PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It is specialized clothing and equipment that is worn by healthcare workers and other individuals to protect them from exposure to infectious agents or other hazardous materials.
Examples of PPE include gloves, gowns, face shields, goggles, masks, and respirators. PPE is designed to create a barrier between the wearer and potentially harmful substances, such as blood, bodily fluids, and airborne pathogens.
The use of PPE is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare settings where healthcare workers may come into contact with infected patients. PPE is also used in other settings, such as industrial workplaces and laboratories, to protect workers from exposure to hazardous materials.
Proper use and disposal of PPE are important in ensuring its effectiveness in protecting individuals from exposure to hazardous substances. Healthcare workers and other individuals who use PPE should receive training on its proper use, and follow established protocols for putting it on, taking it off, and disposing of it.