Excerpts from the Course

Since you’re likely to get in contact with an infected person even before knowing the pathophysiology of his or her medical condition, it’s important to reduce the possibility of exposure. Hence, you must be aware of the symptoms of different infectious diseases and consider wearing personal protective equipment before you expose yourself to such patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the spotlight on PPE, and there is likely to be a paradigm shift across the country with respect to PPE. You’re more likely to see increased respiratory-related PPE requirements shortly.

According to OSHA, personal protective equipment includes protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers. The design of all this equipment must meet the established guidelines for safety in design and construction.

The equipment must be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition, that protects the wearer from physical contact and the absorption and inhalation of chemical and radiological pollutants. Also, the P-P-E must fit every individual employee.

If this equipment is provided by the employer, the onus for maintaining it falls on the owner.