Sets Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Physiological and hygienic assessment of a multilayer set of personal protective equipment against low temperatures made using membrane materials

Introduction. Advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) against low temperatures is a high–tech product created using the latest achievements of science, design designs, ergonomic, aesthetic solutions that determine its thermal protection properties. The use of membrane materials in PPE from low temperatures allows them to combine low weight and high thermal protection properties, low air permeability and sufficient vapor permeability necessary to ensure heat and moisture exchange between humans and the environment. The study aims to determine the thermal protection properties of various sets of multilayer workwear and indicators of heat and moisture exchange of volunteers when modeling professional activity at low air temperature. Materials and methods. The authors have conducted a study in a microclimatic chamber with the participation of six practically healthy male volunteers. The researchers have determined the thermal protection properties of multilayer workwear of various configurations in accordance with GOST R 12.4.185-99 and MUK 4.3.1894-04. As test samples, they have used pipes of three different configurations to protect against low temperatures, wind, water, general industrial pollution and mechanical influences, as well as short-term exposure to open fire. The assessment of heat and moisture exchange indicators of various PPE configurations was carried out by specialists when modeling work activities with measurements of the relative humidity level in the layers of the kits and the level of accumulated moisture in each element of the PPE. Results. The authors have determined the values of thermal insulation of the studied materials and the scope of their application. To assess heat and moisture exchange, two samples of PPE were selected, made using membrane and cotton fabrics with similar thermal insulation values. The analysis of the results of studies of moisture exchange indicators showed a slightly lower efficiency of moisture evaporation of the control sample. The indicator of the relative humidity of the air under the shelter space and between the layers of the package of materials and clothing has shown its informative significance for assessing the effectiveness of moisture transfer from the surface of the human body to the environment. Conclusion. The results of a physiological and hygienic assessment of a set of multilayer clothing made of membrane materials have shown that various combinations of its constituent elements make it possible to create kits that provide adequate protection for an employee in a wide range of air temperatures and wind speeds. The use of membrane materials in combination with structural elements (ventilation openings) provides a more efficient transfer of moisture from the skin surface to the external environment, as evidenced by the values of the relative humidity index of the air under the clothing space and between the layers of clothing. Ethics. The study was approved by the local Ethical committee of the Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (Minutes of the meeting No. 6 dated 07/20/12)

Working conditions of medical workers of the infectious diseases hospital during the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection

pandemic of a new coronavirus infection (NCS) or COVID-19, announced by the World Health Organization in 2020, led to large-scale changes in the activities of all medical organizations in our country, which were forced to concentrate all their efforts to combat this infectious disease. There is an urgent need to convert most medical institutions into infectious diseases hospitals (IG) to treat patients with a new coronavirus infection. The developed federal and regional regulations for the work of medical organizations during a pandemic, including taking into account the experience of other countries, have made it possible to develop effective methods of combating infection and properly organize the work process. Studies have shown that the distribution of patient flows during hospitalization and the treatment process in the hospital can prevent excessive infection of medical workers. The working conditions of medical specialists of the infectious diseases hospital during this period corresponded to the harmful class 3 degree (class 3.3.). The leading harmful factor of the production environment and the most significant in terms of hygienic significance was the biological factor, which was represented by pathogenic microorganisms of groups II–IV. An analysis of the maps of a special assessment of working conditions (SUT) during this period showed that there was an underestimation of the class of working conditions according to the factors of the labor process — severity and tension, which were rated as within acceptable values (class 2), which clearly did not correspond to the true indicators. The survey showed that the medical workers of the hospital, working in a full set of personal protective equipment, experienced pronounced discomfort and pathological changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems by the end of the shift. Studies indicate the need for SATS during a pandemic, taking into account higher indicators of both the biological factor (extreme working conditions — class 4) and other production factors (severity, tension, microclimate).

Pesticide Use and Health Effects among Nepalese Farmers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tokha Municipality.

Pesticides are essential for agricultural development, but their increased use in developing countries like Nepal poses health risks to farmers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in wards 1, 2, and 3 of the Tokha Municipality in Kathmandu District to identify the health effects of pesticides and associated factors among farmers. The study included 333 respondents who were interviewed between April 26 and June 04, 2022. The majority of farmers (36.6%) were aged between 40 and 49 years, with a median (IQR) age of 45.0 (38.0 to 51.0) years. All farmers reported using pesticides, with 100% usage in vegetables. Most respondents (73%) reported experiencing health effects: headache (69.5%), skin irritation (42.8%), and burning eyes (31.3%) were the most common symptoms. Only 8% sought medical care. Additionally, 94.6% of respondents had not received training on integrated pest management, and none of them reported using a complete set of personal protective equipment. The study found that older age groups, females, those who were unable to read and write, and those of the Hindu religion, as well as respondents with longer pesticide use, more frequent spraying, and not detecting wind direction, had significantly higher odds of self-reported health problems (P < 0.05). Our findings show that all farmers in the study were using pesticides, and the majority had reported health effects. Therefore, we recommend that farmers receive training on integrated pest management, use a complete set of personal protective equipment, and promptly seek medical care if they experience health issues.

