Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to the clothing or equipment designed to be worn by someone to protect them from risk of illness or infection, this includes items such as, eye goggles, face shields, face masks, gloves and gowns/suits.

Using PPE effectively is an important safeguard, but only one part, of protecting an individual against potential infection. Importantly, PPE and other infection control methods, such as performing hand hygeine, work in conjunction with each other.

PPE refers to anything used or worn to minimise risk to workers' health and safety, most commonly used amongst construction and healthcare workers. This includes items such as, ear plugs, eye goggles, boots, high visibility clothing, safety harnesses, face masks and gloves.

PPE in childcare are mainly employed to ensure that the child care facilities maintain a clean, safe and hygienic environment. The main objective of using these types of devices is to prevent the spreading of all sorts of diseases and even toxic elements.

Most commonly, PPE is used for infection control, in situations such as providing first aid or in healthcare settings. PPE can also be used amongst construction workers to reduce the individual workers exposure to safety hazards.

To ensure PPE continues to minimise any potential risk to an individual, PPE must be maintained, repaired or replaced and stored correctly. This includes making sure it is clean, hygienic and in good working order.

Disposable PPE is designed to be used only one time and by one person; it cannot be washed.

When using PPE the correct donning and doffing process should be adhered to visit https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/news/what-is-ppe-and-how-to-use-it-correctly-top-tips-you-must-follow/ to learn how to do this correctly. Hand hygiene should be performed after each individual PPE item is removed.

When using PPE for work purposes, Safe Work Australia's 'How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks' code of practice must be adhered to.