As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more critical for healthcare workers to ensure they are correctly using the right personal protective equipment (PPE).
Due to the highly contagious nature of coronaviruses, the PPE provides a crucial barrier between staff and patients. It is especially important for those directly treating positive COVID-19 cases or someone suspected of having the virus. It can also be used more broadly by those who work in an area where significant community transmission is possible such as aged care facilities or nursing homes.
What is COVID-19 PPE & how does it work?
To avoid transmission of COVID-19, the health department recommends the use of various pieces of PPE. Commonly used COVID-19 PPE includes:
- Surgical masks
- Filtration masks (N95 & P2)
- Gloves
- Goggles & glasses
- Face shields
- Long-sleeve gowns & aprons
How to Correctly use COVID-19 PPE
The use of PPE only protects the person who wears it and may become ineffective if not fitted correctly.
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks should be fluid resistant (Level 1, 2 or 3) and can be worn for up to four hours unless they are moist or contaminated, or unless they have been removed or pulled down to drink or eat. Filtration masks (N95/P2) can be worn for up to eight hours continuously. The contaminated surface of the mask should not be touched and it should be discarded if it comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids. The mask should also be replaced if it becomes hard to breathe, moist, loose or ill-fitting. Both surgical and filtration masks should be tied or fit to the middle of the head and neck. They should be snug and cover from the bridge of the nose to below the chin.
Gloves
Gloves should be replaced between seeing patients. They should be changed or removed if contaminated, when moving between dirty and clean sites on the same patient or when broken or torn. Gloves should also be extended to cover the wrists of long-sleeved gowns.
Goggles and Glasses
Goggles, glasses and face shields should be cleaned and disinfected between use. They should be placed over the eyes and face and adjusted to fit accordingly.
Gowns and Aprons
Gowns and aprons need to be fastened at the back of the neck and waist. They have to be discarded appropriately upon leaving the room.
How to Safely Fit and Remove COVID-19 PPE
To avoid exposure to COVID-19, healthcare workers should follow official guidelines about application, cleaning and removal of PPE to avoid transmission. Below is a brief summary of these guidelines.
Steps for Putting COVID-19 PPE on Safely
1. Perform hand hygiene
2. Put on long-sleeved gown or apron
3. Put on surgical mask or N95/P2 respirator
4. Put on protective eyewear/face shield
5. Put on gloves
Steps for Removing used COVID-19 PPE
1. After exiting the patient’s room, remove & safely discard gloves
2. Perform hand hygiene
3. Remove gown or apron
4. Perform hand hygiene
5. Remove protective eyewear/face shield
6. Perform hand hygiene
7. Remove N95/P2 respirator or surgical mask
8. Perform hand hygiene
Discover more about COVID-19 PPE and Joya Medical’s vast range including infection control products today. For all enquiries, get in touch with our helpful team.
