Legislative Decree 81/08 (art. 74) states that "an individual protection device is understood to be any equipment intended to be worn and kept by the worker in order to protect against one or more risks that could threaten their safety or health during work, as well as any complement or accessory intended for this purpose."
It is important to emphasize that the safety and hygiene regulations currently in force in Europe and Italy provide for a safety organization that always prioritizes preventive measures and, secondly, collective protection. The use of an Individual Protection Device -DPI- is therefore always subject to the proper verification of the implementation of all possible technical, organizational, and procedural measures to eliminate or limit hazardous factors, and all conceivable systems of collective protection.
The fundamental characteristics of any DPI are given by:
- Safety requirements: protective efficiency and adequate duration of protection;
- Performance and comfort requirements: absence of additional risks, harmlessness, durability, reduced discomfort when wearing, practical functionality, and compatibility with other protections;
- Informational requirements: indications on usage limits, useful time before expiration, instructions for use, proper maintenance, and storage, etc.
For more information concerning:
- Respirators with filters against inhalation risks from chemical agents, carcinogens, and biological agents;
- Protective gloves for direct contact with chemical substances, accidental contact with chemicals, handling materials, and various mechanical operations, for burn risk operations, and cryogenic protection;
- Goggles/masks/visors for eye protection;
- Safety shoes for foot protection;
- Workwear and lab coats for body protection;
Refer to the Guide to Safety in Chemical Laboratories and the material of the Specific Training Course for medium risk.
The Prevention and Protection Service is available to assist Research Activity Managers in choosing the correct PPE to use in different situations.