What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. Chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards may cause these injuries and illnesses. Gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests, and full-body suits are examples of personal protective equipment.

PPE, or personal protective equipment, is equipment used to prevent or reduce exposure to hazards such as:

Biological hazards

Chemical hazards

Radiological hazards

Electrical hazards

Mechanical hazards

Etc.

Exposure without PPE could result in injuries and illnesses. PPE is used in a variety of industries to protect workers from occupational hazards. PPE is commonly used in the construction, mining, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. PPE is also used by healthcare workers to ensure their safety while on the job.

Some PPEs examples are:

SAFETY HELMET



HAND GLOVE

MASK



SAFETY GLASS FOR EYES


SAFETY DRESS AND SHOES

PPE and the Healthcare Workforce

PPE shields healthcare workers from two major threats:

Radiation (Enhancing radiation safety in health care)

Biological agents (virus, bacteria, etc.)

Biological agents can be transmitted from person to person through direct or indirect contact. Patients are in close contact with health workers. As a result, they require PPE that protects them from potential transmission. PPE should be used to mitigate the following transmission pathways:

Person to person contact

Droplet spread

Airborne transmission

Contaminated objects (fomites)

Infection prevention and control (IPC) principles are used to keep patients and healthcare workers safe. Hand hygiene, PPE use, and waste management materials are examples of IPC measures. Furthermore, the WHO ensures the safety of the health workforce by providing guidance on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Different recommendations apply depending on the biological agent and the context. Some PPE recommended for Ebola virus disease (EVD), for example, may not be adequate for COVID-19.

The WHO has provided technical information on PPE for health care workers over the years. PPE is classified as a medical device by regulatory authorities in some countries. WHO's most recent publications discuss personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of:

Ebola virus disease (EVD)

COVID-19

The following are the main characteristics of PPE, according to this publication:

CategoryCharacteristic
Design feature
1. Protect mucous membranes 
2. Minimize the number of PPE element  junctions
3. Provide an unobstructed range of vision
4. Enable communication capability
5. Use human factors design for size and comfort 
Material performance
6. Able to protect for the duration of work period
7. Able to withstand repeated disinfection
8. Manufacture packaging to withstand tropical climate exposure
Use desirability
9. Standardize donning and doffing protocol with minimum steps
10. Dispose PPE in non-toxic and environment-friendly manner

The following information is useful for protecting the health workforce and providing them with necessary PPE.

NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO and partners are facilitating the request of critical supplies. Countries can use the supply chain portal to request supplies such as:

PPE
Biomedical Equipment
Diagnostics

PPE and the Public

During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) played a critical role in reducing transmission among the general public. The WHO provides regular public advice, such as when and how to use masks.
The WHO has developed regular advice for the public, including: When and how to use masks?