Personal Protective Equipment for Guards


The kinds of personal protective equipment available for security guards include flashlights, batons, pepper spray, body armor, and more. Security professionals are often the front line of defense when something goes wrong in a protected environment.

Personal Protective Equipment for Security Guards

Persons seeking security careers should recognize that there is lots of equipment available to protect security professionals and the property that are supposed to protect. The primary consideration for any piece of equipment is that it is used when necessary. Furthermore, this list of security guard equipment is of no value to persons with security jobs if it is not worn or used as expected.

1. Flashlights

Security professionals are provided with heavy-duty flashlights that provide two primary types of personal protection. First, a flashlight provides light. Light is obviously needed for some nighttime activities. A flashlight is also good for daytime activities since it provides the convenience of allowing you to be able to see in dark locations.

Secondly, a flashlight can be used as a weapon. Most security professionals are provided with durable, metal, heavy-duty flashlights. These devices offer the ability to strike a combatant, and it does not require professional training to get the benefit of use even though their programs are designed to teach security professionals how to make the best use of flashlights and other equipment in compromising environments. A flashlight is one of the most basic pieces of security equipment.

2. Headgear

Security professionals, particularly those who work outdoors for a long time, need proper headgear for protection against outdoor elements. There are different types of hats to protect against extreme weather conditions, such as snowy days or extremely hot days. Wearing security protective clothing is an important part of preparing for the job.

3. Baton

A baton is another piece of security guard protective equipment that can be used to strike a combatant. Batons offer the benefit of being deterrents. Batons have been used for a long time in security careers. Their visibility alone tends to deter individuals from engaging in suspect behaviors. Unlike flashlights, some states require training in the use of a baton before you can legally display and use it.

4. Footwear

While some wear shoes, the footwear typically used by most security professionals is booting. What do security guards wear? In most cases, they wear black boots or shoes. Since many professionals with security jobs spend a great deal of time on their feet, they will need to invest in the type of footwear that provides comfort, durability, and support. Footwear with a non-slip surface will best protect them on multiple surfaces and under adverse weather conditions.

5. Belt

Security professionals need a specially designed belt that can be used to carry their needed equipment. Belts for security professionals have pieces that either slide or clip onto the belt to accommodate as many devices as there are required to carry in that position.

6. Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is used to deter persons and animals that are causing a disruption or otherwise need to be suppressed. The spray is sold on the retail market for anyone wishing to purchase it for his or her personal use. However, some security professionals are required to attend training on how and when to use this chemical. Pepper spray is considered a good piece of protective equipment because it does not cause the type of permanent damage that can result from the use of a gun or other types of weapons. Therefore, it is commonly on the unarmed security guard equipment list.

7. Communication Device

Security professionals should always have a communication device like a cellular phone or two-way radio on their person when on duty. A cellular phone provides an effective method of communication with other security professionals, authorities, and others that they need to communicate with. It is common for many security professionals to use traditional, radio-controlled communication devices, but that technology is becoming dated.

Some security professionals are also known to carry digital cameras so that they are able to capture digital representations of persons, objects, and events for evidence in the case that they need to argue their case in court or a court-like setting. Modern cell phones can perform the functions of radio-controlled communication devices as well as the functions of digital cameras.

8. Body Armor

Most security professionals wear some form of a vest. For cold weather conditions, some vests are heated. And. some vests are bulletproof to protect against gunners. The type of vest chosen for protection is typically dependent upon the perceived threat.

9. Handgun

Some professionals with security jobs are required to carry a handgun. Even though civilians may purchase guns for personal use, specialized training is required in order for security professionals to carry and display a gun on duty. In many cases, a gun serves as a deterrent against adverse behavior. Professionals who are required to carry a gun are usually paid more for their services.

10. First Aid Kit

Security professionals carry mini first aid kits to use on themselves in case they sustain an injury. Additionally, they use them on others experiencing minor complications.

What Personal Protective Equipment do Security Guards Carry?

The type of equipment available to security professionals is dependent upon the training they have acquired for its use. You can purchase some equipment like pepper spray or a gun on the retail market for personal use. Other equipment, such as a baton or flashlight, is used as a weapon by security professionals in a compromising situations. However, professionals with security jobs must attend training in the use of such equipment while on duty.

Your Career and Personal Protective Equipment

If you are interested in a career as a security guard the jobs are growing faster than average. The BLS projected growth for this field is 15% over the next ten years. However, security guards often keep odd hours. Since they guard life and property they are often awake when others are asleep. It is also not uncommon for them to be in isolated areas like industrial buildings and warehouses. Because security guards work in isolated areas, it is important to always wear personal protective equipment.

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