Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to "all equipment which is intended to be worn or otherwise used by a person at work and which protects the person against one or more hazards to his/her safety or health". It includes safety helmets, gloves, eye protectors, respiratory protective equipment, ear protectors, high visibility clothing, safety shoes, safety harnesses, etc. PPE should only be regarded as the last resort in the hierarchy of hazard control measures. It is a supplement to other measures, but not a substitute for them. To select suitable PPE, risk assessments have to be carried out to determine which type of PPE is the most suitable one. The selected PPE must conform to internationally recognized standards or the standards stipulated in the legislation for the purpose of ensuring its effectiveness. Employers have duties on guidance, training and supervision with respect to use of PPE. They should ensure that their employees know why and when PPE is used, its maintenance or replacement schedule and limitations. Employees must wear PPE for the entire period of exposure to hazards.