An overview of PPE- Personal Protective Equipment

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The safety workwear that is intended to provide protection to the wearer from injuries and accidents is known as personal protective equipment (PPE). The purposes of the protective equipment is not limited to the workplace, but may also be extended to activities such as sports or the activities that may cause bodily harm. 

Forming a barrier between the wearer and the danger, the PPE Equipment helps in reducing the exposure of the wearer to danger. The wide range of protective equipment include eye protectors, skin protectors, respiratory protectors, head protectors, hearing protectors, protective clothing and work shoes or safety trainers. 

Skin PPE – The body needs to be protected from substances such as Chemical agents, physical agents and biological agents. There are also other agents that are capable of causing permanent damages to the skin. Some of these agents are; parasites, aerosols, radiation, contaminated surfaces, splashes, extreme temperatures and splashes and occasionally, parasites. Safety trainers or work shoes, rubber aprons, coats, gloves, jackets and face shields are some of the most common skin protective equipment. 

Eye PPE – Large and small particles in the air are bound to cause injuries to the eye. The eyes are also vulnerable to dust particles, sand and cement chips, broken glass and wood chips. Light rays and some substances from welding work may also cause harm to the eye. The eyes should also be protected from chemical substances. As protection from harm, goggles, safety glasses with side shields and face respirators are used. 

Hearing PPE – In most manufacturing industries, hearing problems are pretty common and they often occur without the victim even noticing it. This unconscious process is basically brought about by noise levels which are more than the limits that are safe for the ear. Earmuffs and earplugs are the basic forms of ear protectors. 

Respiratory PPE – Inhaling contaminated air causes harm to the respiratory tract and as such, should be kept at bay. There are fundamentally two types of respirators. The gas mask is designed to filter toxic gases and harmful chemicals. Oxygen masks are often fitted on planes to bring in clean breathable air. 

Head PPE – This protective equipment is most commonly used in the building and construction sector. They are generally made as safety caps and helmets. 

Protective Clothing – These are protective clothing that is designed with materials that have undergone scientific tests to ensure that they are capable of giving the user maximum protection. Some of the most common protective clothing are high visibility jackets, ballistic vests, laboratory coats, body suits as well as work shoes. It is the duty of every employer, as stipulated by the law, to ensure that the employees are provided with the right protective gear and uniform that is in great working condition. PPE Equipment basically covers a wide area which often ranges from the visibility jackets which help by always keeping noticeable to helmets that will give protection to your head from falling objects.

Summary:

The safety goggles are the most common PPE types and they are always the easiest way to save your eyes from sparks, airborne particles and sparks among others. They are an affordable way of providing protection to the employees and are easy to acquire as they are available in all kinds of stores.