Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to hazards that cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means. The last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is equipment worn or used by workers to protect against health and safety hazards in the workplace. Common examples include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves, safety boots, high-visibility vests, and fall protection harnesses.
PPE in the hierarchy of controls
Under Alberta OHS legislation, PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls — it is used when hazards cannot be eliminated, substituted, or controlled by engineering or administrative means. Relying solely on PPE without addressing the underlying hazard is not acceptable under Alberta OHS.
Employers are required to identify what PPE is needed for each task (through hazard assessment), provide appropriate PPE to workers, ensure workers are trained to use it correctly, and maintain PPE in good condition.
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