What role does personal protective equipment (PPE) play in sanitation?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial in sanitation primarily because it protects against contamination. PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields that are designed to create a barrier between the wearer's skin and harmful pathogens or contaminants. In environments such as food service, healthcare, or industrial settings, wearing appropriate PPE helps minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous substances and prevents the spread of infections, ensuring both the safety of workers and the health of consumers.

The focus of PPE is not on enhancing aesthetics or marketing; rather, its key function is centered on safety and hygiene. While PPE can contribute to improved work efficiency indirectly by ensuring that the workforce remains healthy and able to perform their duties, its primary role is fundamentally about protection against contamination and maintaining sanitary conditions.