PPE vs. SPE: Personal Protective Equipment vs. Special Purpose Equipment

Definitions & Examples

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

Worn by individuals to protect against injury or infection transmission.

• Gloves, safety helmets, harnesses
• Goggles, face shields
• High‑visibility vests
• Respirators, hearing protection

SPE – Special Purpose Equipment

Devices designed for a specific safety or emergency function, not worn on the body.

• Fire extinguishers
• Life jackets / personal flotation devices
• First aid kits
• Spill containment kits
• Gas detectors

Key Distinction

PPE = worn by the worker. SPE = deployed in the environment for a dedicated purpose.