Personal protective equipment (
PPE) refers to protective
clothing,
helmets,
goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from
injury or
infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemicals,
biohazards, and
airborne particulate matter. Protective equipment may be worn for job-related
occupational safety and health purposes, as well as for
sports and other
recreational activities. "Protective clothing" is applied to traditional categories of clothing, and "protective gear" applies to items such as pads, guards, shields, or masks, and others.