Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to protect the user from chemical or radioactive exposure or bio-contamination. Researchers, lab technicians, medical professionals, and more use PPE to minimize exposure to hazards.

The most basic personal protective equipment in a lab is a lab coat and safety goggles. These stop harmful chemicals or biological material from splashing on clothing or into an individual's eye. Other PPE items include face shields, gloves, masks, guards, respirators and even full-body protective suits.

The level of personal protective equipment employed is determined by the activity's risk level. Handling minor chemical reagents may necessitate only goggles and a lab coat. In contrast, the use of a highly infectious agent in a specialized laboratory would require fully-protective suits, gloves, and potentially even respirators.