Staying Safe: A Guide to Personal Protective Equipment

Person kneeling in a white hazmat suit, respirator mask, goggles and green gloves inspecting labeled chemical jugs in a warehouse.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that begins with identifying risks and implementing the right protections. Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in minimizing harm from unavoidable hazards. While safety protocols and equipment controls offer layers of defense, PPE acts as the final shield against injury and illness.

What Is Personal Protective Equipment?

PPE includes any gear or clothing worn to protect individuals from health and safety risks on the job. It's used when exposure to hazards cannot be eliminated entirely by other means, such as engineering solutions or process changes. PPE can help shield workers from chemical splashes, airborne particles, electrical arcs, loud noises, falling objects and other dangers. The specific form of PPE required depends on the type of work being performed and the hazards present.

Types of PPE

PPE is divided into several categories based on the part of the body it protects:

Head Protection — Hard hats, bump caps and helmets are designed to prevent injury from falling tools, structural impacts or exposed pipes. Some models offer built-in face shields or earmuffs.
Eye and Face Protection — Safety glasses, goggles and face shields protect against dust, metal or wood fragments, chemical splashes, and infectious fluids. Some work environments require impact-resistant or anti-fog coatings.
Hearing Protection — Earplugs and earmuffs reduce the intensity of loud sounds, especially in settings like construction sites, factories and engine rooms. Long-term exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Respiratory Protection — Depending on the hazard, workers may use disposable masks, cartridge respirators or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). These protect against dust, fumes, mist, gases or biological agents.
Hand Protection — Gloves vary by material and function. Examples include nitrile gloves for chemical resistance, leather gloves for welding or abrasive tasks, cut-resistant gloves made of Kevlar or stainless steel mesh and insulated gloves for extreme temperatures or electrical work.
Body Protection— Aprons, lab coats, coveralls and full-body suits offer coverage against chemical exposure, heat, flames or contaminants. Materials range from lightweight cotton to flame-retardant synthetics and chemical-resistant fabrics.
Foot Protection — Safety shoes and boots come with features such as steel or composite toe caps, puncture-resistant soles, slip-resistant treads and electrical hazard insulation. Specialized footwear is often required in construction, manufacturing, kitchens and electrical work.
Fall Protection — In jobs involving work at height (such as roofing or tower maintenance), PPE may include full-body harnesses, lanyards, anchor points and retractable lifelines. These must be inspected and maintained regularly.

How to Choose the Right PPE

Choosing appropriate PPE starts with a comprehensive hazard assessment of each task or work area.

Identify Hazards: Review all potential exposures, including physical, chemical, biological, radiological and ergonomic hazards.
Assess Severity and Likelihood: Determine the risk level based on how severe and how likely each hazard is to cause harm.
Match Protection to Hazards: For instance, use splash-resistant goggles for chemical handling or heat-resistant gloves for foundry work.
Ensure Proper Fit: PPE should be snug but not restrictive. Poorly fitting PPE can cause discomfort or even increase the risk of injury.
Check Compatibility: Make sure that PPE items can be worn together. For example, safety goggles should fit under a hard hat without interference.
Factor in Environmental Conditions: Consider the temperature, humidity, lighting and movement required in the job. For example, high-visibility vests may be needed in low-light areas.

PPE Standards to Know

Understanding industry standards can help you ensure that the PPE in use is reliable and effective. Here are key organizations to know and what they regulate:

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) — Sets enforceable regulations for PPE across industries. Employers must comply with OSHA's PPE standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and others).
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) — Certifies respirators and develops research-backed recommendations for PPE performance and use.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) — Defines safety performance benchmarks for products like hard hats (ANSI Z89.1), eye protection (ANSI Z87.1) and high-visibility clothing (ANSI/ISEA 107).
ASTM International — Develops voluntary consensus standards for PPE testing, including gloves and protective fabrics.
CSA Group (Canada) and ISO (International) — If your workplace operates internationally, it may also adhere to Canadian or global standards.

Employers should verify that all PPE provided meets or exceeds applicable standards and comes with documentation or labeling confirming compliance.

Specialized PPE by Industry

Different industries have unique risks, and some require customized protective solutions for their employees.

Health Care and Laboratories

N95 or surgical masks for airborne pathogen protection
Face shields and goggles for droplet exposure
Impermeable gowns and gloves to prevent cross-contamination

Construction and Demolition

Hard hats for falling debris
High-visibility vests to enhance visibility near equipment
Hearing protection for equipment noise
Steel-toe boots for impact and puncture resistance

Chemical Manufacturing and Handling

Chemical splash goggles and face shields
Acid-resistant gloves and suits
Specialized respirators with organic vapor cartridges

Food Processing and Kitchens

Cut-resistant gloves for knife-handling
Slip-resistant footwear
Hairnets and beard covers for hygiene

Utilities and Electrical Work

Arc-rated clothing
Rubber insulating gloves and sleeves
Dielectric boots

Guidelines for Using PPE

The effectiveness of PPE depends not just on the equipment itself but on how it is used. Here are some essential practices to follow:

Training — Employees must be trained on proper PPE selection, use, limitations, cleaning and storage. Training should be documented and refreshed regularly.
Inspection — Always examine PPE before use. Look for cracks, frays, tears or expired components. Remove defective items from service immediately.
Proper Donning and Doffing — Incorrect removal can lead to exposure, especially from contaminated gloves or respiratory gear. Step-by-step procedures should be posted or demonstrated.
Cleaning and Maintenance — Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning reusable PPE. For contaminated or biohazardous PPE, use appropriate disposal or decontamination methods.
Storage — PPE should be stored in clean, dry and accessible locations. Exposure to sunlight, chemicals or moisture can degrade materials.
Recordkeeping — Maintain logs of PPE training, inspections, maintenance and replacements as part of your safety management system.
Employee Feedback — Encourage workers to report issues with PPE comfort or function. This helps employers select better-fitting and more effective gear.

PPE is a key part of creating a safe work environment, but its success depends on more than just putting on a helmet or pair of gloves. It involves proper selection, employee training, routine inspections and consistent use. When all of these pieces come together, PPE becomes a dependable line of defense against serious injuries and illnesses.