What does personal protective equipment (PPE) refer to?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers specifically to the safety attire and gear worn to protect individuals from exposure to various hazards, especially in settings like laboratories, construction sites, and healthcare facilities. This includes items such as gloves, goggles, lab coats, face shields, and respirators. The primary purpose of PPE is to minimize the risk of injury or illness by creating a barrier between the wearer and potential dangers, which could be chemical, biological, physical, or radiological in nature.

In the context of laboratory work, where exposure to chemicals and biological materials is a concern, PPE is crucial for ensuring safety. It is an integral part of safety protocols, helping to safeguard the health of workers and researchers.

While safety rules established by OSHA, visual images identifying potential hazards, and documents about chemical usage all play significant roles in workplace safety and compliance, they do not define PPE itself. Instead, they serve as complementary components of a comprehensive safety program that incorporates the use of personal protective equipment as a practical measure for individual protection.