Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, encompasses a wide range of gear that is designed to protect the wearer from physical hARM and health risks in various environments. The primary function of PPE is to create a barrier between the individual and hazards that might be present in the workplace or during certain activities. This kind of equipment is paramount in settings where control measures alone cannot eliminate risks, and it includes items such as gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, vests, and full body suits. These products function to shield different parts of the body from injury due to chemical, electrical, heat, and biological exposure, amongst other dangers, while also enhancing visibility and overall safety during tasks.
The main uses of Personal Protective Equipment span across industries like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and any sector where workers are exposed to potential safety hazards. Characteristics of high-quality PPE include durability, resistance to specific types of hazards, comfortability for the wearer, and compliance with safety standards and regulations. To ensure the reliability of PPE, several reputable manufacturers specialize in producing these essential safety items, some of which include 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, and Kimberly-Clark.