Personal Protection Equipment

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed to protect yourself from chemical hazards. Examples of PPE include:

	Gloves: Protective gloves protect your hands from chemical exposure. Gloves are available in a variety of materials, such as nitrile, natural rubber and latex, so make sure you consult the MSDS and choose the right glove for the chemical you are using.
	Chemical splash goggles should be worn when there is a risk of splashing chemicals in your eyes. Normal safety glasses designed for impact resistance, not chemical protection and should not be relied upon for protection against chemical splashes.
	Face shields should also be worn, along with chemical splash goggles, when working with corrosive chemicals such as strong acids and bases. This practice protects your face as well as your eyes.
	Splash aprons protect your body against corrosive chemicals. If you are handling a corrosive material in such a way as to present a significant splash hazard, such as pouring the contents of one container into another, splash aprons are needed.
	Respirators may be needed if you have significant exposure to vapors, fumes or mists of a hazardous material. If you think you may need a respirator, contact your Departmental Safety Manager, or Environmental Health and Safety at 777-5269.