Henkilösuojausvarustus

Henkilösuojausvarustus, often abbreviated as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), refers to any equipment designed to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks to their health or safety. The primary purpose of PPE is to reduce exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or sufficient to eliminate the risk. The selection of appropriate PPE depends heavily on the specific hazard present in the workplace or activity.

Common types of PPE include head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, and protective clothing. Head protection, such as hard hats, shields workers from falling objects or impacts. Eye and face protection, like safety glasses or face shields, safeguards against flying particles, chemical splashes, or radiation. Hearing protection, including earplugs or earmuffs, is crucial in noisy environments to prevent hearing loss.

Respiratory protection, such as respirators or masks, filters harmful airborne contaminants. Hand protection encompasses gloves designed to protect against cuts, chemicals, extreme temperatures, or biological agents. Foot protection, like safety boots, offers protection against crushing injuries, punctures, and slips. Protective clothing, ranging from aprons to full body suits, shields the skin from various hazards.

Proper training on the correct use, care, and limitations of PPE is essential for its effectiveness. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure that the equipment remains in good condition and provides adequate protection. In many jurisdictions, employers are legally obligated to provide appropriate PPE and ensure its use by employees exposed to workplace hazards.