What does Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refer to in the context of PSM?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers specifically to safety gear that individuals wear to protect themselves from various hazards they may encounter in the workplace. This gear is designed to minimize exposure to risks such as chemical spills, falling objects, sharp tools, and respiratory hazards, among others. By properly utilizing PPE, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury or illness related to hazardous materials or conditions that they might be exposed to during their work activities, making it a vital component of overall safety practices, including Process Safety Management (PSM).

While a comprehensive list of hazardous chemicals is important for awareness and risk management, it does not define PPE. Similarly, procedures for evaluating safety measures and behavioral safety training are essential components of a safety program but do not involve the actual protective gear that individuals wear. Thus, the focus of PPE is solely on the physical equipment that provides safety and protection to employees in hazardous environments.