What Are Personal Protective Equipment?

They are materials that you use to protect yourself from getting infected or spreading an infection to other people. Ideally, PPE features protective clothing that will shield you from hazardous injuries and infections.

In an ideal situation, the wearer of PPE should easily withstand hazards that are, physical, chemical, electrical, heat, and airborne diseases. Ultimately it depends on how much of the protective clothing you wear. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the protective gear should protect you from catching the virus from other people, but

The Different Types Of Personal Protective Equipment

Protective equipment comes in different types, depending on which area of your body you seek to cover. The common types include:

• • • Respiratory protection – it covers items like disposable masks, cartridges, to mention a few. Amidst coronavirus, a dentist in Katy, TX will require that you have respiratory protection when you visit the dental facility.
    • Hand protection – the most common example is disposable gloves. They are common for a regular dental practice. You will find a Katy dentist with disposable gloves during a mere dental exam, which is equally the same during a surgical procedure. The Pandemic only validates the use of gloves even more than ever before.
    • Eye protection – if you are around chemicals, eyewear like goggles, or shields are necessary. During the lockdown, many dental facilities are closed off, except for emergency dentists in Katy. Their only task is to handle the very dire and urgent oral problem. Even then, it is highly likely that you will find them geared up with eye protection during this period, having that the virus can make way through the facial features like the eyes.

How To Use Personal Protective Equipment During COVID-19

This pandemic is not selective of whom to affect. So far, experts have shown that anyone could get the virus at any time. Since coronavirus is not a filovirus disease, protective equipment like coveralls, boots, double gloves, or even protective hoods is not required. The main areas of protection should be your hands and face.

Stipulations are to avoid close contact with affected persons and to keep the eyes, nose, and mouth far from your hands as much as possible. The essence of this is because the virus is highly transmittable from one person to another and from surfaces to human beings. This not only increases the rate of spread but stresses even more on the importance of protective wear when around people. Some of the guidelines to help you handle your protective equipment with ease include:

• • • Put on a facial mask anytime you are interacting with possibly infected persons.
    • If you have respiratory problems, ensure you wear a medical mask. This will prevent the progression of respiratory symptoms and spreading the infection to nearby persons.
    • Thoroughly clean your hands before wearing disposable gloves. The idea is to keep out any infection, not lock it underneath the gloves.
    • Wash your hands properly after disposing of any protective equipment, particularly masks and gloves.
    • Keep your hands away from your face. The virus bounces from surfaces to your body quite speedily. If you are not careful, you can collect the virus on your hands, and by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, get yourself infected.
    • Practice respiratory hygiene – when and if you have to sneeze, use a disposable tissue or towel that can be disposed of afterward. Be sure to cover up your mouth and nose when sneezing. If you do not have a tissue or cloth, use the inside of your elbow.