Introduction
Common types of PPE.
When elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use. Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, respirators and full body suits. Remember, PPE is the last resort in hazard control, not the first choice. Some employers may mistakenly believe PPE is the end-all be-all. They might do too much, not too little.
