Types of PPE: The Complete Guide to Personal Protective Equipment

The 7 main types of PPE are head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, and body or fall protection. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, employers must assess hazards, choose suitable PPE, train workers and, in most cases, pay for required PPE.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is one of the most visible parts of workplace safety. Hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, earplugs and safety footwear are common in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, food handling, maintenance, warehousing, laboratories and many other US workplaces.

But PPE is not just a list of items. It must be selected for the hazard, fitted correctly, maintained properly and supported by training. For employers, supervisors, HR teams and safety managers, PPE also connects to hazard assessments, OSHA requirements, staff onboarding, operational risk and employee confidence.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private industry employers recorded 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024, with a total recordable case rate of 2.3 cases per 100 full-time workers, according to BLS data published in 2026. PPE does not remove every workplace hazard, but when selected and used correctly, it helps reduce exposure to injuries and illnesses as part of a wider safety system.

If you are building wider workplace safety awareness, you may also find GSA’s related guide useful: Workplace Safety 101: The Complete Guide to HSE Fundamentals (2026).

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What Counts as PPE in the Workplace?

PPE means personal protective equipment. It refers to equipment worn or used by a worker to reduce exposure to specific workplace hazards. PPE may protect the head, eyes, face, ears, lungs, hands, feet, skin, body or whole person depending on the task.

Common personal protective equipment examples include:

• Hard hats and safety helmets

• Safety glasses, goggles and face shields

• Earplugs and earmuffs

• Respirators and filtering facepiece respirators

• Cut-resistant, chemical-resistant or heat-resistant gloves

• Safety boots and protective footwear

• High-visibility clothing

• Aprons, coveralls and protective suits

• Fall arrest harnesses and lanyards

PPE is different from normal everyday clothing. A standard shirt, personal jacket or ordinary shoes usually does not count as specialist PPE unless it is designed, rated or required for a specific workplace hazard.

PPE should also be connected to wider safety communication. For example, chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets may identify required gloves, eye protection or respiratory protection. For a deeper explanation, read GSA’s guide: Hazard Communication and GHS: Labels, Pictograms and SDS Explained.

Why Is PPE the Last Control in the Hierarchy of Controls?

PPE is important, but it should not be the first or only way to control workplace hazards. In occupational safety, PPE is usually considered the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls.

The hierarchy of controls is commonly explained as:

 

 

NIOSH explains the hierarchy of controls as a framework for reducing or removing hazards, with PPE used after stronger controls have been considered. PPE matters because some hazards cannot be fully removed. However, PPE depends on correct selection, fit, maintenance and behaviour.

For example, safety glasses can protect against flying particles, but they do not stop the machine from generating debris. Gloves can protect hands, but they do not remove the sharp edge, chemical or heat source. A respirator may reduce inhalation exposure, but ventilation or substitution may provide stronger risk control.

This is why PPE should be part of a complete workplace safety approach, not a standalone solution. If you are clarifying the wider language of workplace safety, GSA’s guide to HSE vs EHS vs OHS vs SHE explains how these terms are used in professional safety settings.

What Are the 7 Main Types of PPE?

The most practical way to understand the types of PPE is to group them by the part of the body or hazard they protect against.

1. Head Protection

Head protection helps protect workers from falling objects, overhead impacts, bumps, electrical exposure and certain site hazards. It is common in construction, utilities, maintenance, warehouses, manufacturing, logistics, forestry and industrial environments.

Examples include:

• Hard hats

• Safety helmets

• Bump caps

• Chin straps for certain work conditions

• Electrical-class protective helmets

In the United States, industrial head protection is commonly associated with ANSI/ISEA Z89.1. OSHA’s 2024 safety helmet bulletin explains that ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 specifies performance and testing requirements for industrial head protection. Head protection may be classified by impact type and electrical class, depending on the hazard.

Common classifications include:

 

Global readers may also see EN 397 used for industrial safety helmets in UK, EU and some GCC settings.

2. Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection is required when workers may be exposed to flying particles, chemical splashes, dust, molten metal, biological hazards, radiant energy, welding light or other face and eye hazards.

Examples include:

• Safety glasses

• Safety goggles

• Chemical splash goggles

• Face shields

• Welding helmets

• Laser safety eyewear

• Prescription safety eyewear

In the United States, OSHA 1910.133 covers eye and face protection in general industry, while OSHA 1926.102 applies in construction. ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 is the major US consensus standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection. ANSI and ISEA state that ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 covers design, performance specifications and marking of safety eye and face products.

