Editing Personal protective equipment (section)

==Types==
Personal protective equipment can be categorized by the area of the body protected, by the type of hazard, and by the type of garment or accessory. A single item{{Snd}}for example, boots{{Snd}}may provide multiple forms of protection: a steel toe cap and steel insoles for protection of the feet from crushing or puncture injuries, impervious rubber and lining for protection from water and chemicals, high [[Reflectance|reflectivity]] and heat resistance for protection from radiant heat, and high electrical [[Electrical resistivity and conductivity|resistivity]] for protection from electric shock. The protective attributes of each piece of equipment must be compared with the hazards expected to be found in the workplace. More breathable types of personal protective equipment may not lead to more contamination but do result in greater user satisfaction.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Verbeek|first1=Jos H|last2=Rajamaki|first2=Blair|last3=Ijaz|first3=Sharea|last4=Sauni|first4=Riitta|last5=Toomey|first5=Elaine|last6=Blackwood|first6=Bronagh|last7=Tikka|first7=Christina|last8=Ruotsalainen|first8=Jani H|last9=Kilinc Balci|first9=F Selcen|date=2020-05-15|title=Personal protective equipment for preventing highly infectious diseases due to exposure to contaminated body fluids in healthcare staff|journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|volume=2020|issue=5|pages=CD011621|doi=10.1002/14651858.cd011621.pub5|pmid=32412096|pmc=8785899|issn=1465-1858|hdl=1983/b7069408-3bf6-457a-9c6f-ecc38c00ee48|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

===Respirators===
{{main|Respirator}}
{{See also|NIOSH air filtration rating|N95 respirator}}
[[File:Air-Purifying Respirator.jpg|thumb|Air-purifying respirator]]
[[File:N95mask.jpg|thumb|[[N95 mask]]]]
Respirators are protective breathing equipment, which protect the user from inhaling contaminants in the air, thus preserving the health of their respiratory tract. There are two main types of respirators. One type of respirator functions by filtering out chemicals and gases, or airborne particles, from the air breathed by the user.<ref name=resp>[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/respirators/ Respirators] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830084012/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/respirators/ |date=2012-08-30 }}. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</ref> The filtration may be either passive or [[Powered, air-purifying respirator|active (powered)]]. [[Elastomeric respirator|Gas mask]]s and [[respirator|particulate respirators]] (like [[N95 mask]]s)<ref name="N95surgical">{{cite web |title=N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks (Face Masks) |url=https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[United States Food and Drug Administration]] |date=5 April 2020}}</ref> are examples of this type of respirator. A second type of respirator protects users by providing clean, respirable air from another source. This type includes airline respirators and [[self-contained breathing apparatus]] (SCBA).<ref name =resp/> In work environments, respirators are relied upon when adequate ventilation is not available or other engineering control systems are not feasible or inadequate.<ref name=resp/>

In the United Kingdom, an organization that has extensive expertise in respiratory protective equipment is the [[Institute of Occupational Medicine]]. This expertise has been built on a long-standing and varied research programme that has included the setting of workplace protection factors to the assessment of efficacy of masks available through high street retail outlets.{{Citation needed|date=January 2016}}

The [[Health and Safety Executive]] (HSE), [[NHS Health Scotland]] and Healthy Working Lives (HWL) have jointly developed the RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) Selector Tool, which is web-based. This interactive tool provides descriptions of different types of respirators and breathing apparatuses, as well as "dos and don'ts" for each type.<ref name=rpe>[http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/rpe-selector/ "Selecting the right Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for the job"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108172553/http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/rpe-selector/ |date=2012-11-08 }}. Healthy Working Lives. 2008-4-4</ref>

In the United States, The [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] (NIOSH) provides recommendations on respirator use, in accordance to NIOSH federal respiratory regulations 42 CFR Part 84.<ref name=resp/>  The [[National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory]] (NPPTL) of NIOSH is tasked towards actively conducting studies on respirators and providing recommendations.<ref name=factsheet>[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/factsheets/respfact.html CDC - NIOSH - Respirator Fact Sheet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928092148/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/factsheets/respfact.html |date=2017-09-28 }}. The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory.</ref>

