Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any sort of equipment used by and individual to minimize exposure to recreational and occupational or workplace hazards and to mitigate the chance of injury. Personal protective equipment is commonly mandated under government regulators and workplace standards enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The various types of PPE match the numerous common hazards found on the job and in recreation, and are categorized by anatomical areas: and face protection, head protection, foot and leg protection, hand and arm protection, body protection, and hearing protection.

Defense (police equipment) and first-response medical kits also qualify as PPE. PEE is otherwise known as protective clothing, industrial safety apparel, and protection gear.

Eye and face protection should be used when working with acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, flying particles, liquid chemicals, molten metal, potentially infected material, or potentially harmful light radiation from welding arcs and lasers. Head protection is commonly provided by a hard hat. Acceptable foot and leg protective measures include non-conductive boots, combination foot and shin guards, leggings, metatarsal guards, toe guards, and safety shoes, which have heat and impact resistant supports. Canvas, leather and metal mesh gloves are used to protect against injuries and burns. Chemical and liquid resistant gloves would be necessary if a worker were facing chemical or liquid threats. Body protection should be made of material that wards off the potential hazards of a given workplace. Hearing protection is provided by earplugs and ear muffs.