Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for keeping healthcare personnel safe. PPE is common in environments such as manufacturing, health care, and construction. Healthcare workers, who often face significant risks in their efforts to protect communities, require maximum protection. During the pandemic, PPE played an essential role in infection control. However, a reliable supply chain must ensure timely access to PPE.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) principles are essential for the safety of patients and healthcare workers. However, sourcing equipment can be challenging due to the vast array of options, varying guidelines, and misinformation.
The first step in sourcing PPE for healthcare workers is identifying the hazards associated with the task. This helps determine the appropriate PPE. Two main hazards are radiation and biological agents, such as bacteria and viruses. Since healthcare workers maintain close contact with patients, PPE is essential for preventing the transmission of harmful biological agents. Transmission pathways include person-to-person contact, droplet spread, airborne transmission, and contaminated objects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, it is essential to consider several characteristics when selecting PPE. The design should protect mucous membranes, minimize the number of PPE element junctions, and provide unhindered vision. Additionally, PPE should allow for smooth communication and consider ergonomic factors for comfort and ease of use.
Material performance is another important factor. It should offer protection for the duration of the work period, withstand repeated disinfection, and be packaged appropriately for various climates, including tropical regions. PPE should also adhere to standards of use desirability, including a simple donning and doffing protocol with as few steps as possible. It also should be disposable in a nontoxic and environmentally friendly manner.
