Tag Archives: Protective Clothing
SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH ISOCYANATES
OSHA has announced a new National Emphasis Program for occupational exposure to chemical hazards. One such chemical compound is isocyanates, which can cause occupational asthma, irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and possibly cancer.
What are isocyanates? These chemicals are used in materials including paints, varnishes, auto body repair, and building insulation. Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been created for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks. Other jobs that have exposure to these chemicals are the manufacture of mattresses and car seats.
Polyurethanes were a creation of America’s post World War II science and technology – the time when hundreds of so-called wonder chemicals were invented. Polyurethanes or plasticizers are produced in three forms:
- As rigid foams primarily for building insulation, support elements, and decoration, and:
- As flexible or soft foams used for cushioning, and:
- As elasto-plastics used for automobile body panels, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and as a substitute for rubber. Because of easy application and versatility, manufacturers and employers consider polyurethanes to be invaluable.
Polyurethanes are formed by combining a variety of chemicals: the most important ingredient is the family of isocyanates, which is made up of a number of chemicals: Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), Methylene Bisphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), Naphthalene Diisocyanate (NDI), and Diisocyanate Dicyclohexyl Urethane.
Telecommunications and automotive manufacturing members work with and are exposed to isocyanate products. This work involves the use of polyurethane products used as foam plugs to weatherproof and seal telephone cable splices in the telecommunication business. In the automotive manufacturing industry, polyurethane products are used in the plastics and related materials.
Hazardous Exposures:
Health effects of isocyanates include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. These chemicals include compounds known as potential human carcinogens, known to cause cancer in animals. TDI exposure causes serious upper respiratory health problems that involve the throat, nose, esophagus and lungs. It can also cause acute irritation, (such as a burn inside the nose, throat or lungs.) This exposure can be so damaging that the body loses its ability to fight infections. Before or as soon as possible after working with TDI, affected workers should have a complete work up and medical history, including, chest x-ray, lung function test, and blood tests. This is very important for those workers who have a history of upper respiratory/lung allergies, previously weakened lungs, or lung/throat problems at the time of exposure.
Controlling Hazards:
The best way, of course, to control the hazard is to remove it from the workplace. Some less toxic and more acceptable substitutes should be used. Isocyanate products can be effectively controlled with the use of engineering controls, such as enclosed systems or methods, as well as local exhaust ventilation. It is up the employer to ensure that their workers are not exposed to harmful levels of these chemicals. If affected workers can smell the TDI substance (smells like fruit), they should leave the area immediately and notify the supervisor. If, after implementing engineering and administrative controls, the workers are still exposed to harmful levels, employees must be given the appropriate personal protective equipment. In addition to gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, the workers must also be given the correct type of respirator.
Good hygiene by the workers is also a must. They should not smoke or eat in TDI work areas. Also, they should never wear contaminated work clothing home. The employer should collect such clothing and arrange for it to be cleaned. If TDI gets in the eyes, they need to be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes. Affected workers should contact his/her physician.
If the chemical is inhaled, get the worker to fresh air, and call a physician immediately. Trained personnel should give oxygen treatment to the patient. If breathing stops, artificial respiration should immediately be given.
Sources: OSHA/NIOSH
HOW MANY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE INJURED BY SPEEDING DRIVERS (GUEST POST)
Tall buildings and scaffolding often come to mind when people think of construction dangers, but there are other construction workers who face just as many hazards without actually having to be around either of the aforementioned dangers. Road workers are definitely part of the construction industry, and their lives are put in danger every day by daily commuters who travel through their work zones. Everyone should understand the dangers that these workers face, and it’s imperative for the workers themselves to know what their employer should be doing to keep them safe.
Construction Zone Injury Statistics
It would seem common sense that working in an area that speeding cars travel through would be dangerous. Between 2008 and 2010, highway construction zones saw the deaths of over 100 workers annually. Statistics also show that there were well over 600 deaths in these construction zones between the years of 2003 and 2007. Between the same years (2003 to 2007), the construction industry as a whole saw a little over 8,100 deaths. This means that the deaths related to road construction represented 7.9 percent of all deaths related to the construction industry. Considering the fact that highway construction only makes up a small percentage of the total construction work in the nation, this statistic is sobering.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Highway Work Zones
Injuries sustained in highway construction work zones literally run the gamut of personal injuries. These mishaps can be anything from a broken foot caused by a dump truck rolling over it to an injury sustained by a speeding driver. Many construction sites are so busy that there are times when a driver receives a ticket and he was not the car that was speeding. Whether you receive a Florida speeding ticket or a speeding ticket in Ohio, it is possible to get help to fight the charges if this was the case.
