Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment, or “PPE,” is gear that is designed to protect individuals from workplace hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses. Common types of PPE include:

• Gloves: Protect hands from chemicals, cuts, heat, cold, or infections;

• Air-Purifying Respirators: Shield the respiratory system from airborne particulates, gases, or vapors;

• Eye Protection: Includes goggles, glasses, and face shields to guard against splashes or flying debris;

• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage from loud noises; and

• Protective Clothing: Coveralls, aprons, or gowns to protect skin from contaminants.

Maximizing Protection

Educating your workers on and clearly communicating the benefits of PPE and how to properly use it can help improve worker safety.

Here are some ways to maximize the efficiency of PPE for the workplace:

• Choosing the right PPE: Select PPE that is designed for your industry and specific hazards in the workplace. When selecting PPE, consider the frequency of use and environmental factors to which the employee will be exposed. PPE should also be properly sized to provide adequate protection.

• Training for PPE use: Ensure workers are properly trained on how to put on, take off, and adjust their PPE. It is important to review and update your PPE policies as needed.

• Maintenance of PPE: Regularly clean, inspect, and store PPE to ensure it's in good condition. Damaged PPE should be disposed of properly. Keep a detailed record of the PPE available in your inventory to ensure the right PPE is available when needed. PPE should be inspected before each use to ensure it is still effective.