Top 7 Types of PPE and When to Use Them

According to the Injury Tracking Application Data Report, OSHA, Q1/2025, U.S. employers recorded over 1.3 million workplace injuries in a single reporting period, including 10,500 cases of hearing loss and 30,000 respiratory conditions, most of which are directly preventable with the right protective equipment.

That number points to a persistent gap: not a lack of PPE products on the market, but a lack of precision in matching the right equipment to the right hazard. Choosing the wrong glove for a chemical task, or skipping a respirator for "just a few minutes" of dust exposure, is how recordable incidents happen.

Types of PPE (personal protective equipment) refer to the distinct categories of protective gear, each designed to guard a specific part of the body against a specific class of hazard. Understanding which type applies to which situation is not just an OSHA compliance matter – it is the foundation of an effective safety program.

This guide covers the seven core types of personal protective equipment and their uses, the hazards each one addresses, and the key OSHA standards that govern their use.

How Are the Different Types of PPE Organized?

PPE is organized by the body region it protects, and each category has its own OSHA standard, performance benchmark, and hazard scope. No single piece of equipment covers all risks, which is why hazard-specific selection is the starting point of any compliant program.

OSHA's general PPE standard, 29 CFR 1910.132, requires employers to conduct a written hazard assessment before selecting any equipment, because the type of PPE chosen must match the actual exposure, not a general estimate of risk. Using the wrong category is treated the same as using none at all.

The hand protection segment alone accounted for over 28% of global PPE market revenue in 2025, according to Grand View Research – a reflection of how frequently hand hazards appear across industries. But hand protection is just one of seven distinct categories, each with its own compliance requirements.

What Are the 7 Common Types of PPE and Their Uses?

1. Head Protection

Hard hats and bump caps protect against the two most common overhead hazards: falling objects and contact with fixed structures. They are required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 in any environment where workers are exposed to overhead risk – construction, warehousing, manufacturing lines with overhead conveyor systems, and facilities with low clearances.

Hard hats are rated by class: Class E protects against electrical hazards up to 20,000 volts; Class G offers general impact protection; Class C provides impact resistance only, with no electrical protection. Selecting the wrong class for an electrical environment is a compliance failure, not just a specification mismatch.

Some models include integrated face shields or earmuffs, which can reduce the number of separate items workers must manage – an important factor in compliance consistency.

2. Eye and Face Protection

Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields are required wherever employees face risk from flying particles, chemical liquids, or radiant energy and they are among the most frequently misapplied types of personal protective equipment. Safety glasses protect against impact and splatter; goggles create a sealed barrier for splash or fine-particle hazards; face shields add coverage for the full face but must be worn over glasses or goggles, not as standalone protection.

All eye protection must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Workers with prescription lenses must be accommodated with either prescription safety glasses or over-the-glass (OTG) safety eyewear – standard safety glasses worn over everyday glasses are not a compliant substitute.

3. Hearing Protection

Earplugs and earmuffs are required when employee noise exposure reaches or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels under OSHA's noise standard, 29 CFR 1910.95. Hearing damage is permanent and cumulative – workers rarely notice the progression until significant loss has already occurred.

The critical specification for hearing protection is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which indicates how much sound the device attenuates. However, OSHA requires employers to apply a correction factor when calculating real-world protection, meaning a device's labeled NRR overstates its effective performance in most field conditions. Selecting hearing protection based on the listed NRR alone, without the correction, is a common error.

4. Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is the most regulated PPE category and requires a formal written program before any use. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, employers must establish a respiratory protection program that includes hazard assessment, medical evaluation of each worker, fit testing for tight-fitting respirators, and documented training.

The right respirator depends entirely on the contaminant:

• N95 filtering facepieces for nuisance dust and non-oil-based particulates

• Half-face or full-face cartridge respirators for chemical vapors, organic compounds, or mixed hazards

• Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) for environments with higher concentrations or extended exposure

• Supplied-air respirators for oxygen-deficient atmospheres

All respirators must be NIOSH-approved. Fit testing is not optional for tight-fitting models – an un-tested respirator may provide a fraction of its rated protection if the seal is inconsistent.

5. Hand and Arm Protection

Gloves are the most purchased PPE category globally, and also one of the most frequently mismatched to the actual hazard. Hand protection must be selected based on the specific exposure, not on general availability or cost. A glove rated for cut resistance provides no meaningful chemical barrier; a latex exam glove offers no protection against sharp objects.

Common hand protection types and their primary uses:

• Cut-resistant gloves (ANSI/ISEA 105 rated) for box-cutter operations, sheet metal handling, and glass work

• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber) for cleaning chemical handling, janitorial work, and lab environments

• Heat-resistant gloves for oven, furnace, or high-temperature material handling

• Disposable latex or nitrile gloves for biological hazard control in healthcare or food service settings

Glove selection should always begin with the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for any chemical in use, which specifies the required material and breakthrough time.

