Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Part (1)

PPE stands for Personal protective equipment is referred to as the equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious injuries and illness or it is specialized clothing that worn for protection against the dangerous and infectious problem. PPE acts as infection prevention and control.

• PPE prevents contact with the user against health or safety risks at work.
• PPE acts as a barrier between potentially infectious material and the public health practitioner. It helps to prevent the spread of germs in the hospital.
• The persons in the healthcare sectors such as staffs, visitors, patients, doctors must use PPE when there will be contact with body fluids, blood and also for the dust particles that contain an infectious agent such as airborne droplets etc.
• The PPE includes gloves, aprons, long-sleeved gowns, surgical masks, eye goggles, face visors and respirator masks.
• The proper training must be needed for the correct usage and disposal of PPE, if they don’t have knowledge about PPE, it may increase the risk of transmitting infections.
• PPE is designed as disposable clothing so it can be effectively removed and disposed of after wearing.

WHY PPE IS IMPORTANT?

 PPE is the first line of defence against the hazards.

 PPE is most important in preventing injury and infections.

 PPE is important when working with body fluids, blood and also from airborne droplets.

 It keeps you from being liable for our own injuries.

 The PPE is important to increase the quality of work.

 Head protection.

 Eye and face protection.

 Hand and skin protection.

 Hearing protection.

 Leg protection.

WHY WE USE PPE?

• The PPE is used to minimize the exposure of hazards to injurious physical, chemical, ergonomic or biological agents.
• It is used to reduce the risk of injury.
• It is used to wear for head protection by eliminating noise.
• It is used when other controls are not available or adequate.
• PPE is used in an emergency situation.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES YOU WILL FACE WHEN YOU DON’T WEAR PPE?

There are many consequences that happen when you don’t wear PPE, without PPE the professionals/healthcare workers are at the risk of:-

 Infections.

 Breathing contaminated air.

 Occupational asthma.

 Cuts & punctures.

 Chemical burns.

 Chemical harming the eyes.

 Cancer due to exposure.

 Hearing loss etc.

HOW TO SELECT PPE ACCORDING TO THE SITUATION?

PPE should be selected according to the hazards identified they are:-

• Check whether the PPE that fits well and is comfortable.
• Always select the PPE for the proper size.
• Check for the required degree of protection.
• Check the appropriateness of the equipment to the situation.
• Select the right PPE based on the work performed.
• Check for the heavy or poorly fitted PPE, because it is unlikely that it will be worn.
• Check and evaluate the cost.
• Check the PPE whether it is disposable or not.
• Always check the standards while selecting, for example, if you use eyewear check whether it should cover from the eyebrow to the cheekbone.

HOW TO MAINTAIN PPE?

Regular inspection and maintenance are always important because, without proper maintenance, the effectiveness of PPE cannot be assured:-

 For maintenance the process of inspection, care, cleaning, repair and proper storage is important.

 The most important thing is that proper inspection of PPE.

 Always check for any malfunctioning and damage.

 Always clean the PPE before using.

 Periodic testing plays a vital role in maintaining.

 Use the right replacement parts which match the original, for example, respirator filters.

 Always keep the replacement available for PPE.

REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

There are some requirements is there for PPE they are:-

 Provide adequate protection against particular hazards for which they are designed.

 Be safe for design and construction for the work performed.

 Be durable.

 Be easily cleanable.

 Be on safe design and construction for the work to be performed.

And some regulations are required to wear any type of PPE which is regulated by OSHA (occupational safety and health administration) they are:-

 When PPE is required.

 What PPE is necessary.

 How to properly don, doff, adjust and wear PPE.

 Limitations of PPE.

 Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of PPE.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES /SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE PPE?

The PPE requires in different places and situations include:-

 Healthcare sector

 Extreme temperatures

 Harmful dust

 Radiations

 Lasers

 Hazardous chemical

 During handling of sharp objects etc…

WHAT ARE THE PPE THAT NEEDED DURING COVID-19?

The necessary PPE required for the appropriate care of patients are

1. Non-disposable isolation gown.

2. N95 respirator.

3. Face shield/ eye protection.

4. Patient care gloves.

HOW TO DON THE PPE DURING COVID-19?

Donning PPE must always take place in the area where it is safe to be, gather all PPE items and place in one location such as an isolation cart or nurse server outside of the patient room, don all prior to entering the patient room

 Perform hand hygiene.

 Don gown.

 Don N95.

 Don face shield/goggles.

 Perform hand hygiene.

 Don gloves.

HOW TO REMOVE THE PPE?

 Perform hand hygiene over gloves.

 Remove the gown.

 Remove gloves.

 Exit patient room.

 Perform hand hygiene.

 Don clean gloves.

 Use a disinfectant wipe to clean surface for the face shield.

 Remove face shield.

 Disinfect face shield.

 Perform hand hygiene on gloves.

 Remove N95

 Remove gloves.

 Perform hand hygiene.

 Place cleaned face shield in the designated area.

TYPES OF PPE USED IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS:

 Gloves

 Gowns/aprons

 Surgical masks

 Respirator masks

 Eye goggles

 Face shields

 Safety shoes

Click Here for 👉 Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7