Protettivi

Protettivi, plural of protettivo, is a term used in Italian to describe items, measures, or substances that provide protection against hazards. The concept covers both physical safety gear and protective treatments applied to surfaces, and it is used across safety, industry, and materials science contexts.

In safety and occupational contexts, protettivi commonly refer to dispositivi di protezione individuale (DPI), designed to reduce exposure to risks. Examples include gloves, helmets, safety goggles, respirators, hearing protection, protective clothing, and high-visibility garments. The selection of protettivi is guided by hazard assessment, with emphasis on proper fit, comfort, maintenance, and regular replacement. In the European Union, PPE is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which requires conformity assessment and CE marking. Employers bear responsibility for providing appropriate protection, training, and ongoing evaluation of effectiveness and fit.

In materials engineering, protettivi also denote protective coatings and treatments that extend the life of surfaces by guarding against corrosion, wear, chemicals, or UV exposure. Common examples include paints and varnishes, epoxy and polyurethane coatings, galvanization, passivation for stainless steel, and polymer or ceramic coatings. The choice depends on the substrate, environmental conditions, expected service life, and maintenance needs.

In product design and sports equipment, protettivi can refer to protective features such as padding or mouthguards that reduce injury risk. The term thus covers a broad range of protective strategies, from wearable safety gear to surface protections, each selected to balance protection, usability, and cost.