What personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly required on a shooting range?

Eye protection and hearing protection are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) on a shooting range due to the nature of gunfire, which poses specific hazards. The loud noise generated by firearms can lead to immediate hearing loss or long-term damage, making hearing protection critical for anyone present. Safety glasses or goggles protect against flying debris, such as fragments or particulates that can result from shooting, which could injure the eyes.

However, the other types of PPE mentioned might not always be necessary in a typical shooting range environment. Fire-retardant clothing and gloves would be more relevant in settings involving flame or extreme heat rather than simple firearms use. Respirators and safety helmets are typically associated with industrial environments with airborne contaminants or overhead hazards, which are not standard concerns in shooting ranges. High-visibility vests and knee pads may have their uses in certain scenarios, such as outdoor ranges near roads or in tactical training, but they are not standard PPE requirements in most shooting range settings. Thus, eye and hearing protection remain the primary focus of safety in such environments.