By now, you know two key things:
- The class of damage tells you how much of the structure is wet.
- The category of water tells you what’s in that water and how dangerous it may be.
The next piece of the puzzle is keeping you safe while you set up drying equipment. That’s where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comes in.
What you’ll need
Depending on the class and category of the water loss, PPE might range from simple gloves and safety glasses to full respirators and protective clothing:
- Gloves – Nitrile or latex gloves protect against chemicals and contaminated water.
- Respirator or N95 mask – Critical once you’re dealing with contaminated water, or if mold is suspected.
- Safety glasses – Keeps eyes safe from droplets, dust, or cleaning agents.
- Protective Suit– Long sleeves or disposable coveralls if working in “gray” or “black” water.
- Boots – Waterproof, non-slip boots prevent slips and protect from unseen hazards.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t assume you’re safe because the water looks clean, bacteria is not visible to the naked eye. Category 1 water can become Category 2 within 24–48 hours. Having the right PPE on from the start means you’re protected no matter what develops.
Why this matters
Wearing proper PPE isn’t about being cautious. It’s about avoiding setbacks. Without it, you risk:
- Respiratory problems from mold spores or bacteria.
- Skin irritation or infection from contaminated water absorption.
- Eye injuries from debris or chemicals.
- Slips and cuts in cluttered, wet areas.
Focusing on the drying process is important and deserves the attention it needs. But none of that matters if you end up injured or with an illness in the future. PPE ensures you can set up, monitor, and adjust your air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialty drying systems safely.
Get the right gear, locally
At the Dry It Center, we stock the PPE that matches real-world water damage cleanup needs. Our team can help you:
Choose the right respirator rating (N95 vs. half-face vs. full-face).
Protective Suits and Gloves.
Safety glasses.
Set up plastics and zipper walls for containment if you’re drying a high-category or mold-prone loss.
That way, your PPE setup lines up with your equipment plan from Step 3 and you’re ready to move forward without missing a beat.
👉 Now that you’re protected with the right PPE, the next step is learning how to monitor your drying process and finish strong. Even the best equipment setup only works if you know how to track progress day by day.
This post is part of our step-by-step guide to tackling water damage at home. If you missed the other sections, you can catch up here:
- [Step 1: Identifying the Class of Water Damage] – Learn how to measure the size and scope of your water loss.
- [Step 2: Understanding Water Categories] – Know what type of water you’re dealing with and how dangerous it can be.
- [Step 3: Choosing the Right Drying Equipment] – Match the right number of air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialty tools to your project.
- [Step 4: Why PPE Matters] – Protect yourself with proper respirators, gloves, and containment systems.
- [Step 5: Monitoring Drying Progress (Day 1–5)] – Track moisture levels and know when your space is officially dry.
👉 At the Dry It Center, we carry everything you’ll need from drying fans and dehumidifiers to PPE and moisture meters and we’ll help you size the equipment for your specific class and category of water damage.
