Ask AI: what is personal protective equipment and give examples

Personal Protective Equipment, often referred to as PPE, is equipment or clothing designed to protect workers from health or safety hazards that are present on the job. The hazards could range from physical, electrical, heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter, among others. PPE serves as the last line of defense against these hazards when they cannot be completely removed or controlled. Examples of Personal Protective Equipment include: 1. Safety Helmets and Hard Hats: To protect the head from falling objects in industries such as construction and mining. 2. Safety Glasses and Goggles: To protect the eyes from dust, chemicals or flying debris in laboratories or industrial settings. 3. Face Shields: To protect the face from splashes, sprays, and spatter of body fluids in healthcare settings or from flying debris in cutting/grinding operations. 4. Ear Plugs and Earmuffs: To protect the ears from loud noises in industries like mining, manufacturing, and construction. 5. Respirators/Masks: To protect from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases. Masks also protect against pathogens in healthcare settings. 6. Safety Gloves: To protect the hands from harmful substances or extreme temperatures, cuts or punctures (e.g. in medical, chemical, or cutting industries). 7. Safety Footwear (like steel-toe boots, nonslip shoes or rubber boots): To protect feet from falling objects, slip hazards or electrical hazards. 8. High-Visibility Clothing: To ensure the worker is visible in busy or low-light environments such as road work or construction sites. 9. Protective Clothing and Coveralls: To protect against hazards like chemicals, heat, and biohazards. 10. Fall Protection Equipment: Harnesses and lanyards used in high places to prevent falls. The specific PPE required can vary greatly depending on the job, work environment, and specific hazards present.