Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn in the workplace to protect the wearer from injury or illness. Different types of equipment are employed to protect workers from different hazards. Ear plugs, hard hats, welding masks, respirator masks, and full body suits are all examples of personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment is also called personal protective gear or safety gear.
In many workplaces, personal protective equipment may be necessary to protect the wearer from chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, and other workplace hazards. Regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that employers provide appropriate personal safety equipment in any situation where other protective measures are not sufficient to ensure worker safety. PPE must be properly designed, maintained, fitted, and worn in order to be effective. The employer is responsible for assuring that each employee is properly outfitted and trained in the use of PPE. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has created standards for the manufacture and use of many types of personal protective equipment.
Synonyms
Personal Protective Gear, Safety Gear
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