Some construction sites are so congested that the workers don’t have much room to work and they are often working in a dangerous area. This is where they can receive some of the worst types of injuries. These accidents often cause injuries related to traumatic brain damage, serious spinal cord injuries or other types of internal bleeding, hemorrhaging and damage. These injuries are usually detrimental, so besides staying safe on the jobsite, workers should know their legal rights or seek out someone who does if they’re seriously injured on the job.
How Highway Construction Workers can Stay Safe
There are several ways that highway construction workers can stay safe while making their living. Many of these safety procedures are under the control of the construction company or the state itself. It’s absolutely vital that temporary traffic control (TTC) be set up for the duration of construction. This will ensure that commuters know that work is being performed and are prevented from driving too close to where workers are doing their jobs.
It’s also important for workers to wear high visibility clothing while on the job. This includes reflective clothing like vests, trousers, overalls, jackets and anything else that can help visibility. One of the most important ways for workers to remain safe, however, is to receive proper safety training. This is because, most of the accidents on road construction sites are caused by on-site work vehicles or equipment. The Federal Highway Administration provides training materials, which should be taught to all construction workers, which include information on how to avoid being injured by construction vehicles or equipment.
Highway work zones ensure that thousands of people across the country have jobs at any given time, but there is definitely an inherent danger to this work. This danger becomes inflated when the worker, drivers or construction employers don’t heed safety warnings related to the area and job itself. The types of injuries that road workers can sustain are nearly limitless, and this makes it imperative for them to observe proper safety measures. In a world where many drivers act in negligent ways, it’s sometimes necessary for road workers to handle their own safety.
Kelly Kovacic is a paralegal who wants to bring awareness to the safety hazards of construction work. However, not everyone who receives a Florida speeding ticket is in the wrong. For those who were falsely accused of speeding, you need to get professional help to fight for your rights. The Ticket Team Inc. has lawyers who can defend you and protect your driving record.
Thanks, Kelly, for this informative article. As you mentioned, there should be proper safety training, and the correct personal safety equipment provided for each worker. Drivers are warned that they are entering a work zone, and they should obey the law and respect the rights of others to be able to perform their jobs safely. pb
ASBESTOS AWARENESS TRAINING (GUEST POST)
In the last few days, the Daily Mail in Great Britain has reported on the heart-breaking story of a Cardiff housewife who contracted a type of cancer called mesothelioma from washing both her husband’s and son’s work overalls when they were working at a local power station. Their overalls were covered in asbestos fibres and a verdict of death by industrial disease was returned at an inquest into her death. The couple received a small sum in compensation that was donated to charity. Whilst this case highlights the horrific unforeseen consequences of the use of asbestos in building in the 20th century, and the way the damage lurks unseen for possibly decades, we are much more aware of the dangers today. However, as an employer or person working with asbestos, it takes more than just awareness that it is a dangerous material to operate with truly safe procedures.
Awareness of the Problem
In the UK, they have the highest incidents of mesothelioma in the world and the use of asbestos was only officially banned in 1999; any buildings built or renovated before 2000 have the potential for asbestos contamination. In America, asbestos use was similarly not banned until the late 90s; the grave repercussions of its potential handing means any company accountable for people working with it needs to be fully aware of their responsibilities. Adequate training for management and employees should always be a priority.
Categories of Asbestos handling
In the UK, they have two types of asbestos handling, classified as non-licensable and licensable (in which a government permit is required). In the USA, there are four classes of scheduled asbestos handling work relating to how much the material might be disturbed. It is obviously a complex matter and if you are a building manager/owner or employee you need to know what is expected of you.
Training and Help
Training is not just about being aware of the dangers posed by asbestos, but also making sure the exact problems posed by your specific work and environment might pose. Good training should give you knowledge about every step, and provide you with expert advice. Whilst it is an important process, it does not have to cost you or your business too much time or money. There are many experienced companies offering asbestos awareness training online you can consult. Initially any good firm can assist you with a risk assessment, but any training should also cover (but not restricted to):
- Safe work practises and methods and explanation of safety gear
- Selecting appropriate protective clothing
- Waste handling and waste disposal
- Emergency procedures
- Legal requirements, permits etc.
