Personal protective equipment (commonly known as PPE) is a term that refers to a range of protective clothing and other equipment that is used to protect people in their workplace and in public spaces.

Examples of personal protective equipment

There are many different types of personal protective equipment, which may be used in different scenarios and locations; examples include:

• Protective clothing
• Helmets
• Goggles
• Masks
• Gloves
• Armour (for soldiers)
• Riot gear (for police)
• Gum shields, shin pads, shoulder pads (for sportspeople)
• Breathing apparatus (for divers)

PPE for infection control

Health professionals may use a variety of personal protective equipment to protect them from infection, injuries and contamination; examples used in general medicine include:

• Gloves
• Aprons
• Masks
• Scrubs and gowns (for theatre)

Wearing personal protective equipment, along with protocol about cleaning, hand hygiene and sterile services, is a major part of infection control, as well as being important for protecting people from harmful gases, injuries, smoke inhalation and skin conditions.