==== Surgical masks ====
{{see also|Source control (respiratory disease)}}
[[Surgical masks]] are sometimes considered as PPE, but are not considered as respirators, being unable to stop submicron particles from passing through, and also having unrestricted air flow at the edges of the masks.<ref name="N95surgical"/><ref name="canada">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/respiratory_protection.html |title=Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Infectious Agents for Health Care Workers: Do surgical masks protect workers? |date=2017-02-28 |publisher=Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety |type=OSH Answers Fact Sheets  |access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>

Surgical masks are not certified for the prevention of [[tuberculosis]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UJ78QaLuSxIC | title=NIOSH Recommended Guidelines for Personal Respiratory Protection of Workers in Health-care Facilities Potentially Exposed to Tuberculosis | date=1992 }}</ref>

===Skin protection===
[[File:Worker weighing carbon nanotubes.png|alt=A man wearing a white lab coat reaches over a beaker containing white powder on a balance|thumb|upright|A worker wearing a [[respirator]], [[lab coat]], and [[Medical glove|gloves]] while weighing [[carbon nanotube]]s]]
[[File:Incorrect use of personal protective equipment.png|alt=A closeup of a person's arm requing into a bucket filled with a black material|thumb|This is an incorrect use of personal protective equipment, because the gap between the [[Medical glove|glove]] and the [[lab coat]] exposes the wrist to hazardous materials.]]
Occupational skin diseases such as [[contact dermatitis]], [[skin cancer]]s, and other skin injuries and infections are the second-most common type of occupational disease and can be very costly.<ref name="skin">[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/ CDC - Skin Exposures and Effects - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806040459/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/ |date=2012-08-06 }}. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</ref> Skin hazards, which lead to occupational skin disease, can be classified into four groups. [[Chemical hazard|Chemical agents]] can come into contact with the skin through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, deposition of aerosols, immersion or splashes.<ref name="skin"/> Physical agents such as extreme temperatures and ultraviolet or solar radiation can be damaging to the skin over prolonged exposure.<ref name="skin"/> Mechanical trauma occurs in the form of friction, pressure, abrasions, lacerations and contusions.<ref name="skin"/> Biological agents such as parasites, microorganisms, plants and animals can have varied effects when exposed to the skin.<ref name="skin"/>

Any form of PPE that acts as a barrier between the skin and the agent of exposure can be considered skin protection. Because much work is done with the hands, [[glove]]s are an essential item in providing skin protection. Some examples of gloves commonly used as PPE include [[rubber gloves]], [[cut-resistant gloves]], [[chainsaw safety clothing|chainsaw gloves]] and heat-resistant gloves. For sports and other recreational activities, many different gloves are used for protection, generally against mechanical trauma.

Other than gloves, any other article of clothing or protection worn for a purpose serve to protect the skin. [[White coat|Lab coats]] for example, are worn to protect against potential splashes of chemicals. [[Face shield]]s serve to protect one's face from potential impact hazards, chemical splashes or possible infectious fluid.

Many [[migrant workers]] need training in PPE for Heat Related Illnesses prevention (HRI).  Based on study results, research identified some potential gaps in heat safety education. While some farm workers reported receiving limited training on pesticide safety, others did not. This could be remedied by incoming groups of farm workers receiving video and in-person training on HRI prevention.  These educational programs for farm workers are most effective when they are based on health behavior theories, use adult learning principles and employ train-the-trainer approaches.<ref>{{Cite journal|title="I Think the Temperature was 110 Degrees!": Work Safety Discussions Among Hispanic Farmworkers|journal = Journal of Agromedicine|volume = 24|pages = 15–25|last=Luque|first=John S.|doi=10.1080/1059924x.2018.1536572|pmid = 30317928|pmc = 7045709|year = 2019|issue = 1}}</ref>

