While PPE is often thought of as the first level of protection from disease agents or injury, there are other barriers that should be put in place between the person and the hazard whenever possible.

Engineering controls eliminate the hazard at the source or expedite compliance with safety procedures. Examples include providing hand washing facilities near animal handling areas, placing sharps containers near areas where needles and scalpels are used, and having isolation areas for sick animals.

Administrative controls include designing the work to keep the individual separated from the hazard. An example is to prevent workers without preventive vaccinations (rabies, tetanus, influenza) from participating in certain situations.

Proper training is another component to ensure that everyone can identify the hazards (disease agent or pending injury) and are aware of safety policies (animal restraint, medication administration) to protect their own health and that of others. Veterinarians should lead by example in promoting safe work habits.

Keep in mind that PPE within a veterinary practice is just one component of an overall safety, infection control, and biosecurity program and will not protect against all hazards.

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