The rising spread of the coronavirus means that many who work in essential jobs are at risk of catching it. This is putting a strain on the healthcare systems around the world who are already struggling to cope. We at CHARNAUD know that PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, is essential for essential workers to carry out their job safely while also reducing the risk of developing and spreading the disease.

Understanding Personal Hygiene’s Role in Infection Control

Businesses in all essential industries, from healthcare to greengrocers, should look into ways they can provide PPE and improve hygiene standards for their customers, patients, and employees. This means investing in standard PPE, that you can find on our products page, and equipping your employees with medical-grade additions to stop the spread of infection in its tracks.

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With more doctors and other essential workers forced to find and bring their own PPE, it is the time for all PPE suppliers to step up to ensure they are doing everything possible to help in this war against the virus. Employers, in particular, need to invest in quality PPE so that their employees can stay safe.

PPE for Coronavirus

PPE that will need to be included due to the coronavirus include:

● Fluid-Resistant Surgical Masks
o Surgical mask with integrated visor
o Full face shield/visor
o Polycarbonate safety spectacles
● Single-Use Gloves
● Filtering Face Piece (FFP3) Respirator (Class 3)

These are useful PPE options for everyone in essential industries and should be worn in addition to other PPE that you need for your job. Firefighters who go in to rescue civilians should be protected from the coronavirus as well as fire, for example.

PPE Qualifications

For coronavirus PPE to be effective, however, it needs to go beyond just a face mask. All coronavirus PPE needs to also be:

1. Fitted properly for the user. Health condition and body shape should be taken into account when fitting the PPE.
2. Be available where employees need to use it, so they can suit up before going into a hot zone.
3. Be stored in a clean, sterilized, and dry area.
4. Medical-grade PPE (face masks, gloves) should be single-use and disposed of after dealing with each patient.

Read Next: The Risk of Poorly-Managed Safety Practices

Hygiene Steps to Reduce Spread of Infection

PPE can do a lot to help stop the initial infection in its tracks, but unless a follow-up of new hygiene standards is put into place, the coronavirus can still spread.

1. Remove Equipment Being Careful Not to Touch Face

Equipment must be removed carefully, with the employee being careful not to touch anyone else, or their own face, during the removal.

2. Dispose of Equipment Properly

Most coronavirus PPE will be single-use, so all medical-grade equipment must be disposed of properly in ordinance with manufacturer recommendations.

3. Disinfect Reusable PPE

For additional PPE, like anything from our range of products, you will need to carefully remove and then disinfect. If you can, try not to use that equipment for a few days and disinfect again before use to ensure you have killed the virus.

4. Wash Hands & Surfaces

Properly wash hands and disinfect all surfaces – particularly counters, door handles, lockers, and other frequently used items.

Speak to the PPE Experts

Reach out to us to find out about CHARNAUD and the first-class PPE we provide.

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