What PPE is mandatory in hospitality to ensure worker protection?

The hospitality sector is one of those that presents the most risks for workers, as they are exposed to numerous external hazards. Occupational risk prevention makes it possible to assess each role in order to provide the best possible protection and appropriate training for those who perform it.

It is difficult to discuss occupational risks in hospitality in general terms, as the sector provides very different services. It is therefore most appropriate to analyse the needs of each of its subsectors and the most suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in each case.

When PPE use is mandatory in hospitality 

Royal Decree 773/1997, of 30 May, establishes that personal protective equipment is only necessary when worker safety cannot be guaranteed through collective protection measures and work organisation procedures.

PPE is ultimately considered the last resort to be used, as it does not eliminate the hazard but rather protects against risks. However, the particular nature of hospitality jobs means that its use is almost always necessary.

The main occupational risk prevention measures are established in the minimum health and safety provisions of Royal Decree 1215/1997, of 18 July. Therefore, before selecting the most suitable PPE for each job, it is necessary to ensure that:

• work tools and machinery are high quality, in perfect condition and used for the purpose for which they were designed;
• sharp utensils are transported and stored carefully and protected by their corresponding covers;
• all workers know the operating instructions for the machinery they need to use to carry out their duties;
• the electrical installation has passed mandatory inspections;
• there are contaminant and smoke detection systems;
• proper cleaning and disinfection are carried out;
• premises have appropriate ventilation;
• facilities comply with hygiene measures;
• there is an emergency and evacuation plan that all employees are informed about.

What PPE to use in hospitality

According to data collected by the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, there were 55,217 workplace accidents in the hospitality sector in 2023, a figure significantly higher than the previous year. The major differences between roles in the sector confirm the need to select PPE on a personalised basis for each task. 

Mandatory PPE in hospitality for cooks

The most common incidents in kitchens are burns, cuts, electrical contact, slips, inhalation of toxic substances, exposure to extreme temperatures, muscle injuries and stress.

The essential personal protective equipment for chefs, cooks and kitchen assistants includes:

• mesh gloves to protect against cuts,
• thermal mitts to prevent burns when handling oven trays or hot pots,
• cold-protection gloves and warm clothing for low temperatures when handling frozen food inside cold-storage rooms,
• rubber gloves for washing up,
• splash-resistant aprons,
• cut-resistant aprons for cutting or deboning tasks,
• earplugs for roles exposed to high levels of noise,
• slip-resistant footwear to prevent slips and falls.

Mandatory PPE for waiters

Waiters, meanwhile, are exposed to slips and falls, burns, sprains or bone fractures, muscle injuries, cuts and anxiety.

Mandatory PPE for these types of roles in restaurants and bars mainly focuses on the feet, as comfortable footwear that fits properly without constricting is required, along with slip-resistant soles that prevent unexpected falls.

Mandatory PPE in hospitality for room attendants

Hotel cleaning staff may experience falls on the same level or from height, impacts from heavy objects, abrasions, cuts, electrical contact, lower back pain, fatigue, poisoning by inhalation or musculoskeletal disorders. 

In most cases, the risk of these accidents is minimised through scrupulous compliance with occupational risk prevention regulations and appropriate staff training. Even so, some PPE is essential to ensure worker safety:

• latex gloves to protect against chemical hazards,
• mechanical protection gloves for handling sharp objects or abrasive material,
• splash-resistant safety glasses,
• masks to prevent the inhalation of contaminating products,
• earplugs to prevent hearing damage from excessive noise,
• comfortable and slip-resistant footwear.

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