A quick review on the proper use of PPE
Posted by Richard Kelly on
Using PPE properly
Social distancing and regular handwashing are still the two most important ways to protect from Covid-19.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is important in circumstances where close contact with others is not avoidable in certain workplace and healthcare settings. However, it should not be used as an alternative to hand washing and social distancing.
Masks
Protection level depends on the type of mask and using them correctly. Social distancing is still important to protect yourself rather than facemasks alone. Face masks can reduce infection risk if used properly. Facemasks are most beneficial in the likes of medical and care settings where close contact between care giver and patient is unavoidable.
How to use masks properly
Clean your hands first, cover nose and mouth with the mask, tie the mask securely, ensure the mask is not damp or wet and when wearing the mask don’t touch the outside of it. Do not pull the mask up and down to use the phone etc. For maximum protection, take off and discard mask before activities like eating and drinking and put a new mask on after. When taking the mask off, take it off from the straps, put it in the bin without touching the outside and wash your hands. Never reuse a mask, it may be contaminated.
Disposable Gloves
Wearing gloves can give you a false sense of security which can lead to wearing gloves instead of washing/ sanitising your hands. The virus can live on the surface of gloves, so you can contaminate yourself when touching surfaces (like phones, keys, wallet) or when removing the gloves. Make sure your skin does not contact the outside of the contaminated gloves. Proper hand washing is a better approach though gloves are essential for certain activities like preparing food, handling medicines for others etc.
Keep up to date on Covid-19 updates at www.hse.ie
Written by Siobhan Clarke (Pharmacy Technician) and Eamonn Brady (Pharmacist). Whelehans Pharmacies, 38 Pearse St and Clonmore, Mullingar. Tel 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). www.whelehans.ie