===Eye protection===
{{Main|Eye protection}}
[[File:Nuxos1pl.JPG|thumb|left|A paintball player wearing appropriate eye protection against impact]]
Each day, about 2,000 US workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical attention.<ref name="eye">[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/ CDC - Eye Safety - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707114404/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/ |date=2017-07-07 }}. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</ref> Eye injuries can happen through a variety of means. Most eye injuries occur when solid particles such as metal slivers, wood chips, sand or cement chips get into the eye.<ref name="eye" /> Smaller particles in [[smoke]]s and larger particles such as broken glass also account for particulate matter-causing eye injuries. Blunt force trauma can occur to the eye when excessive force comes into contact with the eye. Chemical burns, biological agents, and thermal agents, from sources such as [[welding]] torches and [[ultraviolet|UV light]], also contribute to occupational eye injury.<ref name="eyesafe">[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/eyesafe.html CDC - Eye Safety - Eye Safety for Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902212409/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/eyesafe.html |date=2017-09-02 }}. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</ref>

While the required eye protection varies by occupation, the safety provided can be generalized. Safety glasses provide protection from external debris, and should provide side protection via a wrap-around design or side shields.<ref name="eyesafe" />
* [[Goggles]] provide better protection than safety glasses, and are effective in preventing eye injury from chemical splashes, impact, dusty environments and welding.<ref name="eyesafe" /> Goggles with high air flow should be used to prevent fogging.<ref name="eyesafe" />
* [[Face shield]]s provide additional protection and are worn over the standard eyewear; they also provide protection from impact, chemical, and blood-borne hazards.<ref name="eyesafe" />
* Full-facepiece respirators are considered the best form of eye protection when respiratory protection is needed as well, but may be less effective against potential impact hazards to the eye.<ref name="eyesafe" />
* Eye protection for welding is shaded to different degrees, depending on the specific operation.<ref name="eyesafe" />

===Hearing protection===
{{Main|Hearing protection}}
[[File:SafetyGlassesAndEarplugs.jpg|thumb|A PPE station, containing [[eye protection]] and [[Earplug|earplugs]], as well as a place to dispose of dirty glasses.]]
[[Industrial noise]] is often overlooked as an occupational hazard, as it is not visible to the eye. Overall, about 22&nbsp;million workers in the United States are exposed to potentially damaging noise levels each year.<ref name="noise">[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/stats.html CDC - Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention - Facts and Statistics - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703145248/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/stats.html |date=2016-07-03 }}. The National Institute for Occuaptional Safety and Health.</ref> Occupational hearing loss accounted for 14% of all occupational illnesses in 2007, with about 23,000 cases significant enough to cause permanent hearing impairment.<ref name="noise" /> About 82% of occupational hearing loss cases occurred to workers in the manufacturing sector.<ref name="noise" />  In the US the [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] establishes occupational noise exposure standards.<ref name="oshanoise">[https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9735 Occupational noise exposure - 1910.95] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402213424/https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9735 |date=2015-04-02 }}. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.</ref>  The [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]]  recommends that worker exposures to noise be reduced to a level equivalent to 85&nbsp;dBA for eight hours to reduce occupational [[noise-induced hearing loss]].<ref name="criteria">[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/pdfs/98-126.pdf Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202172749/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/pdfs/98-126.pdf |date=2017-02-02 }}.  DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126.</ref>

