Personal protective equipment includes respirators, safety glasses, gloves, helmets, chemical suits, steel toe boots and fire resistant clothing. Wearing them is imperative, but so, too, is making sure that they're the right fit. Some PPE, such as hard hats, have an expiration date. Over time they become brittle and will not withstand a heavy blow. Keeping your PPE snug fitting, well maintained and up-to-date will allow it to do it's job of keeping you safe.