What are PPE?

What is PPE?

PPE are any means intended for the individual protection of a worker from dangers that may arise at work. Their purpose is to protect the health and life of employees while performing their work duties. Occupational safety and health protection is one of the basic priorities of every employer. One of the main tools for ensuring the protection of workers is personal protective equipment, abbreviated PPE. These devices protect employees from risks that cannot be eliminated by other measures - for example, technical adjustments or organizational changes.

Basic protective equipment includes:
• Safety helmets – protect the head from falling objects or impacts
• Safety glasses or face shields – against mechanical, chemical or thermal risks
• Protective clothing – resistant to chemicals, water, cold or fire
• Protective gloves – protect against cuts, chemicals, heat or electric shock
• Safety footwear – often with a steel toe, non-slip and puncture-resistant
• Respirators, face shields, scarves and masks – to protect the respiratory tract from dust, aerosols or harmful gases
• Hearing protectors – dampen excessive noise (earplugs, headphones)

The employer is obliged to:
• carry out a risk assessment at the workplace
• determine appropriate PPE according to specific risks
• ensure their provision to employees free of charge
• ensure their maintenance, cleaning and possible replacement
• train employees on how to use PPE correctly

On the other hand, the employee has the obligation to:
• Use PPE according to instructions and training
• Take care of it and do not damage it
• Report any defects or wear

Why is PPE important?

Using personal protective equipment can make the difference between a normal workday and a serious injury. Even though it may seem uncomfortable or unnecessary, its purpose is to protect the most valuable thing - human health.

We will discuss who is entitled to PPE in this article.

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