ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses general safety apparel, gloves and respiratory protective equipment. The hazards are usually obvious and programs to use personal protective equipment can be implemented successfully with appropriate attention and resources. The selection of the correct chemically resistant protective material is only part of protecting the skin against toxic hazards. When introducing air-purifying respiratory protective equipment to control exposure, attention must be directed to usage patterns and exposures in order to estimate the service life of protective filters. The implementation of a respiratory protection program needs to be based on a detailed assessment of each workplace hazard and the extent of worker exposures. Basic safety equipment is a fundamental means of protecting the body from physical hazards in the workplace. It includes hard hats, safety boots, overalls, safety spectacles or goggles, hearing protection and gloves. Gloves are widely used in industry to protect hands against many different hazards.