- Refresher training where needed
As an employer, you need to ensure that all relevant employees undergo the necessary training and that all managers and supervisor understand their duties. Make sure your training provider is competent and reputable and that your staff subsequently follows appropriate and safe work methods. It is a hazard we have all heard of due to tragic deaths like the housewife in Cardiff, however, the correct asbestos awareness training can help you as an employer avoid many more hazards.
Author bio: Inguinn Bjøru sent this very informative article. Asbestos Awareness Training online is more easily accessible than regular training courses and can be accessed from anywhere at any time.
METALWORK: CUTTING OUT THE DANGERS (GUEST POST)
The market for welding equipment and profile cutters has broadened considerably in recent years as such machinery become more affordable, less cumbersome and thus available to the majority of the population. The hazardous methods used to accurately carve shapes from metal sheets are now adopted equally by unskilled hobbyists working in their own home and heavy industries of mass production. The widespread availability and unregulated use of profile cutting machinery has exposed more people to harm. Looking at plasma cutting in particular, it is easy to see the dangers of this trade and the necessity of certain safety precautions which all users must adhere to.
The Risks
From arc-eye to smouldering debris on the skin, the dangers associated with plasma cutting are all extremely hazardous to anybody working in the vicinity. One serious risk is the fire hazard created by the arc of plasma which not only emits intense heat but also gives off sparks, which can land on nearby surfaces, clothing or skin. The arc also produces a bright glare which is damaging to the eyes. Molten metal and shards of freshly cut debris can be airborne and can burn or cut exposed skin. Then there are the fumes released by the metal during the process which can create an immediate choking hazard or more long term health problems. Any coating on the metal (ie. galvanised steel) must be removed beforehand as they produce truly toxic fumes. Finally, the extreme power output of a plasma cutter creates a high risk of electrocution. It certainly sounds like a risky business, but with the following precautions in place, profile cutting can be a safe and efficient way to manufacture cut metal.
The Solutions
Before starting any form of profile cutting, it is essential to inform any people in the vicinity that the equipment is being used so that each individual can take the necessary action to avoid harm. In industrial manufacturing, no unauthorised persons should be allowed to use a plasma cutter and it is essential that every operator undergoes appropriate training. Protective clothing and eye-wear is an absolute must for all machine operators. Goggles must provide unrestricted vision and movement while protecting the eyes from glare and debris. This means a suitably shaded, thick and unbreakable lens. Clothing must be full length to cover every inch of skin, fire resistant and without cuffs which could catch smouldering debris. It is essential to ventilate the room with fresh air or wear breathing apparatus where the fumes are likely to be intense. The risk of electrocution can be eliminated by being well grounded by wearing rubber soled boots and gloves as well as the standard welding gloves. There also must be no moisture or water around which could conduct electricity throughout the room. Finally, ensure that the plasma cutting machinery is placed as far from surrounding objects as possible to avoid sparks leaping to any material that could act as a fuel for fire.
In the workplace, the employer must ensure that these regulations are upheld to the highest standards to guarantee staff safety. At home, the individual is responsible for their health and ultimately their life, so such hazardous metalwork should not be undertaken lightly.
Sent to us by Dan Oztunc
This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Kerf Developments Ltd, the leading British supplier of profile cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, high definition plasma cutting and waterjet cutting equitment. More information on plasma cutters can be found on the following link – http://www.kerfdevelopments.com/plasmacutting.html
What Makes Flame Resistant Clothing Flame Resistant? (Guest Post)
Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.
For anyone who works closely with high temperatures and/or open flames, flame-resistant materials are an essential accessory. While these materials aren’t fireproof, they can offer just enough resistance to help you escape danger before a crisis breaks out. Flame-resistant materials can also slow the progress of an expanding fire, creating a larger window to combat the flames and subdue the fire before it gets out of hand. Not all flame-resistant materials are created equal. Understand what options are available to you and how they might affect what you are hoping to achieve by wearing protective clothing. Here’s a quick guide to how flame-resistant products are made and what you need to consider before investing in these materials.
