Personal Protective Equipment. The protective equipment can be for any type of occupation from medical to carpentry. It can also be for common household chores. PPE can be used to protect the
user from all types of hazards and public health
safety issue, including pandemics. The PPE is sometimes mandated by OSHA, with strict compliance standards. Certain consumer products specify which PPE is recommended when using the product. PPE equipment also are tested and certified to assure they
meet the industrial standards for use. PPE equipment can include all types of clothing including special
shoes, pants, belts, masks, clothes, reflective surfaces, masks, shields, flotation devices, lighting, and even back up equipment should
failure occur. There is also a protocol for use of the such equipment such as mandatory wearing for certain activities. There is also requirements to assure the PPE is functional and meets standards.
In the current COVID-19
Pandemic not only is there a shortage of medical equipment and staff there is also a shortage of PPE to protect the health
care workers, so many of the first responders are getting
sick and without the PPE the potential for spreading the disease increases while the potential for stopping it decreases.