Personal protective equipment or PPE is clothing and equipment specifically designed to ensure the safety of whoever wears it. This equipment protects people from infection or injury while they’re working. In addition, protective equipment in health care protects against biohazards, chemicals, and airborne particles that can spread illness. Here’s the essential personal protective equipment for medical workers.
Medical Face Masks
The first essential personal protective equipment for medical workers is medical face masks. There are many different styles and types of face masks. However, when it comes to wearing masks in a clinical environment, the two most common medical face masks worn are blue surgical masks and respirator masks. Medical face masks are essential pieces of personal protective equipment because they create a protective barrier against airborne infections, viruses, and bacteria. These masks keep the nose and mouth safe from breathing in and spreading germs to and from other people.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are the second essential protective equipment for medical workers. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber material used to make surgical gloves. Many people have latex allergies, so nitrile is often the material medical facilities use to avoid potential allergic reactions. Nitrile gloves protect medical workers from germs, bacteria, blood, and other bodily fluids when working with patients. Also, they help stop the spread of bacteria and other hazardous material or fluids that may cause infection, virus, or disease.
Surgical Gowns
The third personal protective equipment essential for workers in the medical field is surgical gowns. Medical workers wear surgical gowns during procedures to protect themselves and the patient. When dealing with a patient’s bodily fluids, medical workers will typically wear a gown to ensure their safety. Bodily fluids can carry dangerous germs and bacteria that can spread illness and disease, so it’s essential to protect yourself when handling things of this nature.
Goggles
Goggles are the last piece of protective equipment for medical workers. Unfortunately, the eyes are a vulnerable part of the body, making them susceptible to bacteria and germs. That’s why goggles are an essential piece of equipment used to protect medical workers on the job. During surgery, procedures, or other tasks that involve toxins, chemicals, bodily fluids, or other hazardous materials, it’s vital to don a pair of goggles for safety precautions.
Now that you know the essential personal protective equipment for medical workers, you can begin your own PPE checklist today. Ensure that you protect yourself from bacteria and other hazardous material you may encounter while working within health care.
