Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects workers from physical, chemical or biological hazards at work. PPE may include hard hats, face shields, gloves, vests, respirators, safety shoes and coveralls.

PPE is required to be in compliance with OSHA and Minnesota state standards for workplace safety and health. Employees should wear appropriate PPE and report any damaged or worn PPE to their supervisor.

A good workplace PPE plan is an important part of an effective safety program for any business or organization. It must include the right tools and equipment for employees to use, training and education on how to properly use them, and a maintenance schedule for all PPE used in the business.

When selecting the proper tools and equipment, leaders should take into account both the behavioral needs of the employees and the technical requirements for the job. Leaders should also make sure that the equipment is fit-tested, and that all employees are adequately trained in its use.

For example, if employees are working in an area that requires them to handle chemicals or other substances with their hands, leaders should provide the necessary gloves for the job. These gloves must be tested to ensure they can withstand the chemical and other hazards that are being handled by the employees.

In addition, workers should be given hand washing facilities and quick drench showers to help eliminate any harmful materials from the hands that may be exposed during the workday. They should also have safe work procedures for storing and disposing of PPE after it has been used.

Gloves are the most commonly used type of PPE that provides skin protection. They can be made of different materials, such as rubber, leather, plastic or nitrile. They are typically used to protect the hands from burns, cuts and other wounds caused by heat or chemicals.

There are many types of gloves, some of which are designed for specific applications such as chemistry, food processing, and machining. For example, rubber gloves are suitable for reducing dermal exposure to certain chemicals while leather gloves offer greater protection from heat and cold.

A surgical mask is another piece of equipment that prevents the spread of germs from one person to another. This is especially useful for individuals who have tuberculosis bacteria or measles and chickenpox viruses.

Face shields and goggles are other pieces of eye protection. They may be designed to prevent the eyes from being in contact with infectious drops, fluids or other objects that can cause infection. They can be adapted for wearing under glasses or over prescription eyewear.

For workers who handle chemicals, corrosive liquids or other hazardous substances that could potentially damage the eyes, they should use face shields and goggles to keep the vision intact. These are especially important in environments with high levels of vibration and pressure, such as a laboratory.

The use of these tools and equipment is vital for reducing employee injuries and illnesses. However, it is important to note that even the most stringent measures may not be able to prevent all exposures.