Which term describes the equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses?

• A. The provision of fresh air to a room, building, or other enclosed space, or the removal of stale or contaminated air.
• B. A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
• C. Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
• D. The process of diagnosing the source of a problem and resolving issues within a system or machine.

Answer: (C)

Personal Protective Equipment is the gear worn to shield workers from hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses. It creates a barrier between you and potential harm, such as chemical splashes, burns, flying debris, or inhalation of harmful vapors. In flammable-refrigerant systems, this includes flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses or goggles, face shields, chemical-resistant gloves, and appropriate footwear, with respirators used when there's a risk of inhaling fumes or in oxygen-deficient spaces. PPE is chosen based on a hazard assessment and must meet relevant standards to provide adequate protection. The other descriptions refer to air ventilation, written procedures, or troubleshooting processes—things you do or have in the environment, not the protective gear you wear.