Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.
Wearing PPE can go a long way in protecting us from some of the risks associated with exposure to surgical, biological, chemical, radiological, or other workplace hazards, especially in the operating room.