List of Personal Protective Equipment to Have

Personal protective equipment protects individuals from exposure to hazardous and infectious materials and organisms. Depending on the activity, individuals might need personal protective equipment including gloves, eyewear, face coverings or even full body suits. Personal protective equipment does not substitute for careful personal hygiene such as hand washing and requires careful use during wear and disposal.

Gloves

• Gloves prevent the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to the skin. Individuals can select from gloves made of a variety of materials to protect the skin, including natural rubber latex, nitrile, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chloroprene, neoprene, butyl rubber or a combination blend. Gloves are single-use and require changing between functions, such as caring for medical patients. Some gloves such as nitrile and natural rubber latex are single-use and disposable while others such as butyl rubber can be sanitized after use and worn again, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. However, gloves do not substitute for proper hand washing and failure to dry the hands after washing and before putting on gloves can allow bacteria to multiply on the skin.

Eyewear

• Goggles and safety glasses protect the mucus membranes of the eyes from splashes of chemicals or bodily fluids that can cause damage or infection. People who require prescription eyewear can order custom prescription safety glasses to avoid wearing two pairs of glasses at once. Goggles offer more protection to the eyes, with sides, a top and bottom to prevent splashing from all directions. Face shields are a specialized form of goggles that covers the entire face to protect from dangers such as chemical splashes, advises the North Carolina State University website.

Masks and Respirators

• Surgical masks function as personal protective equipment by protecting individuals against splashes of bodily fluids that result from large droplets of liquids, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. If soiled with bodily fluids, the wearer should change masks and safely dispose of the soiled mask. Respirators function as protective equipment by removing bacteria and viruses from the air before the individual can breathe them in, while "gas masks" filter out chemicals and gases. In addition, some respirators supply clean air for the individual to breathe. Respirators cover nearly all of the face and attach to the head with the use of elastic straps.

Protective Suits

• Workers interacting with highly dangerous materials, highly infectious agents or radioactive substances might need to wear personal protective equipment that covers the full body from head to toe. Some full coverings involve separate pieces such as disposable pants and a top, or a single-piece jumpsuit. Head coverings and face masks as well as booties are then put on by the worker. Another option is a hooded suit made of material such as Tyvek, which covers entire body. These suits include built-in boots for the feet and a built-in face shield, which the worker attaches to a cord that connects him to an oxygen supply for airflow.