Don't be a dolt, wear a bolt! PPE for drilling?

Hey guys, so I was drilling into some old concrete yesterday, and a chunk flew up and hit my safety glasses. Glad I was wearing them! But it got me thinking – what PPE do you all use when drilling regularly? I've got the glasses, but should I get a dust mask or something for concrete dust? Also, my ears ring after using my hammer drill without plugs. Tips?

Good on ya for wearing glasses! That concrete dust is nasty – you DEF need a respirator, not just a dust mask. Get one with P100 filters. For hearing, I never use a drill without earplugs or muffs, especially a hammer drill. Tinnitus ain't no joke. Also, watch your fingers with drill bits – I've got a scar to remind me.

All good advice. I'll add that gloves can be a hazard with spinning bits – they can get caught. But yeah, glasses and ear pro are minimum. I use those foam earplugs, cheap and work. For dust, I hook up a shop vac to the drill if I can. And don't forget a dust deputy or something.

Thanks guys! Respirator, earplugs, vac – got it. Never thought about gloves getting caught, good point. Any particular brand of earplugs you like?

I use Howard Leight foamies, they're comfy. Also, for concrete drilling, a wet sponge or spray bottle helps keep dust down. Stay safe out there!