In the context of bloodborne pathogen prevention, which items are examples of PPE?

• A. Gloves, waterproof aprons, eyewear, disposable CPR devices
• B. Training
• C. Vaccinations
• D. Engineering controls

Answer: (A)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) are items worn to create a barrier between you and potential bloodborne pathogens. Gloves protect your hands from contact with blood or body fluids. Waterproof aprons guard your clothing and skin from splashes. Eyewear shields your eyes from splashes that could contain infectious material. Disposable CPR barrier devices provide a protective barrier during resuscitation so you don’t directly touch a patient’s saliva or other fluids. Together, these items are worn or used to reduce exposure risk during tasks that might involve bloodborne pathogens.

Training, vaccinations, and engineering controls aren’t PPE. Training is an administrative measure to improve safe practices. Vaccinations are medical prevention to reduce susceptibility but are not protective gear worn on the body. Engineering controls are changes to the environment or equipment designed to reduce hazards (like safer sharps devices or proper equipment layout) rather than something you wear.