personal protective equipment

[/ˈpɜːrsənəl prəˈtɛktɪv ɪˈkwɪpmənt/]
nounpl: personal protective equipment (uncountable) / sets of personal protective equipment
equipamento de proteção individual (EPI)
1. Specialized clothing or equipment worn by workers to protect against health and safety risks
Workers on the construction site must wear personal protective equipment including helmets, gloves, and safety boots.
Os trabalhadores do canteiro de obras devem usar equipamento de proteção individual, incluindo capacetes, luvas e botas de segurança.
2. Any device or garment designed to protect the wearer from infectious agents, chemical hazards, or physical injury
During the pandemic, personal protective equipment such as masks and face shields became essential.
Durante a pandemia, o equipamento de proteção individual, como máscaras e protetores faciais, tornou-se essencial.
In Brazil, EPI is a mandatory requirement regulated by the Ministério do Trabalho e Previdência Social. Workplace safety regulations (NR-6) establish standards for PPE usage. This is particularly emphasized in construction, mining, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The abbreviation EPI is universally recognized in Brazilian workplaces and safety training programs.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
protective gearsafety equipmentprotective clothingoccupational safety equipment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
equipamento de proteção individual (EPI)
Standard and widely used throughout Brazil; commonly abbreviated as EPI in workplace contexts
São Paulo
EPI
Abbreviated form is predominant in industrial and manufacturing sectors
Rio de Janeiro
equipamento de proteção individual
Full form commonly used in construction and healthcare sectors
Portugal
equipamento de proteção individual (EPI)
Same terminology used; also called 'equipamento de proteção pessoal' in some contexts

Related Words

safety helmetglovesface shieldrespiratorsafety goggleswork uniformoccupational health and safetyhazard protection

Related Idioms & Phrases

don your PPE
gear up (with protective equipment)
suit up (with protective equipment)
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