Airport ground crews operate in one of the most hazardous workplace environments, facing risks from jet engines, aircraft movements, extreme noise, fuel exposure, and heavy baggage handling equipment. The combination of hazards demands a comprehensive PPE programme tailored to the unique challenges of the aviation industry.
Hearing Protection
Jet engine noise on the apron regularly exceeds 130 decibels — well above the level that causes immediate permanent hearing damage. All ground crew must wear double hearing protection: foam ear plugs combined with over-ear muffs. Electronic communication headsets with noise-cancellation technology allow ground crews to communicate while maintaining hearing protection.
High-Visibility Clothing
Airport ground operations require EN ISO 20471 Class 3 hi-vis clothing — the highest visibility class — due to the complex movement of aircraft, vehicles, and ground support equipment. Colour-coded vests identify different roles: marshallers, fuellers, baggage handlers, and engineering staff each wear distinct colours to prevent role confusion in safety-critical operations.
Foot and Hand Protection
Composite-toe safety boots are preferred over steel toes at airports because they do not trigger metal detectors at security checkpoints. Anti-vibration gloves reduce the impact of operating vibrating equipment such as pneumatic tools and baggage conveyor systems. Chemical-resistant gloves protect fuellers during aircraft refuelling operations.
TexiExp Technologies has extensive experience supplying PPE for aviation and airport operations in the UAE, including hearing protection, hi-vis gear, and composite-toe safety boots.