If PPE fails, the workers get no protection. PPE is often used with other protections. Workers come into contact with chemicals every day at work. The chemicals are delivered in 55-gallon drums, small plastic containers, boxes containing powders and in other forms. Some dangerous chemicals in your workplace are not in containers.
Asbestos fibers can be in pipe insulation.
Lead can be in dust that contains lead paint or in welding fumes from metal coatings. Road crews may breathe in silica when breaking up rocks. Chemicals can be in different forms. Liquids can harm skin and also be absorbed through the skin. Mists are very small droplets of liquids that are inhaled.