Basic Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Personal protective equipment for the Ebola virus disease: A comparison of 2 training programs

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing Ebola virus disease (EVD) includes basic PPE (B-PPE) and enhanced PPE (E-PPE). Our aim was to compare conventional training programs (CTPs) and reinforced training programs (RTPs) on the use of B-PPE and E-PPE. Four groups were created, designated CTP-B, CTP-E, RTP-B, and RTP-E. All groups received the same theoretical training, followed by 3 practical training sessions. A total of 120 students were included (30 per group). In all 4 groups, the frequency and number of total errors and critical errors decreased significantly over the course of the training sessions (P < .01). The RTP was associated with a greater reduction in the number of total errors and critical errors (P < .0001). During the third training session, we noted an error frequency of 7%-43%, a critical error frequency of 3%-40%, 0.3-1.5 total errors, and 0.1-0.8 critical errors per student. The B-PPE groups had the fewest errors and critical errors (P < .0001). Our results indicate that both training methods improved the student's proficiency, that B-PPE appears to be easier to use than E-PPE, that the RTP achieved better proficiency for both PPE types, and that a number of students are still potentially at risk for EVD contamination despite the improvements observed during the training.

Ports in a Storm

In many parts of the world, shipping-related emissions have already exceeded or are expected to soon exceed those from land-based sources. Shipping emissions can be reduced substantially by using some of the same technologies being applied to land-based sources, including cleaner engines and fuels, exhaust control methods, and operational modifications. Various ports are testing the feasibility of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. What is perhaps most greatly needed is expedited creation of better regulations at all levels, from the International Maritime Organization to port city authorities.

Ultraviolet light hazards from transilluminators.

Ultraviolet (UV) light boxes ("transilluminators") are commonly used in molecular biology laboratories for visualizing ethidium bromide-intercalated nucleic acids separated under electric current in electrophoretic gels. These devices typically have peak outputs at 254 or 312 nm, well within the UV-C and -B regions that are biologically active and capable of damaging skin. Field evaluations of laboratory transilluminators under actual conditions of use indicate that the UV light emitted from transilluminators is an identifiable and potentially significant occupational hazard for many laboratory workers, as is the high frequency of workstation surface contamination with ethidium bromide, a known mutagen. Fortunately, these hazards can be relatively easily controlled through worker training and the regular use of basic personal protective equipment.