Personal protective equipment (PPE) kit, also known as medical protective suit, disposable protective coverall, or antivirus suit. PPE kit refers to the protective clothing used by medical personnel (doctors, nurses, public health personnel, cleaners, etc.) and people entering a specific health areas (such as patients, hospital visitors, persons entering the infected area, etc.). PPE kit has good moisture permeability and barrier, has the function of resisting the penetration of alcohol, blood, body fluid, air dust particles, and bacterial virus, effectively protect the safety of personnel and keep the environment clean.

Many workplaces require workers and visitors to wear personal protective clothing (PPE) while on worksite premises if there are hazards present in the area such as open flames or chemicals which can cause harm. It is important that PPE is always worn correctly whilst in a hazardous area, as this will prevent accidents from occurring and make for a safer work environment.

Prevent injury from harmful bacteria and corrosives:

If you’re working with chemicals, it is imperative to wear full PPE from goggles to gloves. Harmful and corrosive substances, particularly liquids, can be very dangerous if spilled or leaking occurs; often resulting in splashes which can be life-altering when contact is made with the skin or eyes. When working in an environment that aims to control harmful bacteria such as a clinical lab or a hospital, PPE acts as a barrier between infectious materials that can cause illness and damage to the skin. In these environments, protective clothing is vital.

Reduce the risk of respiratory illness:

Respiratory issues from breathing in smoke, gases or chemicals from contaminated air can be toxic, so respirators are essential to protect your lungs from both long-term and short-term gas-related illnesses. However, on oil and gas sites, it is important to be fully equipped with eye protection, hearing protection and flame-resistant clothing. If working in oil and gas wells, this can expose workers to hydrogen sulphide, which can cause irritation and difficulty breathing in some asthmatics. One of the worst gases to inhale is crystalline silica; this is a known lung carcinogen that can cause silicosis and in the worst cases, can be fatal.

Protects your body from extremes of heat and cold:

It is imperative to keep workers safe and comfortable, even in uncomfortable and dangerous situations. Protective suits and arc flash clothing from Reece Safety are some great examples of how PPE can keep you safe from extreme heat when welding or using electricals for example, as well as extreme cold such as outdoor or underground maintenance work. Multiple layers of PPE are to be worn for extreme temperature, including heat-resistant outerwear for hot environments or thermal layers and wicking material to keep you warm in cold environments.

Prevents injury:

Whether it’s falling rocks or slipping, make sure you’re protected with the right footwear and head and body protection when you’re entering a hazardous area. Boots with good grip and a helmet are examples of much needed essentials to protect yourself from falling and head injuries while on the job; these injuries are some of the most common in the workplace, so be sure to wear your protective clothing until you are no longer in a hazardous area, particularly in more dangerous areas such as working underground, on building sites and in damp environments.

Types of PPE:

Wearing gloves protects your hands from germs and helps reduce the spread of germs.

Masks cover your mouth and nose.

• Some masks have a see-through plastic part that covers your eyes.
• A surgical mask helps stop germs in your nose and mouth from spreading. It can also keep you from breathing in some germs.
• A special respiratory mask (respirator) forms a tight seal around your nose and mouth. It may be needed so that you do not breathe in small germs like tuberculosis bacteria or measles or chickenpox viruses.
  Eye protection includes face shields and goggles. These protect the mucous membranes in your eyes from blood and other bodily fluids. If these fluids make contact with the eyes, germs in the fluid can enter the body through the mucous membranes.
  Clothing includes gowns, aprons, head covering, and shoe covers.
• These are often used during surgery to protect you and the patient.
• They are also used during surgery to protect you when you work with bodily fluids.
• Visitors wear gowns if they are visiting a person who is in isolation due to an illness that can be easily spread.
  You may need special PPE when handling some cancer drugs. This equipment is called cytotoxic PPE.
• You may need to wear a gown with long sleeves and elastic cuffs. This gown should keep liquids from touching your skin.
• You may also need to wear shoe covers, goggles, and special gloves.

Choose the Right PPE:

You may need to use different types of PPE for different people. Your workplace has written instructions about when to wear PPE and what type to use. You need PPE when you care for people who are in isolation as well as other patients.

Ask your supervisor how you can learn more about protective equipment.

After You Use PPE:

Remove and dispose of PPE safely to protect others from being exposed to germs. Before leaving your work area, remove all PPE and put it in the right place. This may include:

• Special laundry containers that can be reused after cleaning
• Special waste containers that are different from other waste containers
• Specially marked bags for cytotoxic PPE