Protective and preventive equipment for COVID19.

In order to avoid contagions, confirmed and investigational cases should preferably wear surgical masks, thereby preventing the spread of the virus by expelling particles or micro-drops of saliva or through the nose.

In the event that they wear a self-filtering mask instead of a surgical mask, keep in mind that the exhalation valve allows the air to be exhaled directly into the environment without any type of retention and it could favor, where appropriate, the diffusion of the virus.

Surgical masks must comply with the UNE-EN 14683: 2019 + AC: 2019 standard).

The placement of the surgical mask to a person with respiratory symptoms is the first measure of protection for the worker. But it is not a guarantee against contagion from third parties.

Masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3:

Self-filtering respiratory protection masks, FFPR.

They filter by stopping bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted through respiration to others close to us and greatly prevent contamination when the air is inhaled.

These masks are approved for different filtering capacities and are divided into three other classes:

- FFP1. They have 78% minimum filtration efficiency and 22% leakage to the outside.

- FFP2. They filter viruses, bacteria and pathogens at 92% and only have an 8% leak to the outside. They prevent inhalation of dust, aerosols, and fumes. They may or may not contain an exhalation valve.

- FFP3. They are the most requested by healthcare personnel, since they offer 98% minimum filtration efficiency inwards and 2% leakage outwards. They act against various poisonous and toxic types of dust, smoke and aerosols. They may or may not contain an exhalation valve.

Against Coronavirus, the use of FFP2 is generally recommended in activities with low or moderate risk , while FFP3 is intended for those with a high risk. They can only be reused by carrying out a complete disinfection.

IMPORTANT: When removing PPE, respiratory protection equipment must be removed last, after removal of all other components such as gloves, gowns, etc.

Protection gloves:

Protective gloves must comply with the UNE-EN ISO 374.5: 2016 standard.

In patient care activities and in laboratories, the gloves used are disposable since the associated tasks require skill and do not allow for another type of thicker glove.

However, it is important to note that, in all other activities that do not require as much skill, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have been in contact with patients, thicker, more resistant to breakage gloves can be chosen.

Protective clothing:

Compared to the Coronavirus, a specific workwear is not necessary for most jobs. What is recommended is that the clothes used be washed daily with hot water (more than 60º C).

Eye and face protection:

Eye protection should be used when there is a risk of contamination of the eyes from splashes or drops (for example: blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions), which is not common in the vast majority of jobs.

It is recommended not to touch the eyes with the hands and intensive hand hygiene, preferably with soap and water and, failing that, with hydroalcoholic gel.

As indicated, PPE must be selected to ensure adequate protection depending on the form and level of exposure and that it is maintained during the performance of the work activity. This must be taken into account when the different PPE are placed in such a way that they do not interfere and alter the specific protection functions of each equipment. In this sense, the manufacturer's instructions must be respected.

After use, it must be assumed that PPE and any protective element used may be contaminated and become a new focus of risk. Therefore, an inappropriate removal procedure can result in user exposure.

Consequently, a detailed and predefined sequence of placement and removal of all equipment must be drawn up and implemented, the monitoring of which must be controlled.

PPE should be put on before any activity likely to cause exposure to be initiated and removed only after being outside the exposure area.

PPE should be avoided as a source of contamination, for example by leaving it on surrounding surfaces once it has been removed.

After removal, disposable PPE must be placed in the appropriate waste containers and treated as Class III biosanitary waste.

If the use of reusable PPE cannot be avoided, these should be collected in suitable containers or bags and decontaminated using the method indicated by the manufacturer before storing. The method must be validated as effective against the virus and be compatible with the EPI materials, so that it is guaranteed that it is not damaged and therefore its effectiveness and protection are not compromised.

PPE must be properly stored, following the instructions given by the manufacturer, so as to avoid accidental damage to them or their contamination.