Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Home Inspectors

PPE for Home Inspectors

One morning in 1991, a Tennessee power lineman drove to work expecting another routine Monday. His first job of the day: cut down a three-wire voltage system with a residential connection. He’d performed this task more times than he could count. However, one small mistake in his work attire transformed an ordinary Monday into a life-altering experience. He was not wearing gloves designed for handling high-voltage electricity.

The lineman touched an energized overhead conductor with more than 13,200 volts of electricity, causing him to lose both his hands.

This former lineman’s name is Lee Shelby. Thirty years after his accident, Shelby is an internationally recognized motivational speaker who shares his story with today’s employees and teaches the value of workplace safety—notably, the value of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Home Inspectors and PPEYellow road sign with black exclamation mark

Inspecting homes is a dangerous job. From slippery roofs to aggressive animals, rotted subflooring to electrical exposures, the average home inspector encounters countless perils during their career. Even though Shelby wasn’t a home inspector, many in this industry can relate to his message: No inconvenience is worth more than your life. And taking the right precautions, like wearing personal protective equipment, can mean the difference between a serious injury and a normal Monday.

In this article, we consider the most popular types of PPE that home inspectors use and experts recommend. We also discuss environmental conditions that often prompt wearing PPE and ways to manage risk while doing so.

What is PPE?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines PPE as “equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.” Per OSHA’s definition, this article excludes any equipment—like flashlights, ladder tie-offs, caution signs, and insulated screwdrivers—that isn’t worn as a protective covering.

According to our research, some of the most popular types of PPE for home inspectors include:

1. Coveralls

Coveralls offer full-body protection from biological, chemical, and electrical dangers. In addition to keeping harmful substances away from your skin, coveralls also reduce the likelihood of tracking dirt into your home or the client’s home.

“We suit up in Tyvek suits for every attic and crawlspace regardless of the age of the home,” writes Nonprofit Home Inspections in their blog article. “You don’t know what potential contaminants might be present until you see them, then it’s too late.”

Tyvek coveralls gained popularity in the industry for their tear-resistant, anti-static, lightweight, and chemical-resistant design, according to an article from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). And, because they’re disposable, suits like Tyvek coveralls don’t need to be decontaminated. They’re also available in bulk.

The downside, InterNACHI explains in the article above, is that Tyvek suits are not designed for use near heat or open flames. OSHA requires flame resistant (FR) clothing for employees exposed to certain electrical hazards, such as arc flashes.

White sign with black text, "Goggles must be worn"2. Eyewear

Covering your eyes reduces your risk of eye injuries and diseases. For many workers, this is common knowledge.

Even so, nearly 45 percent of head injuries that cause work absences come from eye-related injuries, writes HexArmor in a blog post. Furthermore, this same post shares that 300,000 workers end up in the emergency room each year as a result of occupational eye injuries. On top of that, 90 percent of these injuries could have been prevented with well-fitted and comfortable eyewear.

Among the many environmental factors that sealed, splash-proof goggles can protect against:

  • Mold spores or sawdust in the air,
  • Sparks from electrical panels,
  • Liquids, like chemicals or sewage, that can splash into the eyes,
  • Smoke and other gases, and
  • Moving or falling debris, like wet or dry cement powder, glass, metal, or fiberglass.

Some eyewear provides better security than others. According to a breakdown of OSHA’s standard, safety glasses are the most common and best protection against smaller particles. Goggles, when fit snugly against the face and with appropriate venting and anti-fog coating, are better for deflecting splashes, sprays, and other liquids, the same article says. Some inspectors even wear face shields to protect themselves against electrical exposures, our safety article covers.

“If you look at the OSHA rules, when you’re messing with panels, you’re actually supposed to have a face shield on,” said Alan Grubb of 4U Home, Inc. in Maryland in the above article. “We haven’t required face shields ourselves yet, although I’m very well thinking about it. The more I read up on [electrical hazards], the more they scare me.”

Visit the OSHA PPE breakdown and eye protection blog articles from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), or OSHA’s regulations guide, to learn more about selecting and wearing eye safety gear.

3. Headgear

Headgear helps prevent trauma to the brain, scalp, or skull caused by falling, flying, or low-hanging objects, as well as electrical exposures, OSHA explains.

Home inspectors have two options for protective headgear: bump caps and hard hats. Bump caps look like baseball caps with plastic inserts on the inside. As the name suggests, these hats are ideal for workers prone to bumps and scrapes. Some inspectors prefer them for crawlspaces and attics with low-hanging beams and protruding objects like nails. However, they do not offer the same level of protection as hard hats.

“Because bump caps are tested to a different standard than hard hats, they should never be used where hard hats are required,” explains workplace safety gear provider Ergodyne in their blog post.

