups for lateral support.
  
• Anti-Fatigue Technology footbeds for shock absorption and energy return.
  
• Heat-, slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant, non-marking, lightweight, All-Weather TPU outsoles.
  
• Enhanced traction in extreme environments.
  
• Breathable, moisture-wicking linings made of ReBOTL™ fabric (contains at least 50% recycled plastic).
  
• Antimicrobial treatment for odour control.

• Best Boots For Plumbers 

10. Hearing protection

Regular exposure to loud noises can cause irreversible to your hearing. Jobs that involve power tools or machinery should always be accompanied by hearing protection. As a general guide: 

• 90 decibels: Earplugs needed if exposed for more than 8 hours
• 92 decibels: Earplugs needed if exposed for more than 6 hours
• 115 decibels: Earplugs needed if exposed for more than 15 minutes
• 140+ decibels: Ear protection required at all times

Soft, disposable earplugs are popular as a cheap, disposable, lightweight daily option. Alternatively, a solid pair of earmuffs has the bonus of being long-lasting and reusable but can become bulky.  For the best hearing protection, choose PPE with an NRR of 30 or higher, available in foam earplugs and earmuffs. 

Our pick: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

11. Equipment inspection and disinfection

The best time to check your gear is before it breaks. Since you can't predict when that might happen, it's important to regularly inspect all your tools and safety equipment to ensure they're in proper working order. This includes items like snakes, plugs, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent equipment-related accidents.

As plumbers, you'll know the risks of illness from exposure to raw sewage and sewer water. To avoid bringing hazards home, regularly clean and disinfect tools, and change clothes after work. Reusable PPE should be disinfected with EPA-approved wipes or alcohol-based gel. Wash all materials in hot water, and store equipment in a clean, covered area once dry.

Our pick: Lysol — Laundry Sanitiser + Lysol Disinfectant Spray

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