Personal Protective Equipment

Course overview

According to the United States (U.S.) Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses, (n.d). Healthcare workers must be provided with optimum PPEs based upon the evidence and not just supply and demand PPEs. There are reported variations in the types of PPEs provided to healthcare workers across the U.S. However, evidence-based best practices show that PPEs that help reduce exposure or spread of respiratory pathogens is required (CDC, 2020). PPE may include items such as gowns, gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs or muffs, face masks or respirators, coveralls, vests, full body suits, shoes, and shoe covers.