Expert advice / Guide
Wet weather PPE: waterproofs that actually work
'Waterproof' is a marketing word. The numbers on the label tell you whether a jacket will keep a worker dry through a 10-hour shift in driving rain.
Hydrostatic head: the only number that matters
Anything under 5,000mm is showerproof, not waterproof. For sustained outdoor work in UK weather, 10,000mm is the minimum; 20,000mm+ for marine, highways and storm response.
Taped seams or you're wasting money
An unsealed seam leaks within minutes. Look for fully taped seams (not 'critically taped') on jackets and trousers spec'd for prolonged exposure.
Breathability stops the inside getting wet
Sweat trapped inside a non-breathable jacket soaks the user from within. Look for breathability ratings of 5,000g/m²/24h or better for active work.
Footwear: SRC slip rating
Wet floor + wrong sole = slip claim. SRC (the highest slip rating) is tested on both ceramic-tile-with-detergent and steel-with-glycerine. Always specify SRC for wet environments.