Health EPIS

As a continuation of the previous news of our blog, we bring a topic of the most current this 2020. In this article we will briefly explain the different types of sanitary PPE that exist and some of the most important aspects that influence their choice, use or handling.

The first and essential thing is that all the elements must be homologated and certified complying with the regulations of the CE regarding products for sanitary use.

Once the product is purchased, we must take into account the importance of proper storage for optimal conservation. Failure to do so could render protective equipment useless, damage it, or put the individuals who use it at risk.

Before opting for one piece of equipment or another, we must carry out an evaluation of the situation in which we are going to use them to choose the ideal PPE. In addition to ensuring the compatibility between protective equipment that we have to use simultaneously (example: joint use of respiratory and eye protection), since it could cause risks, accidents or discomfort to carry out the task that we carry out.

Once we have finished using the protective equipment, another of the most committed steps comes; the withdrawal of the same. The indicated action protocols must be scrupulously followed, since it is one of the times when there is the greatest risk of contagion.

At this point, we will act differently if the PPE is disposable or if it is reusable. In the case of having to dispose of it, we will do so in the containers intended for it, suitable for bio-sanitary waste. In the case of reuse, in addition to its deposit in suitable containers, decontamination and cleaning tasks must be carried out according to the methods indicated by the manufacturer.

Respiratory protection

Masks, we have different types. We must bear in mind that not all of them serve as PPE for sanitary works since the level of protection varies according to the type of mask. For this reason, it is important to assess the use that is going to be given and the conditions for using one or the other. Some examples that explain this statement; The hygienic and surgical ones protect others from what I can expel when breathing, coughing, speaking… .but not the other way around, so they are not recommended for professional use. To achieve this "round trip" protection, we have to refer to another type of mask (FFP) from which we will also make some differentiations; FFP2 for low or moderate risk environments. FFP3 for high risk environments (KN95 are of this type but are homologated in the USA and not in CE). We can find without a valve and with a valve, the latter being less effective to protect ourselves against possible infections.

Eye protection

We find integral glasses, which offer great comfort and mobility when working, they serve to avoid splashes and the entry of fluids. There are many different formats and models.

We also find the face screens; more uncomfortable to use but with comprehensive face protection.

Hand protection

Gloves: disposable in most cases as they provide us with dexterity. If the tasks do not require so much fluency, they can be thicker, thus preventing breakage.

Protection of the rest of the body

Protective clothing: we already talked about sanitary clothing and footwear in the previous article. In this case, we are going to emphasize the garments that are placed over the clothing in order to protect the professional in environments with risk of contagion. It should be protective equipment preferably disposable that provides impermeability and airtightness to resist the penetration of microorganisms.

From Maxport we hope that you have found this information useful and that you do not hesitate to ask us if you want to know more about all these articles.