Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits as the name, refers to specialized protective equipment or clothing worn or used by any personnel for defence against infectious or hazardous materials.
This clothing acts as a blockade between the user and the working location and surroundings. By imposing such a barrier the PPE’s prevent the user from coming in contact with any infectious material or bacteria and virus which can either be airborne or in the form of droplets.
The PPEs are designed in such a way that they can safeguard the health of all the healthcare workers by reducing the exposure to any biological agent. Biological or infectious agents can be bacteria, viruses, some hazardous chemicals, body fluids, blood or respiratory secretions.
Quickview:
1. Components of a PPE Kits
2. Uses of a PPE Kit
3. Safety Measures of PPE kits
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Components of a PPE kit:
- Goggles and face shield:
The reason for which the goggles and face shield should be worn is that the user should not come in contact with an infected person who might generate droplets while coughing and sneezing during the treatment. Hence goggles and face shield provide protection in this scenario and avoids contamination and exposure. This equipment should have a proper fit and cover the face and eyes completely. Goggles should be clear and not soiled. - Face mask:
Masks are protective gear that acts as a defensive barricade and does not allow any harmful viruses and bacteria to enter the body via mouth and nose. Sometimes it becomes necessary for both the medical worker as well as the patient to wear face masks to avoid any further contamination. Commonly recommended masks include the Triple-layer mask and the N95 respirator mask. - Hand gloves:
Infection and viruses may not spread only through breathing. A person may touch an object or a surface that is dirtied by an infected person and then may touch his or her own nose, eyes, and mouth. Most commonly nitrile gloves are used rather than latex gloves. Latex gloves include disinfectants like chlorine due to which chances of allergies to latex or contact allergic dermatitis increase. As all the medical workers need to wear gloves for a long period nitrile gloves are the best for use. And instead of powdered gloves, non-powdered gloves are in demand. - Coverall or gowns with or without aprons:
These are designed in such a way that the entire upper body of the healthcare provider gets protected from the exposure to the virus and other harmful agents. The design of coveralls is to provide 360- degree protection by covering the entire body including lower legs, back, head, and feet. Coveralls and gowns are easy to wear and remove. An apron can also be worn over the coverall or gown when the health worker is in the treatment zone. - Headcovers:
Headcovers come attached with coveralls or gowns. These cover the head and neck area. By wearing these head and neck do not get any exposure. These headcovers come with a transparent face shield or side flaps for clear vision while working. If the headcover has to be reused, then it should be placed in a container containing a disinfectant and then used in the next time. - Shoe cover:
This is an important element of the PPE kit. These protect the feet from hazardous and infective agents. It is possible that the shoes might not be impermeable and the feet can get exposed to various infectious particles. Shoe covers are made of impermeable materials and are to be worn over the shoes to facilitate personal protection and contamination. These shoe covers should have a proper fit and a good grip. - Biohazard bag:
The PPE kit also includes this bag so as to safely dispose of all the used medical equipment which may be contaminated or infected without being exposed to the people, animals, and environment. One can use these bags to dispose of liquid or solid medical waste contaminated with any other potentially infectious materials.
Uses of a PPE kit:
The PPE Kits are used in the following areas:
- Hospitals.
- Laboratories.
- Nursing.
- Chemical handling.
- Construction sites.
- Industrial sites.
Safety measures of PPE kits:
While using the PPE kits the user or the wearer should ensure the safety of himself and the people around him. To ensure this the user needs to follow some protocols like:
- The PPE kit should be worn before entering the patient’s room or before coming in contact with the patient.
- The wearer should perform hand hygiene after removal of the PPE.
- The PPE should be carefully removed and discarded immediately after coming in contact with the patient.
- If the components in the PPE kit are reusable then they should be disinfected every time before using it again.
- Single-use components should be disposed of according to the manufacture’s guidelines.
- The right PPE kit should be chosen so as to ensure proper quality and fit so that it provides paramount protection.
- All procedures and protocols must be meticulously followed by the wearer before and after using the PPE kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to wear PPE?
The personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be worn by any person who may be at risk of being harmed or exposed to a hazardous or infectious environment. Different types of PPE kits are available as per the fit and depending on the nature of work. A most important reason to wear PPE kit is to ensure the safety of the person who may come in contact with the environment.
Can a PPE kit be reused?
Generally, PPE kits are designed to be worn for a single-use and by only one person prior to its disposal. But there are few exceptions like protective eyewear which can be reused if decontamination methods are followed. Ideally, it’s not advisable to reuse the PPE kit as it can get contaminated when exposed to infectious or hazardous materials during its use. The PPE kits should be disposed of as per proper disposal procedures.
Can PPE kits be shared with other users?
Most of the PPE kits which are manufactured are intended to be used only once and by only one person. Sharing PPE kit with others is not advisable. The protective competencies of a single-use PPE cannot be assured when it is reused by the same person or used by more than one person.
Which PPE kit is the best?
There are several brands that sell quality PPE kits. One should buy a PPE kit which is designed and made as per the recommended health and safety standards.
Is it safe to use PPE?
Ideally, the PPE kits are designed to safeguard the wearer against various safety hazards. It is essential to choose the right PPE kit for the right job. Along with this, it’s important that the equipment’s that are included in the kit is clean, properly suited, and fit
Where to buy it a PPE kit?
Personal Protection Equipments (PPE kits) are available in Hyderabad at:
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 1)
Address: H.No 1-100, G2, Hitech City main road, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081.
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 2)
Address: Nizampet X road, Near Sri Holistic Hospital, Behind Vasireddy Swagruha Foods, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072.
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 3)
Address: Near Nallagandla Bata Showroom, Beside Prestige Showroom, Opp side of Ratnadeep Supermarket, Nallagandla, Seri lingampally, Hyderabad.