In the foodservice industry—where high-volume businesses may serve thousands of customers per day—it's extremely important for business owners to ensure they can consistently serve safe and high-quality products. To protect both customers and employees, choosing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is of paramount importance. PPE serves as a vital line of defense against potential hazards, preventing the spread of contaminants, minimizing the risk of injury, and making it easier to maintain hygienic practices in the kitchen and beyond. OSHA also recommends the use of PPE in kitchens to protect workers and customers. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common types of PPE used in foodservice businesses and help you choose the right PPE for your needs.
Quick Checklist of Personal Protective Equipment for the Foodservice Industry
Choosing the right PPE for your business can be complicated, so we've made it easier to get started with this handy checklist. Here are some of the most essential safety items you'll need for your foodservice business.
- Cut protection: Working with blades, knives, or cutting machines can lead to serious injuries. Cut-resistant gloves are an ideal form of protection.
- Noise protection: Noise protection PPE, such as ear muffs or ear plugs, can help to reduce hearing damage from loud noises in food processing facilities.
- Fall protection: Slips, trips, and falls are common hazards due to the liquids used in food preparation and cleaning. Floor mats and slip-resistant shoes can help reduce these injuries.
- Chemical protection: If you operate a facility that uses hazardous chemicals, protect employees with items like disposable coveralls, face shields, eye protection, gloves, and chemical-resistant shoe covers.
- Hand sanitizer: The CDC encourages businesses to offer hand sanitizing equipment, including sanitizer, and to train all employees on proper use. The CDC recommends using alcohol-based sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.
- Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection may be required if toxic fumes are present in your foodservice facility.
| Face Shields | Respirators | Disposable Face Masks |
| Face shields are used to prevent disease transmission through droplets. Employees who handle food may wear face shields to keep respiratory droplets away from food, protecting both employees and customers from contamination. | Proper use of respirators, such as N95 masks, will protect the wearer from inhaling contaminated air and can also protect others in the vicinity. They are used in food manufacturing facilities where there is a risk of ingesting airborne pollutants. | Due to COVID-19, disposable face masks have been widely used in businesses, especially in the foodservice industry. While they do not offer protection from inhaling all particles and pathogens, face masks can act as a barrier to stop large droplets and prevent the spread of illness on the job. |
PPE is especially important in the foodservice industry because it protects not only your employees but also the customers who may eat the food that's been prepared or served by your business. As a business owner, it's crucial that you follow all relevant regulations and offer the necessary PPE to your employees. Begin by reviewing the legally mandated PPE and consider all potential hazards in your workplace, including cuts, chemicals, airborne illness, pollutants, noises, falls, and more.
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Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.