Eye and face PPE should be selected based on the hazard. Safety glasses may protect against low-level impact, but chemical splash work may require sealed goggles. A face shield may protect the face, but it is often used with goggles or safety glasses underneath depending on the exposure.

3. Hearing Protection

Hearing protection helps reduce noise exposure where workers may be exposed to hazardous sound levels from machinery, tools, engines, compressed air, manufacturing lines, construction work, aircraft, vehicles or industrial equipment.

Examples include:

• Disposable earplugs

• Reusable earplugs

• Banded earplugs

• Earmuffs

• Dual protection, such as earplugs and earmuffs together

Hearing PPE should not be confused with ordinary consumer headphones. Occupational hearing protectors should be selected for the noise environment and appropriate attenuation. In the United States, employers must consider OSHA noise exposure requirements and hearing conservation obligations where applicable.

Global standards may include EN 352 for hearing protectors.

4. Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection helps protect workers from inhaling hazardous airborne contaminants. These may include dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists, biological aerosols or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Examples include:

• Filtering facepiece respirators

• Half-mask respirators

• Full-face respirators

• Powered air-purifying respirators

• Supplied-air respirators

• Self-contained breathing apparatus

In the United States, OSHA 1910.134 covers respiratory protection. Respirators must be selected carefully because the wrong respirator can create a false sense of security. Many respirators require a written respiratory protection programme, medical evaluation, fit testing, training and maintenance.

Respiratory PPE is especially important in tasks involving certain chemicals, silica dust, welding fumes, infectious materials, confined spaces or emergency response conditions.

5. Hand Protection

Hand protection is used where workers may be exposed to cuts, punctures, abrasions, burns, chemicals, vibration, biological materials, electrical hazards, extreme temperatures or sharp objects.

Examples include:

• Cut-resistant gloves

• Chemical-resistant gloves

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Cold-resistant gloves

• Disposable nitrile, latex or vinyl gloves

• Electrical insulating gloves

• General handling gloves

OSHA 1910.138 addresses hand protection and requires employers to select appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards. ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 provides a classification system for hand and arm protection, including performance categories such as cut resistance, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance and chemical-related protection.

A common PPE mistake is choosing gloves by appearance rather than hazard. A glove suitable for handling cardboard may not protect against solvents. A disposable glove may not resist puncture. A thick glove may reduce dexterity and increase the chance of a handling error. Correct glove selection should consider the hazard, material compatibility, grip, task duration, fit and comfort.

6. Foot Protection

Foot protection helps protect workers from crushing, punctures, slips, trips, electrical hazards, hot surfaces, chemicals, wet floors and falling objects.

Examples include:

• Safety-toe boots

• Metatarsal guards

• Puncture-resistant soles

• Slip-resistant footwear

• Electrical hazard footwear

• Chemical-resistant boots

• Waterproof work boots

In the United States, OSHA 1910.136 addresses foot protection in general industry. ASTM F2413 is commonly used for protective footwear performance requirements. UK and EU readers may see EN ISO 20345 used for safety footwear.

Foot PPE is especially relevant in manufacturing, warehouses, construction, kitchens, healthcare, cleaning, utilities, logistics and maintenance environments. Slip resistance is also important where wet, oily or contaminated floors are present.

7. Body and Fall Protection

Body protection covers PPE that protects the torso, skin or whole body. Fall protection protects workers where a fall hazard exists.

Examples include:

• Protective coveralls

• Chemical-resistant suits

• Flame-resistant clothing

• High-visibility apparel

• Aprons

• Welding jackets

• Disposable protective gowns

• Fall arrest harnesses

• Lanyards and lifelines

Body protection should match the hazard. For example, healthcare workers may need gowns or fluid-resistant garments. Welders may need flame-resistant clothing and welding sleeves. Roadside or warehouse workers may need high-visibility apparel. Workers exposed to fall hazards may need fall protection systems selected for the task and anchor point.

Global references may include EN 361 for full-body harnesses and EN 363 for fall protection systems. For high-visibility apparel in the United States, ANSI/ISEA 107 is widely used to classify garments by performance class and work environment.

What Are OSHA PPE Requirements for US Workplaces?

OSHA PPE requirements are mainly found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I for general industry. The OSHA standard at 1910.132 sets out general PPE requirements, including hazard assessment, PPE selection, employee training and employer payment rules. You can review OSHA’s official Law & Regulations and Personal Protective Equipment pages for source guidance.

In practical terms, OSHA expects employers to:

• Assess the workplace for hazards requiring PPE.

