PPE Equipment (personal protection equipment) is an umbrella term for all safety equipment that employees must wear for protection against accidents and injuries. PPE equipment is not just limited to the workplace, but accidents related to sports and activities that may cause personal injury.
PPE reduces the chances of the wearers’ exposure to hazards by acting as a barrier between the skin and hazardous materials. Such PPE equipment can be split into a number of different categories. These are skin protectors, eye protectors, respiratory protectors, head protectors, protective clothing and shoes.
Here is a look at each of the categories of PPE equipment in a little more detail.
Skin PPE
Those working in different environments need protection from numerous agents. These include chemical agents, physical agents and biological agents. Such agents include radiation, aerosols, parasites, temperatures, contaminated surfaces and liquid splashes. Common PPE equipment for skin protection include gloves, safety trainers or work shoes, face shields, coats, jackets and rubber aprons.
Eye PPE
Miniscule particles in the air may cause injuries to eyes and poor vision. Harmful particles include broken glass, wood chips, sand and cement chips. Additional threats come from chemical substances and other agents in the form of welding work and light rays, amongst others. Safety glasses with side shields, goggles, respirators are often employed in the workplace.
Hearing PPE
Hearing problems are most commonly associated in the manufacturing industry. This is an unconscious process, caused by extreme levels of noise at volumes that surpass the recommended limits. PPE equipment to protect hearing includes earplugs and ear muffs.
Respiratory PPE
If you’re working in an environment that is affected with contaminants in the air then you need to take appropriate measures to ensure your safety. PPE equipment features two distinct respirators. These are gas masks that are designed to filter out chemicals and toxic gases and the oxygen mask which is most commonly found aboard planes and is designed to provide you with clean and breathable air.
Head PPE
PPE equipment for your head is most commonly found in the construction industry. Helmets protect people from fallen debris.
Protective Clothing
Protective overalls are designed from scientifically-tested materials to provide the wearer with optimal protection. Coats, high visibility jackets, ballistic vests, body suits and work shoes are examples of such clothing. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the right protective clothing is worn by employees.
PPE clothing is essential in a number of workplaces. Such clothing provides your body with a shield against a wealth of different threats, both obvious and occasionally not.