|
|
|
Protection with Commitment ...Pure and Simple
|
| Requirements for Items of Protective Clothing |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specifications for Items of Protective Clothing
This list describes the generic requirements for ordering or purchasing protective clothing from commercial vendors. Record the amounts needed on this list of specifications. The list can be photocopied
and provided to donors to make sure that vendor specifications match the recommended specifications.
| Requirements |
Made from cotton cloth, cotton blend, or disposable fabric. The requirements are the same for both disposable and reusable gowns.
Gowns should have the following requirements:
— Open at the back with ties at the neck, waist and middle of the back.
— Ribbed or elasticized cuffs.
— Be long enough to reach the knees.
— If only large size is available, larger size can be cut and altered to fit smaller people.
If elasticized or ribbed cuffs are not available, attach thumb hooks to the end of the gown's sleeves. The thumb hooks can then be covered
with the long wrist-sleeve of the gloves.
|
| Requirements |
Aprons are worn if there is risk of direct exposure to body fluids. The aprons are worn by physicians, nurses, corpse carriers, and cleaners. The requirements for the apron are the same for
disposable or reusable models.
Aprons should have the following requirements:
— Rubber or plastic apron with hooks or ties around the neck and with ties at the back.
— Made from disposable plastic or heavy plastic which can be disinfected for reuse.
— Able to fit over gown.
|
| Requirements |
To prevent contamination of hair and head from patient's vomit or blood:
— Use disposable caps.
— If disposable caps are not available, use cotton caps that can be laundered and reused. |
| Requirements |
Worn to protect mouth and nose from splashes or droplets of patient's body fluids.
Masks should offer appropriate protection.
1. 3M HEPA or N Series Mask:
— Has preferable exhalation valve
— Lightweight
— Easy to use
2. Biosafety mask that limits 0.3-mm particles
3. Dust-mist masks
4. Surgical masks only protect from droplets splashed in the face. They are not HEPA rated.
|
| Requirements |
Thin gloves to permit fine motor function. They can be surgical glove quality but do not need to be sterile.
— Must reach well above the wrist, preferably 10 to 15 cm (4" to 6") long, measuring from the wrist up along the arm.
— Should be tested for pinholes.
— May be powdered or non-powdered. |
| Requirements |
Thick gloves for handling bodies, disinfections, and disposal of infectious waste.
— Should be made from neoprene or other thick rubber material.
— Must reach well above the wrist, preferably about 30 cm (12"), measuring from wrist up along the arm. |
| Requirements |
The requirements are the same for both latex overboots which can stretch over street shoes, and regular rubber boots
— Should be 30 cm (12") high and have textured soles.
— Provide several sizes to meet size requirements of anyone who might use them (for example, obtain pairs of boots in sizes medium, and large).
Overboots are preferable to regular boots. They take up less space, fewer sizes are needed, and they are less expensive.
|
| Requirements |
1. Use non-fogging goggles that are vented at the sides.
2. If non-fogging goggles are not available, purchase clear spectacles locally.
— Should have ties extending from ear holders that can be tied around the back of the head so glasses will not fall off when health care worker leans over patient.
|
| Other Recommended Equipment |
| Sprayers: backpack style with hose to use for cleaning and disinfecting spills, rinsing boots, and other decontamination procedures. |
| Plastic sheets for mattresses and barriers: can be purchased locally. |
| Waterproof mattresses |
| Front lamps: to fit over the physician's head to provide light when physician is examining patients. |
| Kerosene lamps |
| Body bags |
DISCLAIMER
| This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
