Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is designed to protect us from workplace hazards that can lead to injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, physical, electrical, mechanical, radiological or other workplace hazards. The use of PPE can include the use of, or a combination of, protective gloves, eyewear, coveralls, foot protection and head protection, as well as respiratory protection (please refer to the Respiratory Protection page for information relating to the safe use of respirators).

Selecting Personal Protective Equipment

PPE must be selected with caution as there is no single piece of PPE that will protect you against everything. A glove used for protection against acids might not provide any protection against organic solvents, thus placing an individual at risk of exposure. Selection must be made based on the materials anticipated to be contacted and the tasks required to be conducted. A critical part of the successful use of PPE is ensuring that it is appropriately selected and provided, and properly used. 

OEHS staff can assist with the assessment of hazards at UNH, the proper selection of PPE, and training on the proper use, care and limitations of PPE.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also offers additional information on PPE.

View Occupational Safety Knowledge Base

The Knowledge Base contains forms, instruction and training material, minutes, policies, tools and other resources to support your research efforts by topic area.


Contact Information

Brian Cournoyer, Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Phone: (603) 862-4761
Email: brian.cournoyer@unh.edu

Matthew Smith, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-4266
Email: matthew.smith@unh.edu