The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus to infection control and medical protective clothing (PPE) such as coveralls, isolation gowns, and shoe covers. Let’s look at how to choose better isolation gowns and whether they can keep you safe from COVID-19.
An overview of isolation gown
Isolation gowns for healthcare can be of two types for COVID-19 or other infection control purposes: surgical and non-surgical. A surgical isolation gown is a piece of personal medical protective clothing worn by healthcare workers during surgical procedures. It protects the patient’s and the doctor’s health from microorganisms, bodily fluids, and particulate matter. In low/minimal risk patient isolation cases, a non-surgical isolation gown is a protective garment worn to protect the individual from microorganisms and body fluids. The FDA accepts the ANSI/AAMI PB70:2003 standard for “Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities.”
Levels of isolation gowns
The standard’s ultimate goal is to assist end-users in determining the type of medical protective clothing or product that is most appropriate for a specific task or situation:
Level 1: Low risk, for use in care, standard isolation, cover gowns for visitors, or in a simple medical unit.
Level 2: Low risk for use in situations such as blood draws, suturing, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or a
pathology lab.
Level 3: Moderate risk, used for arterial blood draws, inserting an intravenous (IV) line in the emergency room, or in trauma cases.
Level 4: High risk, to be used, for example, during fluid-intensive procedures, surgery, pathogen resistance, or infectious disease suspicion (non-airborne)
Types of isolation gowns
Here are some of the different kinds of isolation gowns.
Surgical isolation gowns
There is a medium to high risk of contamination. Like surgical gowns, surgical isolation gowns are advised by the FDA as a Class II medical device that requires a 510(k) premarket notification. All areas of the surgical isolation gown except the bindings, cuffs, and hems are considered critical protection zones and must meet the gown’s highest liquid barrier protection level. All seams must protect by the same barrier as the rest of the PPE gown.
body as is necessary for the intended use.
Non-surgical isolation gowns
Non-surgical isolation gowns, like surgical isolation gowns, PPE gowns should cover as much of the body as is necessary for the task. Except for the bindings, cuffs, and hems, all areas of the non-surgical gown are considered critical zones of protection. And all these must meet the highest liquid barrier protection level for which the gown.
Non-sterile isolation gown
It offers moderate to high barrier protection. Non-sterile non-isolation gowns are worn by health care personnel in non-patient isolation situations to provide medium to high barrier protection. The FDA classifies these gowns as a Class II medical device that requires a 510(k) premarket notification.
Non-surgical isolation gown
Non-surgical non-isolation gowns are intended to be worn by health care personnel in non-surgical and non-patient isolation situations to provide minimal or low barrier protection. Contact PPE distributors for a genuine buy. These gowns are Class I devices (exempt from premarket review) (exempt from premarket review).
Ways to use PPE at work
Station for employees to use PPE
A PPE goal is to provide quick access to items that keep people safe and healthy. Bright signage and a retractable banner with crucial health and safety information will draw attention to your checkpoint PPE station. Hand sanitizer and disposable 3-ply disposable masks should be available. Warehouse safety PPE is just as critical as office safety precautions. Using PPE from distributors’ station signs and taking these precautions can help your employees feel safer.
Signing a self-assessment health form
Symptom screenings and self-assessment forms reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace and hold employees accountable for reporting any health concerns they may have. Use social distancing, barriers or walls, no-contact temperature readers, and PPE to protect the screener performing in-person health checks. You can contact PPE wholesale distributors for community distributors.
Employee IDs are always visible
Whatever your industry, custom-designed employee IDs and credentials are a must-have. IDs ensure safety and security, control access to secure areas in your office, reduce liability, and reduce breaches. Contact PPE gown manufacturing for genuine buy.
Distribute hand sanitizer
Hand hygiene is critical in combating the spread of COVID-19. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with proper hand washing techniques can help stop germs in their tracks. Remember to provide portable hand sanitizer for on-the-go employees.
Use stickers
Placing brightly colored signs in areas where people tend to congregate is one of the simplest ways to draw attention to safety protocols in the office. It is helped by using PPE signs. Contact PPE gown manufacturing for a genuine buy. Promote safe behavior in break rooms and conference rooms by using tabletop tent signs. Control foot traffic in hallways with one-way directional signs, and encourage social distancing throughout the building with floor stickers.
PPE kit for each employee
Sending a pre-assembled PPE kit to their homes will make them feel safe and appreciated. Begin by including a PPE value kit with gloves and a disposable mask. Kits are an excellent way to remotely surprise and delight your employees.
Medical protective clothing articles, garments, or equipment that protects the wearer from infection are examples of personal protective equipment. PPE can cover a person from various hazards, airborne particles, biohazards, highly reactive chemicals, flames, and heat. A PPE suit is preferable and provides more protection than separate medical protective clothing garments such as aprons, sleeves, or shirts.
For advanced protection, PPE suits now include hoods and boots, elastic wrists and ankles, taped seams, and storm flaps to prevent contaminants from entering the exposed body. Disposable medical gowns, N95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, and safety glasses are examples of personal protective equipment (PPE). It is highly used in the healthcare industry for safety and protection.
Benefits of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Reduced staff turnover
Employees who are happy with their working conditions tend to stay longer than those who are unhappy. It is vital to provide your employees with adequate protection using the best occupational safety devices, giving them no reason or excuse to leave their positions. By limiting desertion due to injuries or illness, protecting employees from workplace hazards reduces staff turnover. In other words, workplace safety ensures that your company operates at full capacity, increasing productivity and profitability.
No legal fees
You should provide medical protective equipment to employees to guard them against job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Noncompliance with this OSHA regulation may result in prosecution, hefty fines, compensation payments, or even jail time. As a result, the only way to avoid potential lawsuits and financial losses is to ensure that your employees wear appropriate PPE at work to prevent injuries.
Enhanced efficiency
Personal protective equipment improves the efficiency of your operation. For example, wearing gloves while cooking allows you to handle large amounts of ingredients without getting burned or cut. Similarly, wearing goggles while welding offers you to see better and avoid eye injuries.
Conclusion:
The clothing keeps infected bodily fluids from coming into contact with the bodies of healthcare workers and patients, preventing the spread of COVID-19 infection. Contact PPE gown manufacturing for a genuine buy.
