Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to clothing and equipment that protects the body from hazards. PPE addresses physical, electrical, chemical, heat, biohazard, and airborne risks. PPE is needed when engineering controls cannot adequately reduce risks. While PPE protects the individual, it does not eliminate hazards at the source and risks remain if equipment fails. Common types of PPE include respirators, skin protection like gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety helmets. Collective protection equipment is used to protect groups in hazardous environments like chemical plants, providing a contaminant-free space without needing constant individual PPE use. Examples include extinguishers, safety lines, and sealed shelters.