• Select PPE that is suitable for the hazards identified.

• Communicate PPE selection decisions to affected employees.

• Ensure PPE properly fits affected employees.

• Train employees on required PPE.

• Make sure employees understand when PPE is needed, what PPE is needed, how to wear it, PPE limitations, care, maintenance, useful life and disposal.

• Provide most required PPE at no cost to employees.

OSHA 1910.132 also includes employer payment rules. In most cases, when PPE is required to comply with OSHA standards, the employer must pay for it. However, OSHA includes exceptions, such as ordinary clothing, everyday weather gear, non-specialty safety-toe footwear and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear when permitted to be worn off the jobsite, and replacement where PPE is lost or intentionally damaged.

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What Changed in OSHA Construction PPE Fit Requirements?

OSHA finalised a revision to its construction PPE standard in December 2024. The final rule requires that PPE must properly fit any construction worker who needs it, and OSHA states that the rule became effective on January 13, 2025.

This matters because PPE that does not fit can reduce protection and create new hazards. Oversized gloves can reduce grip. Loose safety vests can catch on equipment. Poorly fitting harnesses can fail to protect properly in a fall. Safety eyewear that does not fit the face may allow particles or splashes to enter.

The update is especially relevant for:

• Women in construction

• Smaller workers

• Larger workers

• Temporary and contract workers

• Workers needing prescription eyewear compatibility

• Workers using layered PPE

• Employees whose PPE affects comfort, mobility or visibility

Proper fit is also a practical training issue. Employees should know how to wear, adjust, inspect and report problems with PPE.

How Should PPE Be Inspected, Cared For and Replaced?

PPE only works when it remains suitable for use. Damaged, contaminated, expired, poorly stored or incorrectly cleaned PPE may fail when it is needed most.

A practical PPE inspection routine should include:

• Checking for cracks, dents, cuts, tears, deformation or missing parts

• Confirming lenses are clear and not scratched beyond safe use

• Checking gloves for holes, swelling, stiffness or chemical degradation

• Inspecting footwear for sole damage, loss of tread or exposed toe caps

• Confirming respirator seals, straps, cartridges and valves are intact

• Checking harness stitching, webbing, labels and hardware

• Reviewing manufacturer instructions for service life and replacement

• Removing defective PPE from use

Does PPE expire? Some PPE has an expiry date. Other PPE has a useful life based on use, exposure, storage and manufacturer guidance. Respirator cartridges, hard hats, disposable gloves, fall protection equipment, chemical suits and certain protective garments may have specific replacement or inspection requirements.

Good PPE care also includes clean storage. Safety glasses thrown into a toolbox may become scratched. Gloves stored near chemicals may degrade. Respirator cartridges left open may lose effectiveness. PPE should be stored in a way that protects it from contamination, sunlight, heat, moisture and physical damage where relevant.

What Are Common PPE Mistakes Employers and Workers Should Avoid?

PPE mistakes can happen even in workplaces that provide equipment. The most common problems usually involve selection, fit, training, inspection and supervision.

Common PPE mistakes include:

• Choosing PPE before completing a hazard assessment

• Treating PPE as the first control instead of the last line of defence

• Providing one standard size and assuming it fits everyone

• Using safety glasses where sealed goggles are needed

• Wearing a face shield without required eye protection underneath

• Choosing the wrong glove material for chemical exposure

• Using damaged, expired or contaminated PPE

• Failing to train employees on how to put on, adjust and remove PPE

• Allowing workers to modify PPE

• Not checking compatibility between PPE items

• Using consumer products instead of rated occupational PPE

• Failing to replace PPE after damage or exposure

• Not documenting training or PPE hazard assessment decisions

Eye and face protection remains a recurring issue in OSHA enforcement. OSHA’s Top 10 most frequently cited standards list includes eye and face protection for construction, and industry summaries of FY2025 OSHA data reported eye and face protection as the ninth most-cited standard, with 1,665 citations.

Safety signs can also support PPE use by reminding workers where eye protection, hearing protection, respirators, gloves or safety footwear are required. For a detailed guide to sign colours, shapes and meanings, read Workplace Safety Signs and Symbols: Colours, Shapes and Meanings.

PPE Quick-Reference Table by Job Role

The table below gives general examples only. Actual PPE must be selected through a workplace-specific hazard assessment.

 

 

For international organisations, PPE specifications may also reference EN, ISO or national standards. The UK HSE, ISO 45001 occupational health and safety overview, and ILO safety and health at work resources can help global readers understand wider occupational safety frameworks. GCC markets often use PPE aligned with ANSI, EN or project-specific client requirements.

How Does PPE Training Support Safer Workplaces?

Providing PPE is not enough. Workers need to understand why PPE is required, when it must be worn, how to wear it correctly, what its limitations are and when to report problems.

PPE training supports:

• More consistent employee behaviour

• Better hazard recognition

• Fewer incorrect PPE choices

• Stronger onboarding for new employees

• Improved supervisor communication

• Better reporting of damaged or unsuitable PPE

• More practical compliance awareness

• Safer day-to-day operations

For employers and HR teams, PPE training also supports staff orientation and refresher learning. For supervisors, it helps create consistent expectations. For employees, it builds confidence that PPE is not just a rule, but a practical part of staying safe.

A strong PPE programme should connect with hazard communication, workplace signs, emergency procedures, role-specific training and wider HSE fundamentals. Training should also be reviewed when jobs change, new hazards are introduced, PPE changes, or employees show they do not understand how to use PPE correctly.

Conclusion: Using PPE Correctly Starts With Safety Awareness

The main types of PPE include head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, and body or fall protection. Each type has a specific purpose and should be selected based on the hazard, task, worker fit, applicable standards and workplace conditions.

For US workplaces, OSHA PPE requirements make hazard assessment, suitable PPE selection, training, proper fit and employer payment rules central to workplace safety. PPE should not replace stronger hazard controls, but it remains an essential part of protecting workers when exposure cannot be fully removed.

Structured training helps employees, supervisors and teams understand PPE as part of wider workplace safety responsibility.

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FAQ

What are the 7 types of PPE?

The 7 main types of PPE are head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, and body or fall protection. Each type protects against different workplace hazards and should be selected through a task-specific hazard assessment.

What does PPE mean in workplace safety?

PPE means personal protective equipment. It refers to equipment worn or used by workers to reduce exposure to workplace hazards. Examples include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, earplugs, safety boots, protective clothing and fall protection equipment.

What is the OSHA standard for PPE?

In US general industry, OSHA PPE requirements are mainly found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, including 1910.132 for general requirements. Other relevant sections cover eye and face protection, respiratory protection, head protection, foot protection and hand protection.

When is PPE required at work?

PPE is required when workplace hazards are present and other controls do not fully remove or reduce the risk. Employers should assess the hazard, select suitable PPE, train affected employees and ensure the PPE fits and is maintained properly.

Who is responsible for paying for PPE?

In most cases, OSHA requires employers to pay for PPE needed to comply with OSHA standards. There are exceptions, such as certain everyday clothing, ordinary weather gear, non-specialty safety-toe footwear and some non-specialty prescription safety eyewear when allowed off-site.

Does PPE expire?

Some PPE has a stated expiry date. Other PPE has a useful life based on manufacturer guidance, use, exposure, storage and condition. Damaged, contaminated, degraded, poorly fitting or expired PPE should be removed from use and replaced.

What PPE is required for construction workers?

Construction PPE may include head protection, eye and face protection, gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protection and fall protection. The exact PPE depends on the task, site hazards and OSHA requirements. Since January 13, 2025, OSHA construction PPE must properly fit affected workers.

What PPE is required for chemical hazards?

Chemical PPE may include compatible gloves, splash goggles, face shields, aprons, protective clothing and respiratory protection where required. The correct PPE should be selected using the chemical hazard assessment, label information, Safety Data Sheet and workplace exposure conditions.

Do employees need training before using PPE?

Yes. Employees should be trained on when PPE is necessary, what PPE is required, how to put it on, adjust it, wear it, remove it, inspect it, care for it and understand its limitations. Training should be refreshed when tasks, hazards or PPE change.

Does PPE replace hazard controls?

No. PPE does not replace stronger controls such as eliminating the hazard, substitution, engineering controls or administrative controls. PPE is usually the final layer of protection and should be used as part of a wider workplace safety system.

Continue Reading

• Workplace Safety 101: The Complete Guide to HSE Fundamentals (2026)

• HSE vs EHS vs OHS vs SHE: What Do They Mean and What's the Difference?

• Hazard Communication and GHS: Labels, Pictograms and SDS Explained

• Workplace Safety Signs and Symbols: Colours, Shapes and Meanings

Author Byline

Written by the GSA Safety Editorial Team for GSA — Global Safety Academy, a professional online training provider supporting learners, employers, managers, supervisors, HR teams, compliance teams, safety teams and organisations with structured workplace safety and compliance training.

Last updated: June 2026
Technical review: To be completed by a qualified safety professional before publication.