PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is meant to keep the worker safe from any hazards that pose a risk to the health or safety of that individual. PPE is broken down into groups.

Respiratory - any device that will supply clean uncontaminated air to the work, or any device that protects the worker from breathing in contaminated air. These devices can be as simple as a disposable respirator that blocks out particles or a self-contained breathing apparatus that supplies clean air directed to the wearer.

Head and Eye Protection - protection against any risk to the head or eyes. A simple hard hat can protect workers from falling debris overhead or a side blow to the head. Safety glasses and goggles can protect the worker's eye from impact, dust, gas vapors, or extreme lighting conditions.

Skin-protective clothing protects workers from dust, dirt, and chemical splashes. The product can be as simple as an apron or as significant as a fully encapsulated chemical suit. The protection depends on the situation and what risk you are trying to protect the individual from.

Hand Protection - gloves come in many different varieties for the many different jobs we do with our hands. From protecting a worker from cuts and punctures to chemical exposure, there is a glove to meet any potential risk.

Noise - hearing is another area where workers need protection. The risk of hearing loss is excellent if a worker is exposed to loud noises daily. Don't look past the work which is only exposed to a loud noise once or twice a day. Anything 85 decibels or above must be evaluated for protection, such as ear plugs or ear muffs.