Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What is personal protective equipment? Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with:

  • Chemical,
  • radiological,
  • physical,
  • electrical,
  • mechanical,
  • or other workplace hazards.

Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

Personal Protective Equipment is used when all other Hazard controls, elimination and administrative options have been considered. The consistent and correct usage of PPE at home or in the workplace, will reduce injuries and prevent fatalities.