What safety measure is essential when handling materials that may contain blood?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is indeed an essential safety measure when handling materials that may contain blood. This is primarily due to the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, which can pose significant health risks. PPE includes a variety of gear such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gowns, designed to protect both the individual handling the materials and those around them from harmful microorganisms that can be transmitted through blood.

Wearing appropriate PPE creates a barrier between the worker and the hazardous materials, significantly reducing the risk of infection. In disaster restoration and odor control scenarios, where blood or other biohazardous materials are present, adhering to guidelines for PPE use is critical for ensuring a safe work environment. This precaution is a fundamental practice in occupational safety and health standards.

Other options like fragrance masks, sunblock, and heavy-duty gloves alone do not provide comprehensive protection against the specific hazards associated with blood exposure. Each of these measures may serve a purpose in certain contexts, but they do not encompass the full range of protection needed when dealing with potentially infectious materials.