PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Types of ppe
3. Essential ppe
4. Cleaning using maintaining and storage
5. Canadian legislation regulations
6. Conclusion .
Introduction
Personal protective equipment (PPE) use in health care
Health care personnel (HCP) should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when there is risk of exposure to infectious materials, such as blood or body fluids, used medical equipment or supplies used on patients or contaminated environmental surfaces. Health care personnel include all persons, paid and unpaid, in the health care setting who have direct patient contact or potential for exposure to infectious materials. This includes persons not directly involved in patient care, such as environmental services/cleaning staff or volunteers, who could be exposed to infectious material. PPE should also be available for family members or visitors who participate in patient care and who may be exposed to infectious materials. Such family members must be carefully instructed on correct use, removal, and disposal of PPE.
2. Types of PPE:-
3 Essential PPE’S
(a)Gloves
Gloves are a disposable barrier, serving two primary functions
· To protect your hands from potentially infectious materials when providing patient care.
· To serve as a layer that can be removed, along with any microorganisms that may be present because of patient care, to prevent transmission to you, another
Medical gloves are defined as disposable gloves used during medical procedures. They include:
Examination gloves (nonsterile)
Sterile surgical gloves have specific characteristics of thickness, elasticity, and strength. Surgical gloves prevent the transmission of microorganisms from the hands of HCPs to patients during sterile procedures, such as surgery or catheter insertion. They are packaged in individual sterile sets.
Heavier, reusable utility gloves are indicated for non-patient care activities, such as handling or cleaning contaminated equipment or surfaces. .
Remember, even the best-quality gloves do not provide complete protection— it is always recommended to perform hand hygiene before and after glove use. Hands can become soiled during removal, and there can be small holes from manufacturing defects. This is why the use of gloves never replaces the need for hand hygiene.
(b)Gowns, coveralls and aprons
Gowns or coveralls are physical barriers that protect clothing and skin when contamination is likely. Aprons are an additional layer that can provide a waterproof barrier along the front of the body, protecting the gown and clothing from large volumes of splashes or sprays during patient care (e.g., during cesarean delivery or vaginal delivery).
· Generally more familiar to HCP
· Easier to put on and, in particular, take off than coveralls (ease of wear and removal without self-contamination)
· Does not provide leg protection
· Generally manufactured as disposable, but textile versions can be laundered for reuse
· Important to have sufficient overlap of the fabric so that it wraps around the body to cover the back (ensuring that if the wearer squats or sits down, the gown still protects the back area of the body)
Coverall
· Designed to cover the whole body including legs and, for hooded models, neck, and head
· Difficult to take off safely, compared to gowns (there is a high risk of self-contamination)
· More heat stress while wearing coverall creates worker risk in hot environments
Apron
· Disposable or reusable depending on material
· Wear aprons over other protective garments for additional protection against saturation when large amounts of liquid are anticipated, such as a vaginal delivery or caesarean section, and when easy removal of a soiled layer is desired during patient care.
(c)Masks and respirators
Masks are physical barriers that prevent splashes or sprays of body fluids, respiratory secretions, and chemicals from reaching your mucous membranes (your nose and mouth). Masks also block respiratory secretions from your mouth to a patient (e.g., during surgery or lumbar punctures, as well as when source control practices are indicated for health workers [e.g. when there is sporadic, clustered, or community transmission of COVID-19).
)Eye protection
Eye protection is a physical barrier for the eyes during procedures likely to involve splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, or chemicals. Eye protection includes goggles or face shields. Personal prescription lenses or contacts don’t provide optimal protection and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for eye protection.
Goggles
· Made from rubber or plastic, usually with an adjustable strap
· Prone to fogging and overheating
· Provide complete peripheral coverage, unless it has open vent holes
· May be reusable if cleaned between uses
Selecting, Using, and Maintaining PPE
Employers are responsible for selecting, providing and fitting of appropriate PPE for the hazardous exposures in the workplace. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for advice. Consider how the materials will be used, the quantity used, and the types and duration of exposure. Ensure that there will be an adequate margin of protection in case of a spill or other emergency.
Ensure that the PPE provides a good fit. The PPE should not impair dexterity or flexibility or create safety issues such as entrapment.
Proper maintenance is essential. Follow the PPE manufacturer’s recommended procedures for cleaning and storage.
Legislation
To enforce a degree of control and uniformity over this diverse set of tools and requirements, occupational health and safety legislations are critical for building a network of safe workplaces. To this effect, The Canadian Center of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) utilizes the Occupational Health and Safety Act or OHSA.4 Alongside this, the Canada Labor Code stresses on a deescalating system for the health and safety of employees. First comes the elimination of hazards through effective preventive measures. If this is not possible, then the aim is taken to reduce the effects of the hazards and provide the requisite protective equipment to workers.5 These legislative codes and strict regulations for both employers and employees are the cornerstones for effective workplace safety
Conclusion
There’s no denying that even the best PPE won’t be able to protect workers from incidents if their actions are unsafe and uncompliaiants. Thus, a safer workplace requires advancements backed by the right technology to identify, track and improve safety risks.
Personal Protective Equipment Used in Healthcare Essay Example