(PPE) Personal Protection Equipment

"The use of personal protection equipment (PPE) is to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels." This is a quote from the United States department of of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration. All employers are required to determine if (PPE) Personal Protection Equipment should be used to protect their workers. Personal Protective Equipment today, as in the past, makes working safer and workers more productive. Personal Protective equipment has been around for centuries for protection as they performed their work. For example, Medieval Knights had their armor, today Fireman have Fireproof Suits, Fireproof Gloves, Safety Helmets and Respirators. Blacksmiths had leather aprons, today Scientists have Chemical Spill Aprons. Eskimos wear a heavy parka, gloves, and boots. Laboratory associates wear DuPont Tyvek Coveralls, shoe covers, and laboratory gloves. Tyvek is also recommended for protection against all toxicity classes of dry pesticide formulations (granules, dust and powders) except chlorinated hydrocarbons. Tyvek is also Lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable and cool. There are many other forms of Personal Safety Equipment, such as hearing protection, earplugs, and earmuffs. Remember to assess your work area, notify your superior should the need for Personal Safety Protection be warranted. Remember that Safety in the work place is a Team effort!