Specialist equipment worn or held by a person to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact with injurious workplace hazards. The equipment is used as a barrier to reduce the risk of injury. PPE includes equipment such as safety footwear, hard hats, ear protection, high-visibility waistcoats, goggles, life jackets, respirators, and safety harnesses. In the UK, the principal legislation governing these is the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2002 based on the European Council (EC) Directive 89/656/EEC, which requires similar basic laws throughout the European Union on the use of PPE in the workplace.