Exposure to more serious head injuries, such as electric shocks or impact from falling objects, mandates the use of hard hats, according to OSHA’s standards. Unlike bump caps, hard hats are built with suspension systems. This suspension disperses the force across the surface area and leaves a space between the shell and the skull, which reduces the risk of severe head trauma, Ergodyne writes in the same article.

After trying both, Tim Magorrian of Guardian Angel Home Inspection Services in New York finds the lighter, minimalistic bump cap better suited to crawlspace conditions.

“Bump camps prevent cuts and injuries,” Magorrian said. “They’re usually lightweight. My hard hat’s fine, but [it’s] heavier and [doesn’t] breathe as well.”

4. Respirators

OSHA mandates properly fitted respirators for workers exposed to contaminated air. Some contaminants, like “harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays,” put workers at risk of lung cancers, diseases, and even death, OSHA’s website explains.

Mike Leggett of the BrickKicker of Georgia believes respirators are essential for him and his inspector employees.

“Getting a proper respirator is critical,” Leggett said. “Repeatedly breathing contaminated crawlspace air will take a cumulative toll on your body. Our inspectors are forbidden from entering an attic or a crawlspace without a proper respirator and headlamp.”

For selecting a respirator, inspectors may choose between half and full-face designs. Half-face respirators cover the nose and mouth, whereas full-face respirators also protect the eyes. Although better equipped for defense against toxins, full-face respirators make breathing a challenge, InterNACHI’s PPE guide suggests. While moving in hot, cramped, or stuffy areas, inhibited breathing can quickly escalate from uncomfortable to dangerous.

That’s why, in their PPE factsheet, OSHA calls workers to wear NIOSH-approved respirators, receive a medical evaluation, and complete prior training. This helps ensure that you’re wearing your respirator safely and effectively.

5. Gloves & PadsMan standing on ladder, blue-gloved hand touching rooftop, wearing a black jacket. Face hidden from camera frame.

Depending on the space they’re inspecting and the standard(s) of practice (SOP) they follow, some inspectors find gloves more useful than others.

For example, an inspector may put on gloves before entering an attic to protect their skin from harsh surfaces, cuts from nails and other sharp objects, and temperature extremes. Additionally, crawlspaces are especially infamous for mold, sewage, animal carcasses, fecal matter, and other substances inspectors wouldn’t want to touch with their bare hands.

It’s essential to match the equipment to the hazard. Elbow, forearm, and knee pads worn underneath coveralls, or even padded forearm gloves, provide extra cushioning and reduce damage while crawling. Insulated rubber gloves can protect your hands from electrical injuries, depending on their voltage rating, explains OSHA. Meanwhile, inspectors more concerned about moderate heat, cuts, or burns may opt for leather gloves.

Read from page 22 of OSHA’s PPE guide for a more detailed breakdown.

6. Footwear

As Marilyn Monroe famously said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” It turns out, the quote also applies to home inspectors.

A good pair of shoes can make a big impact, especially when you work on your feet all day. Proper footwear minimizes foot infections, injuries, and conditions like bunions; improves posture; offers additional support; reduces foot pain; and protects you in hazardous work conditions, explained the nonprofit Soles4Souls in a blog article. Furthermore, under OSHA regulations, employers may be required to provide and ensure the use of protective footwear.

The safety education website realsafety.org shares the following considerations for foot safety:

  • Falling materials? Consider steel-toed boots.
  • Worried about stepping on sharp objects, like nails? Look for thick, heavy-duty soles.
  • Possibility of electrical dangers? Choose non-conducive shoes made from materials like rubber.
  • Frequently climb ladders and slippery surfaces? Properly fitting shoes with good traction can prevent slips and falls. Brands like Cougar Paws also offer shoes specifically for walking roofs. Furthermore, anti-skid shoe covers, like these from ShuBee, can be worn in the client’s home to keep their floors clean.
  • Live in a cold state with frequent rain and snow? Waterproof and insulated shoes help inspectors stay healthy while working in frigid temperatures.

For more details about selecting the right shoes for your inspections, see this guide from the occupational safety and health magazine EHS Today.

Managing Risk with PPE

Whether you’re a solo inspector, inspecting for another business, or managing a multi-inspector firm, selecting—or not selecting—the right PPE can open you up to risk. Below we offer suggestions for limiting your liability.

Open laptop with one hand pointing to something on the screen, and another person's hand scrolling on the trackpad. People's faces outside of view.Educate and communicate.

If you own a multi-inspector firm, you need to educate your inspectors about PPE and communicate its importance. Some ways OSHA suggests include:

  • Identifying PPE that’s appropriate for the job,
  • Making sure employees have and wear this PPE,
  • Re-evaluating their PPE’s effectiveness and updating as necessary, and
  • Training employees on appropriate use and maintenance.

As an employer, understanding these standards helps keep your employees safe, happy, and productive. Also, if an employer neglects to purchase mandated PPE for their staff, and their negligence results in an inspector’s illness, injury, or death, a negligence claim could lead to a lawsuit. Furthermore, this familiarity keeps employees aware of their rights and what’s expected of them.

