What types of PPE are commonly used by law enforcement and when should they be worn?

• A. Gloves, eye/face protection, masks, turnout gear, and body armor; worn based on risk assessment and scene hazards.
• B. Only gloves are ever necessary.
• C. PPE is optional for most incidents.
• D. PPE should be worn only during training.

Answer: (A)

PPE use is driven by risk assessment and the hazards present at a scene. Gloves protect hands from contamination, chemical exposure, and sharp objects. Eye and face protection guard the eyes and face from flying debris, splashes, or irritants. Masks or respirators limit inhalation of aerosols, smoke, chemical agents, or pathogens when those risks exist. Turnout gear provides outer protection against heat, flames, and abrasion in fire or other hazardous environments, and it can offer an added barrier in demanding scenes. Body armor shields the torso from ballistic threats and is worn during routine patrols or high-risk operations where there is a credible threat. All of these are chosen based on the specific risk at hand and should be worn whenever the hazard assessment indicates protection is needed, not just during training or when a single item is deemed sufficient.