Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is all equipment (including clothing providing protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects against one or more risks to health and safety. The exclusion is the ordinary working clothes and uniforms not designed to provide protection for the health and safety of the employee.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is generally regarded as a 'last resort' control option. However, its importance must not be misconstrued from this description, as it plays a crucial role in preventing and reducing occupational fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases.