What Is Personal Safety Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to clothing or protective gear worn for the purpose of preventing workplace hazards from injuring employees, and includes protective clothing, protective gloves, eye protection and earplugs that employees can easily access at work. PPE stations provide this equipment so employees have easy access.
lone worker devices Personal protective equipment varies by country and industry; in the US, its definition includes anything that protects workers from bloodborne pathogens or potentially infectious substances; it may also include items that provide impact protection, chemical splash protection, or offer potential exposure protection from infectious fluid.
Personal protective equipment not only offers workers protection from potential dangers, but it can also increase employee morale and productivity, decrease days missed due to illness or injury and ultimately save employers money by decreasing insurance and medical care costs.
PPE is often the first line of defense against workplace hazards. While PPE won't eliminate risks entirely, it does serve to limit them by creating a physical barrier between workers and any airborne substances, chemicals or physical risks present - particularly important when risks are high, such as in chemical emergency scenarios.
Personal protective equipment comes in various forms. Some forms, like hard hats and safety boots, combine two items into one piece of clothing while other specialized pieces such as surgical masks or respirators, specialize solely in protecting respiratory systems while offering other benefits as well. A surgical mask helps stop germs from spreading from nose and mouth while respirators filters air from being breathed in while filtering large particles such as dust or other contaminants from entering.
Personal protective equipment provides vital protection from impact, dust and other substances that could irritate skin conditions. Examples include protective clothing such as jackets made of leather, rubber, cotton or synthetics - each specific item should match up to the hazard you face.
PPE that fits well and feels good will increase worker safety, leading to its regular use. Regular inspection and testing should take place to ensure it continues providing an appropriate level of protection; employees should also receive training on its use so they feel confident using it on the job. It is also vitally important to periodically evaluate its effectiveness to identify any changes necessary - for instance, if new protective equipment developed that provides enhanced protection from a specific threat needs testing before being introduced into the workforce.
