/24 August 2020

When Would I Need to Wear Overalls and Coveralls at Work?

At Alsico, we stock a wide range of quality workwear, ensuring that companies of all industries are able to equip their staff with the required uniform to carry out their job in a safe manner. 

Within that range, we supply overalls and coveralls for different uses and varying standards of protection. 

A frequently asked question amongst companies and employees alike is when does their work require them to wear one and which type of overall or coverall they should be wearing.

 

What are coveralls and overalls? 

Both coveralls and overalls are predominantly used as protective wear when at work, to be worn over top of clothes, protecting them and the individual from spatter and mess.

However, what is the difference between a coverall and overall? 

An overall tends to be a bib and brace style top attached to a trouser bottom, whereas a coverall has full coverage of the arms and a high collar included. Although, the word coveralls is adopted from American English, overalls is commonly used to cover both types of garments in the UK.

 

What industries and job roles commonly wear these?

Traditionally, overalls and coveralls are worn by employees in manual labour jobs including farmers, railroad workers, mechanics, engineers, welders, builders and painters.

 

Why are coveralls and overalls necessary?

As the name suggests, manual labour is hands on and requires workers to get their hands dirty, and more often than not, this includes the rest of their physical self as well. 

With substance splashes, spatters and mess occurring regularly, it’s crucial that employees are provided with uniforms to preserve and protect their own clothes and bodies. Especially in the instance where such substances produced are as a result of hot work - High Speed Training defines this as “any work that requires using open flames, applying heat or friction, or may generate sparks or heat.”

 

Some of our favourites

• Alsi Coverall - £19.95+VAT - https://www.alsico.co.uk/alsi-coverall

Our standard and most popular coverall, offering a comfortable, durable and affordable option for the workforce. This article is ideal for industries that call for protection against non-hazardous mess such as farmers, builders and painters.

• Gryzko® Classic Coverall - £38.95+VAT - https://www.alsico.co.uk/gryzko-original-coverall

Our harder wearing coverall with the option to add knee pads for extra comfort and to lessen the damage a job can have on employees’ bodies. Fitting for the likes of mechanics and engineers who go back and forth between working positions depending on what they’re working on.

• Bib & Brace (245gsm) - POA - https://www.alsico.co.uk/bib-brace-245gsm

Our variation of the typical overall, made from a polyester and cotton combination, this garment is both breathable and durable. We would recommend this option to the farming and automotive industries, preferable for jobs that require minimal protection but a layer between clothes in order to keep them clean. 

Each Bib & Brace is made to order, contact sales@alsico.co.uk to place your order today.

• Coverall made with Phoenix - £31.95+VAT - https://www.alsico.co.uk/coverall-made-with-phoenix-fr

Manufactured from Phoenix FR 100% FR cotton, this coverall has been designed and tested to shield individual wearers when carrying out hot work involving open flames and welding spatter. Adhering to EN ISO 11611:2015 Class 1 A1 and EN ISO 11612:2015 A1 B1 C1 F1, this piece is perfect for welding and engineering.

• Gryzko® FR Coverall - £76.95+VAT - https://www.alsico.co.uk/gryzko-fr-coverall

A combination of 75% FR cotton and 25% polyester enables this coverall to safeguard wearers against welding spatter, flames and heat comfortably. Again, meeting EN ISO 11611:2015 Class 1 A1 and EN ISO 11612:2015 A1 B1 C1 F1 standards, this multi-pocket design has been tried and tested for welders. 

• Coverall made from Nomex® Comfort Ripstop - £159.95+VAT - https://www.alsico.co.uk/coverall-made-from-nomex-comfort-ripstop-4

Lastly, for the railroad workers who require uniforms that are flame retardant and anti-static in addition to high visibility and protection against an electric arc. This coverall meets the following standards; EN ISO 11612:2015 A1 B1 C1, IEC 61482-2:2009 Class 1 4kA / ATPV = 7.6cal/cm2 and EN 1149-5:2008 (EN 1149-3:2004).

Available in both navy and orange with FR reflective tape strips.

The list of industries and reasons to wear an overall or coverall at work doesn’t stop there, but these are the most common ones we come across. The general rule of thumb is that if the job involves mess, splashing and spatter, then some layer of preservation is required, whilst any work that handles dangerous and threatening substances and materials will be in need of head to toe protection.

If you wish to place an order from our overalls and coveralls range, buy online today or contact a member of our sales team on 01772 662500.

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