Understanding the definition of flame-resistant
If you throw a flame-resistant shirt into a fire, it will burn. That’s because the materials aren’t immune to combustion; they’ve just been created to withstand heat for a period of time. If kept in contact with the heat source, though, they eventually will ignite. Even though flame-resistant gear, including shoe covers, coveralls and face shields, doesn’t provide an invincible barrier for its wearer, the protection is crucial in a number of industries, including welding and electrical work. Forgoing its use is both unwise and against safety regulations set forth by an employee’s company.
The materials used
Some types of fabric are naturally more resistant to combustion than others. Wool, for example, takes longer to ignite than many other fabrics. Generally speaking, synthetic materials take longer to burn than other natural fabrics. In the case of wool, tighter and heavier wool knits will be more fire resistant than loose, lightweight wool. No matter what type of material used, flame resistance can be enhanced by applying a chemical treatment that adds a layer of coating to the fabric fibers. In fact, most good flame-resistant products feature this chemical coating.
Maintaining materials to preserve their efficacy
One key to preserving the flame-resistance of protective clothing is washing the products according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Certain soaps, fabric softeners and other cleaning methods can remove the chemical coating on the materials or otherwise reduce the flame resistance of the product. In some cases, cleaning products could leave a residue that serves as a fuel for combustion when exposed to a heat source. Find out the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and follow those guidelines exactly to avoid ruining the fabric.
Regardless of how you plan to use flame-resistant materials, make sure you’re very careful in your handling of them to prolong their lifespan. If you’re counting on these materials to protect you in the event of an emergency, don’t take any chances. Observe safety precautions posted around your workplace, be very diligent in your care of the garments and their accessories and always be sure to invest in high-quality materials.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Guest Blog
Shannon Barnett, who owns the website CareersIn Criminal Justice, sent us this very useful information, which is especially helpful to those who desire to work in law enforcement, or already do. See how to contact Shannon at the end of this article. We know you will enjoy reading this:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers have one of the highest rates of non-fatal on-the-job injuries. With this in mind, it is important for anyone who works as a correctional officer (or who is thinking of starting a career as a correctional officer) to always be thinking of ways to stay safe in all types of situations.
Depending on the situation, correctional officers often have little time to think before reacting. This is especially true when fights break out between inmates, or when one or many inmates attack an officer. For this reason, it is always necesssary to know your prison’s plan of action for all high-risk situations.
Listed below are ten safety tips that all correctional officers should know and keep in mind while on the job:
- Protect your weapons: Always keep your means of defense sheathed and placed on your body in an area where it cannot be easily seized.
- Strategically place yourself: Within your assigned area, find a spot where you can monitor all activities and keep a close eye on all inmates.
- If necessary, ask for help: Never pretend to be the tough guy. If you have been ordered to search a cell or perform any task that puts you in direct contact with an inmate, and you don’t feel comfortable or safe doing it alone, ask for backup assistance.
- Wear protective clothing: In addition to your uniform, put on protective gear (like a bulletproof vest) to guard yourself against possibly fatal attacks.
- Protect yourself against bloodborne pathogens: Always keep a pair of latex gloves in your pocket and make sure all necessary devices to handle and remove bloodborne pathogens are strategically placed throughout the prison.
- Never create a relationship with an inmate: Never have a friendly, pass-the-time- away conversation with another inmate. This could be a ploy to distract you from something that should be stopped or could lead to other inmates believing that you take part in favoritism. Both of these things compromise safety.
- Only clock out once your replacement has settled in: If you clock out, or even mentally “tune out” of your position, before your replacement has settled in, prison security could be breached and correctional officer safety could be compromised.
- Report any unsafe practices by other correctional officers: If you witness a fellow officer taking part in anything that could potentially hurt prison safety, report it to your correctional sergeant immediately.
- Get enough rest before work: Working as a correctional officer is demanding and stressful. In order to keep yourself and others protected, you must remain alert at all times. If you are not getting adequate sleep between shifts, you are increasing your risk of workplace injury and putting prison safety at risk.
- Always comfort discomfort: Whether it is the way an inmate looks at your or additional training for the use of a weapon, if there is something about your job that makes you feel uncomfortable, talk about it with your correctional sergeant. Never ignore something that could be a potential for harm.
Thanks, Shannon, for this advice that should be taken very seriously by those who perform this kind of work; or considering starting this vocation. Their safety is of the utmost importance. Shannon Barnett owns the site http://careersincriminaljustice.net and in her spare time, she enjoys writing articles for various other sites on many topics of interest.
