Consumable PPE refers to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is intended for single use or has a limited lifespan and needs regular replacement. These items are typically used in workplaces where hygiene, contamination control, or exposure protection is critical, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or construction.
Examples of Consumable PPE:
- Face masks (e.g., surgical masks, N95 respirators)
- Disposable gloves (e.g., nitrile, latex, or vinyl gloves)
- Protective gowns and coveralls
- Shoe covers
- Earplugs
- Disposable hairnets and caps
Key Characteristics:
- Used once or for a short duration before disposal
- Requires regular restocking and inventory tracking
- Helps maintain hygiene and contamination control
- In contrast, non-consumable PPE (also called durable PPE) includes items like hard hats, safety goggles, and respirators that are designed for repeated use and require maintenance.
For PPE inventory management, tracking consumable PPE involves monitoring stock levels, usage rates, and reordering schedules to ensure continuous availability.
Consumable vs Durable PPE
- Consumable PPE → Single-use or short-term, disposable (e.g., masks, disposable gloves, shoe covers).
- Durable PPE → Long-term use, requires maintenance (e.g., helmets, goggles, respirators).
