PPE Categories: Body Protection (Coveralls, Lab Coats, Hard Hats) and Respiratory Protection (Respirators, Dust Masks, PAPRs, SARs)

1. Body Protection

• Coveralls / Tyvek® suits: Full-body barrier vs. particulates, liquids, chemicals.
• Lab Coats: Knee-length, snap-front; cotton or polyester blend — splash protection in labs.
• Aprons: Vinyl, neoprene, lead (radiation) — frontal protection.
• Eye/Face: Safety glasses (impact), goggles (splash/dust), face shields (high splash/arc flash).
• Head: Hard hats (Type I top impact, Type II lateral) — ANSI Z89.1.
• Foot: Steel/composite toe, puncture-resistant sole, metatarsal guard — ASTM F2413.
• Hand: Gloves — cut-resistant, chemical-specific, insulated, disposable.

2. Respiratory Protection

• Air-Purifying Respirators (APR): N95 (filtering facepiece), half/full-face elastomeric with cartridges (organic vapor, acid gas, P100).
• Powered APR (PAPR): Battery blower → HEPA/chemical cartridges → hood/helmet; higher APF, cooler.
• Supplied-Air Respirators (SAR): Airline from compressor/cylinders; continuous flow or pressure-demand; highest protection (IDLH).
• SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus — firefighting, confined space entry.
• Dust Masks (Nuisance): Not NIOSH-approved; only for non-hazardous particulates.

Selection Hierarchy

Engineering controls → Administrative controls → PPE (last resort). Fit-testing (qualitative/quantitative) mandatory for tight-facepiece respirators annually.