Final answer:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and goggles, and is essential for the protection of individuals, particularly in healthcare and construction industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and goggles is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This equipment is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of individuals, particularly medical personnel, who are exposed to potential hazards in their work environment. It is essential for those within healthcare settings, research facilities, and other industries where exposure to harmful substances or infectious diseases is a risk. Following protocols for PPE use is critical to maintain a safe work environment and to prevent the spread of infection. These protocols include wearing the appropriate equipment for the situation, maintaining proper personal hygiene, and ensuring that the PPE fits correctly and is in good condition.
PPE is not only limited to healthcare settings, as Figure 10.9 illustrates its commonality on construction sites, emphasizing the evolution of safety practices in various workplaces. The importance of PPE was further highlighted by the global pandemic, which revealed shortages in the stockpile of medical equipment and PPE, underscoring the critical role these items play in public health preparedness and response.