DO EMPLOYEES KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?
Many employees are not trained properly in the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Companies are required to furnish the type of PPE that is based on the potential hazards of each particular job. Many workers are required to wear several types of PPE at the same time, such as construction workers, who must wear protective footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and hardhats. Research has found that some workers have a rather cavalier attitude toward protective clothing, but that little was being done in terms of training or education to correct this situation. During this research, some health and safety managers interviewed admitted to a lack of knowledge about different PPE product specifications and which clothing is the most suitable for their workplace.
Anyone who must wear PPE will tell you that the choices made for their particular needs should fit well and be comfortable. Some say that the PPE hinders their ability to do their job. They explain that they would prefer to have clothing that is stylish and functional. If the safety advisors include the workers in the choices they make, whether it is to protect from fire to freezing cold temperatures, working in areas with poor visibility, or handling of hazardous materials, chances are the results will be a more respectful attitude toward compliance.
Safety officials of companies may confer with various suppliers and manufacturers to work out which types of clothing and particular products will be most suitable. Products must meet the standards that are set by OSHA, ANSI, or other countries’ minimum health and safety requirements. For workers who must wear more than one type of protective clothing, the different types of work wear must be compatible. Many factors must be considered, such as, will the clothing get tangled up in equipment, (i.e., gloves that are too large), or does it increase slips and falls (wrong foot protection)?
Safety glasses that are offered now are stylish; some of them look better and cost less than those purchased at an optical shop. (And safer, too!) All types are offered – from goggles to those with UV protection, wrap-around, over-the-glasses, to readers. If companies don’t require a company logo on their hardhats, team hard hats or patriotic ones improve worker morale and compliance, by allowing them to show their support for their favorite team, be it NHL, NCAA, NFL, NBA, NASCAR, or MLB. There are work gloves especially designed for women’s smaller hands, and they even come in “cool pink!” Many jobs require PPE that is not as flashy as other types, but the main thing is that they fit the bill for the task at hand.
Training employees on the correct use of their PPE, how to wear it, and care for it, and know when to replace it, is one of the most important ways a company can protect their employees. It may not take a rocket scientist to figure some of it out, but when there’s doubt about PPE, there should be someone who can explain why they are required to wear it and how important it is to be worn during the entire work period.
CLEANING UP AFTER A FLOOD IS NOT “CLEAN”
The Mississippi River has crested at 48′ at this time, and the main part of the city is safe, thanks to levees and walls that are holding firm. Many residents in outlying areas, however, have been evacuated from their homes, which are now underwater.
If you have ever seen the remnants of buildings that have been flooded, you know that it is a huge mess! Some that I have seen looked the same as if they had been ravaged by a tornado. There are so very many dangers lurking for those rescue, recovery and volunteer personnel that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of precautions that should be taken to stay safe.
After flooding, the strength of the waters may have moved and/or buried hazardous waste and chemical containers far from their normal storage places. This is a risk for anyone who comes into contact with them, and should be handled only by the police or fire department. Flooded areas may also contain electrical or fire hazards connected with downed power lines. Extreme caution should be exercised with these particular hazards, which hold the potential for fires and explosions.
Floods can cause sickness in those workers who come in contact with contaminated floodwater. This can be caused by the disruption of water purification and sewage systems, overflowing of toxic waste sites, and dislodgement of chemicals previously stored above ground. This being said, workers should be aware that floodwater can contain infectious organisms, which include intestinal bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Heptitis A virus, and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus. It is important that workers’ tetanus shots are current. Tetanus can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin. This is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms, known as lockjaw.
Pools of standing or stagnant water also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can cause West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases. By wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and using insect repellants, the threat of mosquito and other insect bites can be decreased. Workers should also be alert for animals that have been displaced by the flood – frightened, and prone to biting someone. Seek immediate medical care for all animal bites. (And be sure to watch for cottonmouth snakes, they have been seen often in the flooding Mississippi.)
Cleanup workers may need to wear special chemical resistant clothing and protective goggles. They should also have on plastic or rubber gloves, boots, and other protective clothing needed to avoid contact with floodwater. In addition to toxic and chemical wastes, agricultural wastes may be in floodwater. Children should never be allowed to play in floodwater. All toys recovered must be disinfected.
