Types of PPE

Personal protection equipment, or PPE, protects wearers from hazards like trauma, chemicals and biological hazards. It consists of clothing or equipment worn on the body. An article of PPE can be as simple as latex gloves or steel-toed boots, or it can be as involved as an airtight hazardous materials, or hazmat, suit, or a "bunny suit" with a self-contained breathing apparatus. PPE can be classified by the hazard it protects against.

Trauma

• Combat body armor protects against trauma injuries.

  PPE to protect against crushing or penetrating trauma includes items like hard hats, helmets, leather gloves and steel-toed boots, which are often used in industrial settings. Body armor, commonly worn by military personnel and law enforcement officials, protects people who may enter combat situations. Even ordinary clothing like closed-toed shoes, long pants and eyeglasses provide minimal protection against trauma in low-hazard situations like fieldwork.

Lung Injuries

• A respirator with a filter protects your lungs.

  A mask over the nose and mouth can protect against large particle inhalation. A respirator with a filter can remove some toxins and fine particles, including pathogens, from air. Where these measures are not enough, a self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCUBA, which includes a tank of compressed air and a regulator, may be used.

Sensory Organ Damage

• Welders' masks filter bright light that can damage the eyes.

  The sensory organs are especially vulnerable and may need their own PPE. Eyes can be protected from blunt or penetrating trauma by safety glasses. Goggles protect against chemicals and small particles. Light filters are necessary to protect against intense light at damaging wavelengths. Ear muffs and earplugs protect the ears from loud noise, which can cause permanent hearing loss.

Chemical Injuries

• Level B hazmat equipment deter splashes.

  In order of increasing degree of protection, PPE against chemical injuries, such as burns and poisoning,includes disposable paper gowns, cotton lab coats, rubber aprons and sleeves and Nomex lab coats with face shields. Full hazmat suits come in two levels. Level B suits protect against splashing, but aren't airtight. Level A suits are completely contained and sealed against gases, requiring SCUBA. Hazmat suits can be dangerous because they're very hot and humid, so workers need frequent cool-down breaks.

Biological Hazards

• The iconic lab coat and latex gloves are PPE for medical personnel.

  PPE used routinely to protect against pathogens includes rubber gloves, lab coats and gowns. For situations where the risk of disease transmission is high, equipment includes a mask and goggles to protect the mucous membranes.

Thermal Burns

• Gloves protect workers against burns.

  Household cooks are familiar with oven mitts. Furnace gloves protect against even higher heat. The familiar heavy coat and pants used by firefighters is called bunker gear. These garments consist of an outer shell, a thermal insulation layer and a moisture barrier.

Electrical Injuries

• Electrician's gloves contain rubber.

  When working around electricity, wearing insulated PPE is important for safety. Rubber sleeves and gloves are used for protection because rubber is an electrical insulator.