Ideal characteristics & hazards

• Gloves – protect hands

• Gowns/aprons – protect skin and/or clothing

• Masks and respirators– protect mouth/nose – Respirators – protect respiratory tract from airborne infectious agents

• Goggles – protect eyes

• Face shields – protect face, mouth, nose, and eyes

No transmissions by blood or other substances of human origin have been documented or alleged for 2019-nCoV. This is true, as well, for the other two coronaviruses that have emerged over the past two decades (SARS, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and MERS-CoV, causing Mideast Respiratory Syndrome).

Synthetic blood penetration test, Viral barrier & Pressure testing

ASTM F1670 and ISO 16603 are “screening-tests” that evaluate the resistance of a material to synthetic blood penetration [ASTM 2003a; ISO 2004a]. The synthetic blood used for these tests is a mixture of cellulose, coloring, buffer solution, and stabilizing agents. Synthetic blood has a surface tension (0.042 ± 0.002 Newton per meter [N/m]) and viscosity representative of blood and some body fluids.

The viral penetration resistance tests, namely ASTM F1671 and ISO 16604, are similar to ASTM F1670 and ISO 16603, but they use a bacteriophage (Phi-X174) challenge suspension instead of synthetic blood. This tests for the smallest blood borne pathogen HCV at 30nm. Corona viros is amogst the largest RNA virus with 120 nm dia

Pressures exerted on surgical gowns during pressing and leaning in surgery can range from 1 psi to 60 psi. Blood penetration has been shown to increase with increasing pressure. Many common surgical movements (including leaning, reaching, and arm resting) result in less than 2 psi pressure.

Areas of PPE commonly affected

Blood penetration was most common on the chest, forearm, and abdomen, and was correlated with the areas of highest exposure and pressure [Quebbeman et al. 1992]. Others have noted that the cuff, forearm, thigh, chest, and abdomen are most vulnerable to blood strikethrough. [Pissiotis et al. 1997].

Be aware of heat stress and dehydration in coverall which is not breathable.

One needs to classify the Worker Exposure & choose wisely the type of PPE required - Always wear appropriate PPE and avoid PPE misuse.

The following factors need consideration:

• Physical and chemical properties of the fabric: Includes factors such as thickness pore size, and repellency

• Shape, size, and other characteristics of the microorganisms: Includes factors such as morphology, motility, and adaptation to environmental extremes

• Characteristics of the carriers: Includes factors such as surface tension, volume, and viscosity

• External factors: Includes factors such as physical, chemical, and thermal stresses

PPE Forecasting: data collection in progress

Rationalise supplies

Supply PPE to only those who need it really. The others need an education on rational usage

PPE is available to protect you from exposure to infectious agents during healthcare.

It is important that you know what type of PPE is necessary for the procedures you perform AND that you use it correctly.