Protective Clothing

The type of protective clothing and its material depends on the hazard(s) to which it is best suited to protect against. Your employer will provide you with information on hazards and potential sources of bodily injury.

Some materials protect against different chemical, physical, and or biological hazards. Make sure that the protective clothing will provide adequate protection against these various hazards.

Protective clothing can guard the entire body, most of the body (torso), or the torso, arms and legs, but not the hands or feet.

Examples of protective clothing include:

• Chemical protective suits and coveralls
• Totally Encapsulating Chemical Protective (TECP) suit
• Biohazard suit
• Radioactive shielding, aprons, and vest
• Radiant heat reflective aprons and sleeves
• Fire retardant suits and coveralls
• Slickers
• Smocks and lab coats
• Temperature protection (against heat and cold)

These are just a few of the many types of protective clothing.

Various creams and other barriers can be used in some situations to protect skin.

To learn more about PPE visit our Personal Protective Equipment Online Training web page.