Question

Explain the need for personnel protective equipment in combating hazards.

Answer 1

The goal of personal protective equipment is to prevent the transfer of hazardous material from victims or the environment to rescue or health care workers. Different types of PPE may be used depending on the hazard present. The types of hazards addressed here include biological warfare agents (BWAs), chemical warfare agents (CWAs), and radioactive agents. The most common routes of exposure to these hazards include inhalation (breathing, from the air), skin contact, and ingestion (eating or drinking).