PPE for exterior cleaning is not optional — it is the line between a productive day and an injury report. Sodium hypochlorite mist, high-pressure rebound, chemical splash from downstream injectors, and debris falling from three stories up are daily realities on softwash and pressure washing jobs. The gear below is what we stock for crews who deal with those hazards year-round.

Head Protection

A ratchet-adjust polyethylene hard hat with slotted ventilation is the minimum for any job where you are working below a roofline, on scaffolding, or under a lift. The ProTool Class G Helmet gives you Fas-Trac suspension, self-adjusting crown straps, and four suspension-point options. Class G rating handles low-voltage electrical contact — relevant if you are washing near service entrances or exterior lighting.

When the job is rope access or involves overhead rigging, step up to a Petzl Vertex Vent or a Kong Spin ANSI helmet rated for falling objects and chin-strap retention.

Respiratory Protection

Softwashing with sodium hypochlorite, applying F9 BARC, or spraying any acid-based cleaner puts chlorine gas and acid vapor in your breathing zone. A KN95/FFP2 disposable respirator handles nuisance-level acid gases — sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, chlorine — and oil/non-oil particulates. For heavier chemical exposure or enclosed-space work, move to a half-face cartridge respirator with OV/AG cartridges.

Fit matters more than filter class. A respirator that leaks around the nose bridge is worse than none because it gives you false confidence. Test the seal every time.

Hearing Protection

A gas pressure washer at 4,000 PSI sits around 85–100 dB at the operator — above the OSHA 8-hour threshold. Most crews skip hearing protection and pay for it with permanent high-frequency loss after a few seasons. Soft polyurethane foam corded earplugs or uncorded earplugs are cheap insurance. The soil-resistant skin keeps them clean through a full day. Corded versions stay around your neck between uses — fewer lost plugs, less waste.

Hand Protection

Glove choice depends on what you are handling. For SH, acids like CC550, or any caustic chemical, neoprene/latex chemical-resistant gloves with a 12-inch cuff and flocked lining are the standard — long enough to protect past the wrist, lined enough to wear all day. For general window cleaning or water fed work, nitrile disposable gloves keep your hands clean without killing dexterity. Cold-weather crews should look at Glacier fleece-lined gloves or Youngstown WinterPlus for insulation without bulk.

High-Visibility Vests

Any job near traffic, on a commercial property with vehicle movement, or on a construction site requires high-visibility apparel. The orange hi-vis vest and yellow hi-vis vest are polyester twill with 3/4-inch reflective tape — durable enough for daily use and sized with large arm openings so they layer over cold-weather gear. Pockets keep your phone and job notes off the ground.

Chemical-Resistant Coveralls

Softwash overspray, roof-cleaning runoff, and batch-sprayer splash will destroy street clothes and irritate skin. Chemical-resistant coveralls with elastic wrist and ankle bands keep SH and acid mist off your body. They are disposable by design — wear a fresh set each heavy-chemical day rather than trying to clean a soaked suit. Browse the full PPE category for sizing options.

Safety Footwear

PVC safety-toe boots are the go-to for softwash and pressure washing. Injection-molded seamless construction means no stitch holes for chemical seepage. Pull-up lugs and a cut-off band let you adjust height on the fly. A hardened steel ladder shank adds support if you are climbing between the truck and a ladder all day, and the steel toe protects against dropped equipment. Men's sizes only — plan accordingly when outfitting your crew.

Eye Protection

Chemical splash is the most common PPE failure point on a softwash crew — and it is almost always the eyes. Clear anti-scratch safety glasses handle general debris. For chemical application, switch to splash-proof goggles that seal against the face. Keep both on the truck; most injuries happen when a crew member "just forgot" to grab a pair.

Matching PPE to the Job

Not every job needs every piece. A water-fed-pole residential window clean is a different risk profile than a 12% SH roof treatment. Think in tiers:

• Window cleaning (pure water or traditional): Safety glasses, nitrile gloves, non-slip shoe covers.
• Pressure washing: Hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hi-vis vest near traffic.
• Softwash / chemical application: Full chemical PPE — respirator, goggles, chem-resistant gloves, coveralls, PVC boots.
• Rope access / high-rise: Everything above plus a rated helmet, harness, and lanyard from the fall protection line.

Stock your truck with all tiers. The five minutes it takes to suit up correctly is cheaper than one workers' comp claim.

Products Mentioned

ProTool Hard Hat Helmet Class G Rated SKU: 98-7M	Respirator Disposable KN95 - FPP2 (each) SKU: 55-451	Earplugs Corded (100 pair) SKU: 58-741
Earplugs Uncorded (200 pair) SKU: 58-742	Neoprene/Latex Chem Resistant Gloves SKU: 56-23M	Glacier Glove Fleece-Lined SKU: 56-11M
Youngstown WinterPlus Gloves SKU: 56-15M	Vest Orange Hi-Vis Large SKU: 58-721	Vest Yellow Hi-Vis Reflective L-XL SKU: 58-722
PVC White Boot SKU: 55-7M	Safety Glasses Clear w/Anti-Scratch Lens SKU: 58-73	Goggles Splash Proof SKU: 58-75