What Is Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE? Personal protective equipment is any equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards that cannot be completely eliminated by engineering, work practice, and administrative controls. When used properly, PPE can minimize the risk of injury on the job site What Are the Major Types of PPE? American sua Training for General Industry Protecting Yourself Using PPE To protect yourself using PPE, you must use the appropriate PPE for your job site, tasks, and potential hazards. You must also follow best practices for using PPE, including: Wearing PPE as instructed by your employer Receiving training and retraining in proper use of your PPE Wearing PPE that is durable, able to be cleaned, and reasonably comfortable, and does not restrict the function of another other types of required PPE Maintaining your PPE ina sanitary and reliable condition Removing and replacing damaged, defective, or worn PPE Storing PPE appropriately between uses Updating PPE as required with changes to your job Employer's Responsibilities for PPE In regards to personal protective equipment, employers are required to: Perform a health hazard assessment of the workplace to identify potential hazards Identify and provide appropriate PPE to employees Maintain PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE Review, update, and evaluate the effectiveness of the PPE program Train employees in proper use, maintenance, fitting, and wearing of, and limitations of PPE