Lesson 5 - Part 7
Summary and application exercise
This will summarize all the main points discussed in this module on PPE. It will end with a short exercise to test your knowledge and ability to choose the correct PPE based upon the risk.
ALL THE LINKS TO VIDEOS MENTIONED ARE IN THE PANEL TO THE RIGHT
FAQ's
NO! PPE is the last line of defense and least powerful biohazard control. While it is important and helpful to select, use and remove PPE correctly, it is not the only thing you need to do to keep yourself safe from infectious pathogens while at work.
When faced with a high level of risk, it is advisable to reconsider performing the task at hand. However, if the work is unavoidable, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the personal protective equipment (PPE) being used and explore alternative methods of preventing infection. Working in a biosafety cabinet can provide a higher level of protection and reduce the amount of PPE required. It is important to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure.
It is imperative to carefully consider the potential hazards you may encounter and the nature of the work you will be performing before choosing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Situations and hazards can evolve quickly, necessitating a reassessment of your PPE selection. For those engaged in routine tasks, it is recommended to review and update your PPE selection at least once a year to ensure its continued suitability for the job and associated risks.
Finally in summary, I want to remind you that PPE is the last line of defense. It should not be relied upon solely as your only risk control against biohazards. The selection must be dependent upon the local risk assessment. Do not reply upon what has been done in the past or what others have done. Your situation may be different and you may need different PPE. Proper use, donning and doffing is important. The PPE will only protect you when you wear and use it properly. One of the main purposes of wearing or using PPE is to block the four main routes of possible pathogen entry into your body. Again, these routes are ingestion, inhalation, entry through mucus membrane exposure of the face and percutaneous (breaks of the skin). Only use as much PPE as necessary to block the route or routes on infection, based upon your risk assessment, as more will add to expense, and may increase risk. More is not better for a lot of different reasons. When asking workers to wear PPE, make sure the users are trained in the correct use.
Now, watch this video from the WHO on use of PPE in a healthcare setting (https://www.who.int/activities/strengthening-public-health-laboratory-services/videos)
Thank you again for taking this module on PPE. Please continue and do the application exercise and then take the quiz.
Optional Application exercise
Here are four different situations that you might find yourself in. Think about what the risks are and then select the correct PPE. As you go through your selection, please think about why you are choosing this PPE and be prepared to justify it. Remember everything costs money and must be justified in some way to somebody. Be reasonable and realistic! Don’t overdo it.
Scenario 1 – doing fecal floats in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
Scenario 2 – working with RG 2 pathogens in a human diagnostic laboratory
Scenario 3 – working with RG 3 pathogens in a BSL3 research laboratory
Scenario 4 – working with a zoonotic strain of avian influenza in an animal room with chickens
Learn more
WHO – Use of PPE in a healthcare setting – video https://www.who.int/activities/strengthening-public-health-laboratory-services/videos