Module 1.4: Medical/Healthcare

Personal protective equipment in the medical/healthcare setting is classified as high risk due to the presence of disease and illness. Some of the common used PPE are:

• Surgical caps prevent contamination from hair in sterile environments.

• Bouffant caps used in operating rooms and clean rooms.

• Surgical masks protect against droplet transmission.

• N95 respirators protect against airborne particles (used in higher-risk situations like treating TB or COVID-19 patients).

• Face shields protect the entire face from splashes and sprays.

• Goggles protect the eyes from infectious fluids and chemicals.

• Latex gloves commonly used for exams and procedures.

• Nitrile gloves used when latex allergies are a concern; also chemical-resistant.

• Vinyl gloves suitable for short-term, low-risk tasks.

• Disposable isolation gowns protect against splashes and contamination.

• Surgical gowns sterile gowns worn during operations

• Aprons for additional protection during high-exposure tasks (e.g., dental procedures).

• Coveralls full-body suits used in infectious disease control (e.g., Ebola treatment).