Even if you’re a sole proprietor and not required to follow OSHA regulations, inspectors should familiarize themselves with them to stay safe on the job. To best manage your risk, stay up-to-date on OSHA’s reference and reading materials to verify your compliance with workplace safety standards. Know what the standards mean and how they apply to you. If you’re looking for more guidance, consider this HSI training program or OSHA’s online Education Center for certification courses on hazard assessment, prevention, PPE, and even first aid. Visit OSHA’s website to learn more about the resources available to small employers.

Perform routine equipment inspections.

“Like humans, personal protective equipment has a life expectancy,” wrote Marianne Wait in a United Rentals safety article.

PPE is only safe and effective when it’s in good condition. As such, inspectors should routinely check their equipment for signs of weathering and damage. These visual inspections will help you decide when to repair your PPE or replace it entirely.

Read the United Rentals article above and your manufacturer’s recommendations to learn what you should be looking for.

Prioritize safety over convenience.

Mike McFadden of Hero Inspection Services in Florida acknowledges in his blog article that wearing PPE can be frustrating. Inspectors may feel pressure to remove their PPE so they can perform the inspection faster. However, in doing so, these inspectors open themselves up to undue risk.

“Don’t take [PPE] off until the work is done,” McFadden writes. “Most PPE is inconvenient and sometimes also uncomfortable. It might be tempting to take them off just to get the job done quicker. But many times, that is when injuries happen.”

Rushing also means you’re more likely to make mistakes. Follow McFadden’s advice and avoid speeding through your inspections and reports. After all, your long-term well-being will always be more important than a short-term inconvenience.

If you own a multi-inspector firm, be prepared in case your employees push back. One of the best ways you can combat employees’ resistance to PPE policies is to lead by example. By debunking common PPE myths, maintaining open communication, and sticking to your policies, you can protect your team and your business from unnecessary risk.

Carry workers’ compensation insurance.Bandaged hands, showing importance of workers' comp and PPE for home inspectors

If you or one of your home inspectors is injured during an inspection, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to you.

Workers’ comp insurance provides employees who suffer from work-related injuries or diseases with access to medical and wage benefits. Unlike general liability (GL) insurance, which covers inspection-related bodily injury and property damage claims for non-employees, workers’ compensation looks out for you and the people who work for your company.

“One accident can not only hurt you and maybe put you out of business, but more importantly, that employee has to have a way of making a living and getting his bills paid for if it happens on the job,” said Alan Grubb of 4U Home, Inc. in Maryland in a previous article.

By covering job-related injury and illness costs, workers’ comp protects both employees and employers. And employees work under less financial risk knowing they have on-the-job protection. Additionally, employers limit their liability and deter litigation.

“If you have any employees, they need to have workman’s comp,” Grubb said. “The amount that it costs for workman’s comp is minor [compared] to what it could cost you or your employee if you didn’t have it.”

What expenses can workers’ comp cover?

In inspection related injury cases, workers’ comp coverage can assist inspectors in the following ways:

  • Medical Bills. From doctor appointments to hospital visits, to medications and mobility aids, workers’ comp helps pay to treat employee illnesses and injuries. Workers’ comp can even help inspectors pay for their mileage when traveling to receive medical care.
  • Lost Wages. Sometimes, inspection-related injuries and illnesses are bad enough that employees are unable to work. Workers’ comp can pay a percentage of the money the employee would be earning if they weren’t in recovery.
  • Rehab Benefits. Workers’ comp policies may offer medical rehab benefits, like physical therapy, to help employees recover. Additionally, they can help pay for vocational rehab for severely injured employees unable to perform their previous jobs. By helping these injured workers attain new job-specific skills, vocational rehab helps them return to work in a different role.
  • Death Benefits. If an employee died, workers’ comp insurance may help cover funeral costs and lost income for the employee’s family.

Note that, since states regulate workers’ comp coverage, the amounts insurers will pay for the above benefits vary from state to state.

“Each state has its own regulations as to the amount and duration of lost income benefits and medical or rehabilitation services,” said Brianne Smith, InspectorPro broker and workers’ comp specialist. “However, workers’ comp is a no-fault coverage nationwide. That means it will provide coverage no matter who was at fault.”

Protect yourself with PPE and workers’ comp.

Do your part to abide by state law and protect your employees and your business by carrying workers’ compensation insurance. And do so with a company prepared to meet the inspection industry’s unique coverage needs.

“Things happen when you go out and inspect. And if something goes wrong, you want to make sure that you are covered…. I don’t want to be the one who doesn’t have the proper insurance in case something goes wrong,” said Walter L. Williams from PPT Inspections in a previous article. “For a few dollars more, [workers’ comp] is going to give you peace of mind.”

Get a quote for workers’ comp for home inspectors today and complete our application. Or, you can learn more about workers’ comp by reading this long-form article on our blog.

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