Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, has been used for a long time by medical professionals to protect themselves while at work from coming into contact with various bacteria and viruses. PPE is now used widely by individuals outside of the medical profession. With current events and health concerns taking top priority, individuals have turned to PPE for personal use to protect themselves from viruses, bacteria, and disease. You, too, can use personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe.
Types of PPE which you can use are face masks, gloves, safety glasses, and goggles. These items can be purchased from any pharmacy or medical supply store without having to be employed in the medical profession. Some individuals have gotten creative with making their own face masks to help prevent the spread of germs and protect themselves from airborne bacteria.
If you plan to use a face mask, be sure not to reuse a disposable face mask and wash often any reusable coverings such as face buff masks or bandanas. As a reminder, face buff masks or bandanas should not be used as substitutes for medical grade masks or N95 respirators. Breathing into them can create moisture which can attract bacteria. You don’t want to be breathing in bacteria when the purpose was to prevent contact between bacteria and germs.
Gloves can be worn to prevent touching anything that may be contaminated with virus germs or bacteria. Again, if you plan to use disposable gloves, be sure to remove them properly and discard them responsibly. Disposable latex gloves should be taken off at the wrist and pulled back so that anything you touched stays inside the glove and is not exposed to anyone. Always discard your gloves somewhere that children and pets cannot pick them up or handle them. If you are wearing thicker cloth gloves that are reusable, be sure to wash them often because bacteria can remain alive on the surface for many hours. Be sure to wash your hands often as well, especially after handling your PPE gloves.
Safety glasses and goggles can be used to prevent any bacteria from entering any mucous membrane areas such as the eyes. Safety glasses and goggles can also help prevent something from splashing into your eye. If you are handling any type of fluids, protective eyewear should be worn to protect yourself from any exposure.
PPE can be used by both individuals that work in the medical profession and those who work outside of the medical fields. Keeping yourself safe is important and can sometimes be a challenge during these difficult times. Learn about PPE and types of personal protective equipment that you can use at home for personal use to keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have any questions about PPE or how to use a specific piece of PPE, reach out to your local pharmacy or medical supply store for help. They are a great resource for those who are interested in adding some PPE gear into your daily routine.
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