All water should be considered unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is not dangerous. Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for washing and potable water for drinking. Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare food, brush your teeth, wash dishes, or make ice. If you are unsure about the safety of a food or beverage, throw it out.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides emergency personnel to assist with restoring power and other tasks in disaster areas. Their engineering expertise is used for inspecting and assessing damage and clean up in disaster areas. They recommend that workers wear appropriate life-saving equipment, such as vests, when working around deep water or where the currents are swift.
This is a very unpleasant job for all persons concerned, especially those who citizens who have watched their homes and property disappear right before their eyes. We hope that those who have been warned to leave will do so, and seek shelter until it is safe to return, and know that help is on its way.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
When you go to a clinic or hospital, you will notice several types of clothing that medical employees wear. There are many other types of medical garb in different departments that you don’t see, unless you must have certain tests. Nurses and doctors are not the only ones who wear protective clothing. Those different types of medical garments not only protect medical professionals from pathogens, but also protect patients from possible contamination by non-sterile clothing.
Manufacturers of medical protective clothing may vary the materials that they use in their products, but there are several features in common that allow the clothing to perform its functions easily and comfortably, which include:
- lightweight materials for comfort;
- Different weave permeability based on intended use;
- Adjustable closures, using either cloth ties or elastic bands;
- Coatings or anti-static compositions to prevent bunching that could compromise protection;
- Fluid repellant coatings on the inside combined with fluid repellant coatings on the outside;
- No-lint grades of cloth;
- Footwear with anti-skid treads for safety.
Listed below are some of the articles of clothing that medical professionals wear:
- Scrubs: These are one of the most familiar to patients. They are worn by nurses, nurse aides, janitors, and others in hospitals, clinics, home health care and hospice settings, and dentists’ offices. They may be worn over other clothing, and are easy to change and replace if soiled or contaminated.
- clip on side shields: goggles protect against sudden splashes of fluids such as blood, vomit, or other body fluids. They should completely cover the eyes, and wrap around to the temples for extra protection.
- Masks: Generally worn over the nose and mouth to keep from exhaling micoorganisms in a sterile environment or to protect them from contagious diseases in the surrounding air. Many civilian individuals wear masks to keep from being exposed to particulate matter when they are traveling or have low resistance to catching illnesses.
- Gloves: Gloves are another of the widely used parts of protective clothing. It is imperative to wear gloves when dealing with body fluids or sterile equipment. Latex gloves are flexible enough to not impair the provider’s dexterity. They are inexpensive and can be discarded after use.
- Shoe and boot covers: Thin, elastic booties cover footwear completely, and are made to accommodate shoe sizes and styles.
- Scrub and Surgical Caps: Headgear that covers the hair and scalp in order to keep microorganisms contained, but control the wearer’s hair. Surgical caps are tighter than scrub caps in order to maintain a sterile environment.
- Surgical gowns: Rear-closure gowns are used by surgeons and discarded after use to avoid contagion.
- Disposable Sleeves: Independent sleeves have elastic at both top and bottom for a secure fit, and are necessary when gloves do not furnish adequate coverage,yet a full gown is not needed.
- Lab coats: Many physicians wear lab coats when in their clinics or making rounds. They usually have several pockets for the wearer’s convenience. Lab coats furnish a minimal level of protection in emergencies.
- Radiology aprons: These are made of lighter weight material, (but still contain lead), than the old lead aprons, allowing more comfort to radiology workers while still protecting them from radiation.
- Uniforms: EMS personnel wear high visibility uniforms to keep them safe while working around traffic accidents and other high level emergencies. Uniforms include protective pants, shirts, vests, jackets, special belts and arm bands.
When you visit a hospital, you may be asked to don a mask, gown, gloves or other piece of protective clothing, especially if you are seeing a patient in intensive care, or children’s unit. This is not only for the patient’s safety, but yours, as well. Do not touch things the patient might touch – hand rails, the t.v. remote, or phone. Be sure to wash your hands before entering and after leaving the patient’s room.
Have you noticed how glamourous actors in medical shows are? Most of the time when they are doing surgery, they aren’t wearing the protective face shields or goggles. Maybe we couldn’t hear what their next line is! Real medical professionals, (the people behind the masks, goggles, and all that other paraphanalia ) are doing their jobs while wearing the personal protective equipment that is required for each particular task they undertake.