Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and products including sanitizers, surgical masks, gloves, protective goggles, and clothing have become highly crucial for preventing infection and the spread of the deadly coronavirus around the world. As these are the true weapons of the COVID-19 warriors, the tremendous spread of the novel coronavirus has increased the demand for the supplies of PPEs and other medical products. Higher demand for these safety equipment and products has led to acute scarcity in the global market. Several countries are struggling to meet the rising demands and supplying other countries with PPEs to fight against the devastating coronavirus.
To control the dire scarcity of these products, it is essential to teach and train wearers on how to use and handle PPEs efficiently and extend the service life span of the products. Healthcare workers should be properly trained and made aware of the best practices including the correct use, care and handling, storage and maintenance of PPE to prolong the lifespan of PPE and prevent its scarcity amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Here are some important factors to consider when using PPE
PPE for Personal Use
PPE stands for ‘Personal’ Protective Equipment or clothing which means it is intended solely for personal use. Therefore, PPE issued on a personal basis means that the individual using the PPE is responsible for its daily use, care, handling, storage, and maintenance.
Multiple PPE Use
In some places, where a group of people is using the same PPE kit, it is essential that the multiple-use PPE must be correctly used, cared for, handled, stored, and maintained to prevent the spreading of infection from one person to another. Users must ensure and make it a point to clean and sterilize PPE before and after every use at all times.
Perfect Fit
A perfect and comfortable PPE fit ensures reliable protection of users. For instance, people with facial hair may feel uncomfortable while wearing respirators. On the other hand, people wearing glasses may struggle to wear respirators, hearing protection or helmets. PPE manufacturers and suppliers should consider individual characteristics, sizes, and limited styles available before producing equipment and gears to make sure these cover the varied needs of the wearers. In case you have some preferences or requirements, you may request your PPE supplier or manufacturer to prepare kits accordingly to ensure that the protection and effectiveness of PPE are not compromised.
PPE Comfort level
Breathable and comfortable PPE ensures increased usability. Whether it is a safety footwear, face masks, gloves, glasses or clothing, the preferable choice of styles and designs of PPE ensures maximum comfort for users. If the PPE is comfortable, wearers are likely to wear it more for their purposes.
Your selection of Personal Protective Equipment can also depend on the climate or work environment that you’re living in. For example, if you’re working in tropical, humid or confined work areas, using nitrile gloves will be more suitable than latex gloves.
Proper Storage
It is wise to store Personal Protective Equipment in its original packaging before use. This will help in establishing that the PPE is fit for its intended task. For example, a thermal-screening medical device should be stored properly and away from the reach of pets, children, infected or unknown guests at the workplace to prevent it from any kind of accidental damage and prolonged service life span. Atmospheric contaminants like dust or moisture as well as extreme temperatures can also significantly reduce the life span of PPE. Encasing PPE can also prevent its contact with rodents, insects, flies, cockroaches, or other vermin. PPE should be stored conveniently at the workplace where authorized wearers can access it and must not be contaminated or affected by the workplace in any case. When not in use, PPE can be stored as instructed by the manufacturer. You must always follow the storage instructions carefully before storing it as you like. For instance, some respirators come with sealed storage cases; therefore, make sure you read the instructions before storing to avoid any kind of damage. If the items do not come with proper storage methods, you may look for other alternative and economic methods to store your item. For instance, using a large ice-cream container or other plastic containers is a great and economical way to store PPE in safe and hygienic conditions before its next use.
Good Quality
To meet the rising demand for Personal Protective Equipment amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak, local PPE manufacturers and suppliers have started producing and supplying PPEs, especially face masks, sanitizers, and clothing. Today, you may find a variety of face masks in the market or online stores; most of which are not effective due to the inferior quality of masks. Some of these are made with hazardous raw materials that may cause allergy or even skin infections. Therefore, when buying a PPE kit, make sure you buy from a licensed and authorized PPE manufacturer and supplier. Authorized PPE manufacturers and suppliers produce PPEs adhering to the country’s standard-settings and regulations.
Takeaways
In this critical period, when situations are getting worse by each passing day, it is important to handle PPEs and other safety products properly so that they can be used for a longer period of time and reduce the increasing demand for these products. Make sure you get a high-quality PPE from an authorized PPE manufacturer and supplier so that you can use them for many days.
With Co-Defend, you can purchase reliable and high-quality PPEs and other healthcare products at a single click. With its large network of trusted PPE suppliers and manufacturers in USA, Co-Defend facilitates people to buy bulk quantities of medical grade PPEs and other healthcare products easily and conveniently amidst the coronavirus outbreak. We are making these products readily available to our customers to help them fight against the COVID-19.
FAQS
Q.1. How to put on Personal Protective Equipment safely?
Following are the steps to be taken to put on Personal Protective Equipment safely:
• Identify and pick the right PPE to wear
• Sanitize or wash your hands with soap and water properly
• Wear your isolation gown
• Put on your face mask or N95 respirator
• Wear your goggles and face shield
• Lastly, wear hand gloves.
Now, you’re ready to enter the COVID+ patient’s room.
Q.2. How to take off Personal Protective Equipment properly?
Following are the steps to be taken to take off or doff PPE gear properly:
• Remove hand gloves
• Take off isolation gown
• Exit the patient room
• Practice hand hygiene
• Remove face shield and goggles
• Take off your face mask and dispose of it properly
• Sanitize or wash your hands with soap and water after removing your mask. If your workplace is practicing PPE reuse, then you should consider performing hand hygiene before putting on the mask again.
Q.3. What type of isolation gown is suitable for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should wear non-sterile, disposable patient isolation gowns that are suitable for routine patient care and treatment in healthcare systems.
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