Personal Protective Equipment serves as a barrier between infections and the organism. The barrier may stop the transmission of contaminants from blood, body fluids, or respiratory secretions. Although these can be different depending on their purpose, the goal is to prevent infectious cases, making those a crucial addition to personal hygiene or medical equipment.
So, taking into account the importance of infection control products, we have decided to gather and create a guide that will be helpful for every person valuing the high quality of personal hygiene.
PPE as health protection. The concept of PPE
PPE tools and kits are designed to prevent or reduce the transmission of infectious substances during medical activities. And by this, they safeguard both the healthcare professionals and the patients. These safety tools can be used by medical practitioners, lab technicians, and even in everyday activities in high-risk areas.
Here are the main PPE kits
Gloves: One of the essentials when it comes to hygiene. They protect the hands by serving as an additional layer between the bacteria and the skin. In medical or similar medical experiences nitrile gloves or latex are commonly used. As they are made for one-time use, therefore preventing cross-contamination. Exam gloves, surgical gloves, and gloves used to handle chemotherapy drugs (chemotherapy gloves) are among these disposable goods. Although the use of these items seems simple, there are some rules to follow while using them, especially when it comes to medical ones.
- Before putting on medical gloves, wash your hands thoroughly.
- During the patient care activity make sure the used gloves fit your hands.
- Keep in mind that some people are allergic to natural latex material, and this might refer to you as well. If this is the case then you can use gloves made of synthetic materials (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitrile, or polyurethane).
- When interacting with sharp objects while having gloves on, remember that those can easily damage the gloves, therefore initiating the risk of infectious transmissions.
- Always change the damaged gloves.
- After using the gloves wash your hands again, or rub them with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Never share, reuse, wash, or disinfect your medical gloves. They are one-time-use items.
Gowns and Coveralls: In the event that the wearer comes into touch with potentially infectious liquid or solid material, they are employed to shield the user from the spread of disease-causing bacteria. They can also be used to help prevent the person from transferring microorganisms that could harm vulnerable patients, such as those with compromised immune systems. The gowns are called by many names, which describe the main purpose of the given type. And to choose the right one, look for product labeling that describes the intended use with the desired level of protection based on the risk levels. And a lot of coverall types can cover the full body.
Masks and Respiratory: These are disposable items that come in different shapes and for different environments, they are designed to protect the mouth and nose from inhaling different microbes and bacteria. They can be simple surgical ones or sophisticated N95 or FFP3 respirators. The surgical masks are made of loose materials to serve as a physical barrier between the face and the immediate environment. Meanwhile, respirators are protective respiratory devices designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. It is important to note, that surgical masks do not completely cover the face, and if the purpose of use requires more protection then respirators are the best options.
Face shields and goggles: A famous choice to protect the face and especially the eyes from different splashes, which can also be dangerous and infectious. And the purpose of goggles is to do the same with the body: protect it from danger.
Head and shoe covers: These are used as additional layering of protection, where the risk is high.
As we can see, the essential components of PPE include respiratory protection like masks and respirators, face shields and goggles, shoe and head covers and the list goes on.
How to choose the right PPE
There are different types of solutions when it comes to protecting the skin. The choice should be based on the situation and the requirements it needs. For example, gloves are handy when there is possible contact with blood or body fluids. Or working in a highly contagious environment might require full body protection. In this situation, a person would need professional respirators, facial shields, goggles, and some other items of Personal Protective Equipment mentioned above.
The safety of using PPE
The purpose of using Personal Protective Equipment is to get the needed protection when being in a toxic or risky environment. But, there are a few nuances referring to their usage, ignoring which can decrease the effectiveness of the products. For example, the incorrect use of some products can lead to skin exposure, therefore making the product useless.
So, when using them, pay attention to the details like how to put them on, wear them, adjust them, and also take them off. Since these details can turn out to be the main aspect of their effectiveness.
PPE has a huge role in reducing the spread of disease, it protects health workers and patients. This equipment also protects those people for whom catching various infections can have a bigger impact. In other words, for those with weaker immune systems.
And to maintain higher hygiene it is important to keep other infection control practices as well. Such as washing hands regularly, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering cough and sneezes. With these actions and the required PPE items, the hygiene of the person will be higher and the environment will be safer for everyone.