Is there a standard guideline for wearing PPE during COVID-19 pandemic ?

The text provides a summary of the standard guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines are designed to protect healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers from getting infected with the virus. The levels of PPE required vary depending on the level of risk involved in different situations, ranging from low risk to high risk. The text also provides best practices for wearing PPE, including hand hygiene, putting on and removing PPE in the correct order, and proper disposal of PPE items.
Is there a standard guideline for wearing PPE during COVID-19 pandemic

Is there a standard guideline for wearing PPE during COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, there are standard guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines are designed to protect healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers from getting infected with the virus. The guidelines vary depending on the level of risk involved in different situations. Here are some general guidelines:

Levels of PPE

Low Risk

  • Surgical mask: Suitable for situations where there is no direct contact with patients or their body fluids.
  • Gloves: Disposable gloves should be worn when handling any potentially contaminated objects or surfaces.

Medium Risk

  • N95 respirator: This type of respirator filters out airborne particles and is suitable for situations where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as when working closely with infected patients.
  • Gown: A disposable gown should be worn over clothing to protect against splashes and spills of bodily fluids.
  • Goggles or Face Shield: Goggles or a face shield should be worn to protect the eyes from splashes and sprays of bodily fluids.

High Risk

  • Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR): This type of respirator provides the highest level of protection against airborne particles and is suitable for situations where there is a very high risk of exposure to the virus, such as during aerosol-generating procedures like intubation.
  • Tyvek Suit: A full-body suit made of Tyvek material should be worn over clothing to provide maximum protection against contamination.
  • Double Gloving: Two pairs of gloves should be worn, one pair over the other, to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Goggles or Face Shield: Goggles or a face shield should still be worn to protect the eyes from splashes and sprays of bodily fluids.

Best Practices for Wearing PPE

1. Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting on PPE and after taking it off. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

2. Putting on PPE: Put on PPE in the correct order, starting with a surgical mask, followed by goggles or a face shield, then gloves, gown, and finally the respirator.

3. Removing PPE: Remove PPE carefully in the reverse order that you put it on, being careful not to touch any potentially contaminated surfaces with your bare hands. Wash your hands immediately after removing each item of PPE.

4. Disposal: Dispose of all PPE items properly according to local guidelines for waste disposal. Do not reuse disposable items unless they have been properly decontaminated according to manufacturer instructions.