PPE for hearing protection consists of [[earplugs]] and [[earmuffs]]. Workers who are regularly exposed to noise levels above the NIOSH recommendation should be provided with hearing protection by the employers, as they are a low-cost intervention. A personal attenuation rating can be objectively measured through a [[hearing protection fit-testing]] system. The effectiveness of hearing protection varies with the training offered on their use.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Tikka|first1=Christina|last2=Verbeek|first2=Jos H|last3=Kateman|first3=Erik|last4=Morata|first4=Thais C|last5=Dreschler|first5=Wouter A|last6=Ferrite|first6=Silvia|date=2017-07-07|title=Interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|volume=2017|issue=7|pages=CD006396|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006396.pub4|issn=1469-493X|pmc=6353150|pmid=28685503}}</ref> On January 2025 NIOSH published a Science Policy Update recommending employers use individual, quantitative fit testing to evaluate the attenuation received by workers from their hearing protection devices.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=NIOSH |first=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health |date=2025-01-16 |title=NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2025-104/ |journal=NIOSH Policy Update |language=en-us |doi=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2025104}}</ref>

===Protective clothing and ensembles===
{{See also|List of personal protective equipment by body area}}
[[File:Regal mit Persönlicher Schutzausrüstung.jpg|thumb|upright|Locker containing personal protective equipment]] [[File:High-Pressure-Cleaning-with-Personal-Protective-Equipment.jpg|thumb|A complete PPE ensemble worn during high pressure cleaning work]]
This form of PPE is all-encompassing and refers to the various suits and uniforms worn to protect the user from harm. Lab coats worn by scientists and [[ballistic vest]]s worn by law enforcement officials, which are worn on a regular basis, would fall into this category. Entire sets of PPE, worn together in a combined suit, are also in this category.

====Ensembles====
[[File:PPE kit.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Two paramedics wearing medical PPE gowns outdoors.|Medical [[PPE gowns]] worn by medical personnel during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]]]
Below are some examples of ensembles of personal protective equipment, worn together for a specific occupation or task, to provide maximum protection for the user:
* [[PPE gowns]] are used by medical personnel like [[doctor (title)|doctor]]s and [[nurses]].
* [[Chainsaw]] [[chainsaw safety clothing|protection]] (especially a helmet with face guard, hearing protection, [[kevlar]] [[chaps]], anti-vibration gloves, and [[Chainsaw safety clothing#Boots|chainsaw safety boots]]).
* [[Beekeeping|Bee-keepers]] wear various levels of protection depending on the temperament of their bees and the reaction of the bees to nectar availability. At minimum, most beekeepers wear a brimmed hat and a veil made of fine mesh netting. The next level of protection involves [[leather glove]]s with long gauntlets and some way of keeping [[bees]] from crawling up one's trouser legs. In extreme cases, specially fabricated shirts and trousers can serve as barriers to the bees' stingers.
* [[Diving equipment]], for underwater diving, constitutes equipment such as a [[diving helmet]] or [[diving mask]], an [[scuba set|underwater breathing apparatus]], and a [[diving suit]].
* [[Firefighter]]s wear PPE designed to provide protection against fires and various fumes and gases. PPE<ref name=ppein>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ppein.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224043944/https://www.ppein.com/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 24, 2021|title=Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) On Sale|website=PPEIN}}</ref> worn by firefighters include [[bunker gear]], [[self-contained breathing apparatus]], a [[helmet]], [[steel-toe boot|safety boots]], and a [[PASS device]].

====In sports====
{{Main|Protective gear in sports}}
Participants in sports often wear protective equipment. Studies performed on the injuries of professional athletes, such as that on [[National Football League|NFL]] players,<ref name=brainnfl>[http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/09/nfl-brain-injury/ CDC - NIOSH Science Blog - Brain Injury in the NFL] {{webarchive|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20121220112221/http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/09/nfl-brain-injury/ |date=2012-12-20 }}. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</ref><ref name=neuro>{{cite journal |last1=Lehman |first1=EJ |last2=Hein |first2=MJ |last3=Baron |first3=SL |last4=Gersic |first4=CM |year=2012 |title=Neurodegenerative causes of death among retired National Football League players |journal=Neurology |doi=10.1212/WNL.0b013e31826daf50 |pmid=22955124 |volume=79 |issue=19 |pages=1970–4 |pmc=4098841 }}</ref> question the effectiveness of existing personal protective equipment.