henkilösuojaimin

Henkilösuojaimia, or personal protective equipment (PPE), are items or clothing designed to protect individuals from hazards such as physical injury, chemical exposure, biological agents, electrical shock, or radiological contamination. Typical examples include helmets, safety glasses, gloves, face shields, high‑visibility clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protective devices, and protective footwear. In many industries, the selection of PPE is governed by national or international standards, such as the European Union’s Directive 2016/425 on occupational health and safety, which obligates employers to conduct risk assessments and provide suitable PPE that is properly fitted and maintained.

The effectiveness of PPE depends on factors such as the correct fit, the user’s training, and the integrity of the equipment. Controls in the hierarchy of hazard management prioritize elimination or substitution of hazards, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally PPE as the last line of defense. Employers are responsible for ensuring that PPE is appropriate for the specific task, is free from defects, and is regularly inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

In addition to workplace application, PPE is widely used in healthcare, emergency response, and everyday safety measures such as face masks in pandemics. Ongoing research focuses on improving comfort, durability, and the integration of sensor technology to provide real‑time feedback on exposure and equipment performance.