Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Quick answer: PPE (personal protective equipment) is worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards. The main types are hand, eye and face, hearing, head, foot, respiratory and body protection, and in healthcare the barrier set of gloves, gowns, masks and eye or face protection. Which type applies depends on the hazards found in a hazard assessment, not on a fixed list. Who uses it: employers and workers in any hazardous workplace, clinic and hospital staff, laboratory staff, and buyers and students who need the categories straight.
What is PPE?
OSHA defines personal protective equipment as “equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.” OSHA’s examples are gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, and coveralls, vests and full body suits (OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, checked 2026-10-30).
CDC NIOSH gives a shorter list for emergency response: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, protective clothing and respirators (NIOSH, checked 2026-10-30). For the legal duties behind PPE, see the OSHA PPE standard explainer; this page focuses on the equipment itself.
Types of PPE
There are two useful ways to sort PPE. The first is by body area, as the workplace sources list it. The second is by healthcare barrier role, as CDC’s Standard Precautions table lists it.
Types by body area
| Type | Items named by the source | Source | CASRAI guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand protection | Gloves | OSHA, NIOSH | Types of gloves |
| Eye and face protection | Goggles, face shields, safety glasses, full-face respirators | NIOSH (eyewear list), OSHA (safety glasses) | |
| Hearing protection | Earplugs or muffs | OSHA, NIOSH | Hearing protection types |
| Head protection | Hard hats | OSHA | |
| Foot protection | Safety shoes | OSHA | |
| Respiratory protection | Respirators | OSHA, NIOSH | Face mask types |
| Body protection | Coveralls, vests, full body suits, protective clothing | OSHA, NIOSH | Hazmat suit types, gown sizes |
Healthcare barrier PPE
CDC’s Standard Precautions table (Appendix A, Table 4; page dated November 27, 2023; checked 2026-10-30) groups healthcare PPE by its barrier role rather than by body area. The items it lists are gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection (goggles), face shields and fit-tested N95 or higher respirators. Those categories overlap with the body-area types above: gloves are hand protection, goggles and face shields are eye and face protection, and the respirator is respiratory protection. For product detail, see face mask types and types of gloves.
How to choose PPE
The sources agree on the order of decisions, not on a single best product:
- Assess the hazards first. 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) says the employer “shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present.”
- Treat PPE as one control among several. OSHA describes employer-provided PPE for cases where other controls are not enough, and NIOSH calls respirators especially important “when other control systems are not feasible.”
- Match the equipment to the hazard. NIOSH: “Recommended PPE depends on the types of hazards present,” and “Selecting an appropriate respirator depends on the type of particle or chemical it is protecting from.”
- For protective clothing, weigh the listed factors. NIOSH names hazard, material, design, durability, comfort and functionality.
When to use PPE
In the workplace rules, the trigger is the hazard assessment: OSHA’s 1910.132(d)(1) has the employer assess the workplace for hazards, and PPE is used where hazards are present or likely to be present and other controls are not enough. NIOSH states that “Recommended PPE depends on the types of hazards present.” Healthcare settings follow their own facility policies and CDC’s Standard Precautions; this page does not give clinical instructions.
How to use PPE
29 CFR 1910.132(f) requires training for each worker who must use PPE. The training covers when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don, doff, adjust and wear it, its limitations, and its proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal. Under 1910.132(h) the employer provides it “at no cost to employees,” as the general rule. Defective or damaged PPE “shall not be used” (1910.132(e)). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific item.
Common mistakes
- Choosing PPE before assessing the hazard. The standard puts the assessment first.
- Continuing to use damaged PPE. The standard prohibits it.
- Treating all respirators as interchangeable. NIOSH ties respirator selection to the particle or chemical.
- Training only on putting PPE on. The required training also covers removal, limitations, care, useful life and disposal.
FAQ
What is PPE?
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses (OSHA). Examples include gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators and full body suits.
How do I choose PPE?
Start with a hazard assessment, then match the equipment to the hazards found (29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1); NIOSH). Respirators in particular must suit the particle or chemical.
How do I use PPE?
Be trained on when it is necessary, which PPE, how to don, doff, adjust and wear it, its limitations, and its care, useful life and disposal (1910.132(f)). Do not use damaged PPE.
When should I use PPE?
Where the hazard assessment finds hazards that other controls do not remove (29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1); OSHA). Healthcare settings follow their own facility policies and CDC Standard Precautions.
Sources
- OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, checked 2026-10-30.
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.132, General requirements, checked 2026-10-30.
- CDC NIOSH, Personal Protective Equipment for emergency response, checked 2026-10-30.
- CDC, Appendix A, Table 4: Recommendations for Application of Standard Precautions, page dated November 27, 2023, checked 2026-10-30.
