# Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is your **last line of defense** when a hazard can't be removed — and it's required.
## Head to toe
- **Head** — hard hat (protects from falling/flying objects and bumps).
- **Eyes & face** — safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield for grinding/cutting.
- **Hearing** — earplugs or muffs around loud tools and equipment.
- **Hands** — gloves matched to the task (cut, chemical, impact).
- **Feet** — sturdy, often steel/composite-toe boots.
- **High-visibility** clothing near traffic and equipment.
- **Respiratory** — respirators for dust (silica), fumes, and confined spaces.
## Rules of thumb
Wear it **correctly**, **inspect** it, and **replace** damaged gear. PPE only protects you if you actually use it.
**Takeaway:** PPE is your last line of defense — wear it correctly head to toe, inspect it, and replace anything damaged.
> ⚠️ *Educational overview — this is **not** official OSHA certification. Get OSHA 10/30 training from an OSHA-authorized trainer, and always follow your employer's safety program and current OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 for construction).*
