Personal Protective Equipment

PPE banner - workers wearing protective clothing, worker wearing personal protective equipment, emergency responders

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a main source of protection for emergency and recovery workers. It is necessary to protect emergency response and recovery workers from physical, chemical, and biological hazards. There are many different types of emergencies, including flooding, fire, diseases, and structural collapse. Routes of exposure include inhalation, dermal contact, ingestion, or contact through mucous membranes. Therefore, PPE often includes respirators, eye protection, hearing protection, and protective clothing. Depending on the hazard, the recommendations on the use of PPE change. Some examples of PPE may include respirators, gloves, overalls, boots, and goggles.