Personal Protective Equipment

Minimum standards are recorded in this spreadsheet. 

The current minimum standards for PPE are: 

• A face covering is required at all times when outside your assigned "bubble." A medical grade face mask is recommended if you are considered high risk.

• The general use of disposable gloves is not required except in high touch areas where risk of cross contamination cannot be eliminated.

Portal info for details and safe usage linked here.

RPE should not be confused with face masks such as surgical masks (3 ply masks) used in care facilities. A surgical mask is a device covering the mouth and nose ensuring a barrier to limit the transition of an infectious agent between two people in close proximity.

Face masks:

AHAH will not be providing reusable masks on program. Staff and volunteers will be issued 3 disposable (3-ply) masks per day while on program. With reusable masks, there is a high chance they may not be cleaned correctly or frequently and there is a high potential that others will pick up someone else's mask - creating more risk than having no mask at all. 

When to use what:

• • Masks and disposable gloves should be worn when cleaning and disinfecting the base, worksite and vehicles. Goggles might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash. For more details on recommended PPE for cleaning, follow CDC guidance here.

  • Use disposable gloves when there's a high chance of cross contamination and disinfection is not available.

Safe usage included on the HSS Portal 

Donning and doffing signs linked here.

Safe disposal of PPE:

• • PPE can be disposed of in the regular trash, even when it is suspected of being contaminated with the corona virus.

  • The biggest consideration to think about is when the garbage is being changed. The bag containing the mask and gloves should be tied tightly being careful not to force trapped air out. This will prevent blowing potential contaminants on the person changing the bags.  

Stocking and restocking: ensure constant communication on stock levels with James Sirio, Logistics Analyst