6. Foot and Leg Protection

Safety footwear protects against the three most common foot hazards: falling objects, punctures from below, and electrical contact. Steel-toed and composite-toed boots are required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 wherever workers are exposed to these risks. Metatarsal guards add protection to the top of the foot in environments with heavy dropped-object exposure.

One frequently overlooked detail: OSHA does not require employers to pay for non-specialty safety-toe footwear if the employee is permitted to wear it off-site. However, employers remain responsible for verifying that any employee-owned footwear meets the required ASTM F2413 standard for the specific hazard present.

Slip-resistant footwear is a separate consideration, particularly relevant in facility maintenance, janitorial, and food service environments where wet floors are a consistent hazard.

7. Body and Skin Protection

Protective clothing covers a range of hazards too broad to be addressed by other PPE categories alone – chemical splash, thermal exposure, arc flash, and low-visibility conditions near moving vehicles or equipment. The right body protection depends on what the skin and torso are being protected against.

Key types include:

• High-visibility vests and garments (ANSI/ISEA 107) for any environment where workers share space with vehicles, forklifts, or heavy equipment

• Chemical-resistant coveralls or aprons for cleaning product handling, janitorial chemical work, and industrial processing

• Flame-resistant (FR) clothing for environments with arc flash risk or open-flame exposure

• Disposable gowns for biological hazard control in healthcare and laboratory settings

High-visibility apparel is one of the most commonly overlooked types of PPE in facility and building maintenance environments, where janitorial staff or contractors may work near loading docks, parking areas, or interior vehicle paths without adequate visibility.

How to Choose the Right PPE Types for Your Facility

Selecting PPE correctly means starting with the hazard, not the product catalog. Here is the process safety managers should follow:

1. Complete a written hazard assessment for each work area and task. OSHA requires this to be certified in writing with a date and the name of the person who performed it.

2. Identify the category of hazard for each exposure: physical, chemical, biological, or ergonomic.

3. Match the PPE type to the hazard category using the table above as a starting framework.

4. Verify product compliance with the applicable ANSI, NIOSH, or ASTM standard before purchasing. Non-compliant equipment is among OSHA's most cited violations.

5. Confirm fit for each employee. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 specifically requires PPE to fit properly – a task that cannot be delegated to a size chart alone.

6. Document everything: hazard assessments, product specifications, training dates, and inspection records.

The most common and costly PPE mistake is purchasing by category without verifying the specific rating. A glove is not a glove; a hard hat is not a hard hat. The rating, class, and material determine whether the equipment actually protects against the hazard present.

Build a Complete PPE Supply Inventory With JPro Supplies

Managing PPE across a facility means keeping stock of multiple categories, tracking replacement cycles, and sourcing compliant products consistently. JPro Supplies carries a full range of safety and protective equipment – from hand protection and respiratory supplies to high-visibility gear and facility safety products – available for bulk ordering to support ongoing programs.

Browse our janitorial and facility supply catalog for protective gear suited to building maintenance and cleaning environments. For large orders and wholesale pricing, contact the JPro Supplies team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of PPE? 

The seven main types of PPE are head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand and arm protection, foot and leg protection, and body or skin protection. Each category is designed for specific hazards and governed by its own OSHA standard and performance benchmark.

How do I know which type of PPE my employees need? 

Start with a written hazard assessment for each work area, as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132. Identify the type of hazard present – physical, chemical, biological, or ergonomic – then match the correct PPE category to that hazard. The SDS for any chemical in use will also specify required protective equipment.

What are the most common types of PPE used across industries? 

Hand protection is the most widely used PPE category globally, accounting for over 28% of market share in 2025. Eye and face protection and respiratory protection are also among the most frequently required types across manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and facility maintenance.

Can employees use their own PPE instead of employer-provided equipment? 

Yes, but the employer remains responsible for verifying that employee-owned PPE meets the required OSHA and ANSI standards for the specific hazard. If the equipment does not comply, the employer bears the compliance risk even if they did not purchase the item.

How often should different types of PPE be replaced? 

Replacement frequency depends on the PPE type and use conditions. Disposable items like gloves and N95 respirators are single-use. Reusable items should be inspected before each use and removed from service when damaged or degraded. 

Do I need all 7 types of PPE in every workplace? 

No. The types of personal protective equipment required depend entirely on the hazards present in your specific work environment. A standard office setting may require very little PPE beyond slip-resistant footwear and chemical-resistant gloves for cleaning staff. A warehouse or production facility will typically require several categories simultaneously. The hazard assessment determines what is necessary.