COVID-19 Transmission and Clinical Features in Pediatric Intensive Care Health Care Workers

Objective:This study aims to investigate modes of transmission and clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare workers in pediatric intensive care units.Materials and Methods:This multicenter descriptive study was conducted between March and November 2020. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, origin of coronavirus disease 2019, treatment modalities, and loss of workdays were recorded.Results:Seven hundred and sixty-eight healthcare workers from 16 pediatric intensive care units were enrolled and 114 (14.8%) healthcare workers with a mean age of 29.7 ± 6.7 years became coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Seventy-six (66.7%) patients were female. Approximately half (54.3%) of the patients were physicians, 34.2% were nurses, and 11.4% were ancillary staff. Transmission was deemed to occur through patient contact in 54.3% of the patients. Comorbid illness was present 10.5% of the patients. Transmission occurred during endotracheal intubation in 21%, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 9.6%, and non-invasive ventilation in 12.2% of patients, while transmission was a result of multiple possible procedures in 43.8%. Intensive care admission was needed for 13.1% of the patients. Five patients needed oxygen by cannula, 7 needed oxygen with a non-rebreathing mask, 5 needed high-flow nasal cannula support, 5 needed non-invasive ventilation, and 3 needed invasive mechanical ventilation. Fortunately, no infected healthcare workers died.Conclusion:Coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare workers is a significant problem in pediatric intensive care units. Transmission seems to occur particularly frequently during patient care procedures such as intubation, ventilation and aerosol therapy, which highlights the importance of proper use of full sets of personal protective equipment during all procedures during care of coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

COVID-19 Transmission and Clinical Features in Pediatric Intensive Care Health Care Workers.

This study aims to investigate modes of transmission and clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare workers in pediatric intensive care units. This multicenter descriptive study was conducted between March and November 2020. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, origin of coronavirus disease 2019, treatment modalities, and loss of workdays were recorded. Seven hundred and sixty-eight healthcare workers from 16 pediatric intensive care units were enrolled and 114 (14.8%) healthcare workers with a mean age of 29.7 ± 6.7 years became coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Seventy-six (66.7%) patients were female. Approximately half (54.3%) of the patients were physicians, 34.2% were nurses, and 11.4% were ancillary staff. Transmission was deemed to occur through patient contact in 54.3% of the patients. Comorbid illness was present 10.5% of the patients. Transmission occurred during endotracheal intubation in 21%, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 9.6%, and non-invasive ventilation in 12.2% of patients, while transmission was a result of multiple possible procedures in 43.8%. Intensive care admission was needed for 13.1% of the patients. Five patients needed oxygen by cannula, 7 needed oxygen with a non-rebreathing mask, 5 needed high-flow nasal cannula support, 5 needed non-invasive ventilation, and 3 needed invasive mechanical ventilation. Fortunately, no infected healthcare workers died. Coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare workers is a significant problem in pediatric intensive care units. Transmission seems to occur particularly frequently during patient care procedures such as intubation, ventilation and aerosol therapy, which highlights the importance of proper use of full sets of personal protective equipment during all procedures during care of coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Pressure Injuries Due to Personal Protective Equipment in COVID-19 Critical Care Units.

Caring for patients with COVID-19 requires wearing a full set of personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid contamination. Personal discomfort has been associated with use of PPE, and anecdotal reports describe pressure injuries related to wearing PPE. To investigate the occurrence of device-related pressure injuries due to wearing PPE among Italian nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in critical care settings. This descriptive study used an online survey investigating both the demographic characteristics of respondents and complications related to wearing PPE, including the development of pressure injuries. A total of 266 nurses throughout Italy completed the survey; 32% of respondents were men. Nurses' median age was 36 years (range 22-59 years), and the median time spent working in their current clinical setting (an intensive care or high-dependency unit) was 3 years (range 0-32 years). Personal protective equipment was worn for a median duration of 5 hours (range 2-12 hours). While wearing PPE, 92.8% of nurses experienced pain and 77.1% developed device-related pressure injuries, mainly on the nose, ears, and forehead. Pain was more frequent among nurses with such injuries. Transparent dressings, emollient cream, and no dressing were associated with development of device-related pressure injury. Pressure injuries related to PPE represent an important adverse effect for nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. This topic deserves study to determine adequate solutions for preventing and treating such injuries and their potential influence on nurses' work tolerance.

Epidemiological risks and lessons from the first wave of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in medical organizations

BACKGROUND:Health workers, who have been at the forefront of efforts to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, have become one of the main risk groups for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study of the incidence of a new coronavirus infection of medical workers and the development of measures to protect them is an urgent task.&#x0D; AIMS:Study of epidemiological risks and features of the incidence of COVID-19 in medical organizations for the development of proposals for the adjustment of preventive and anti-epidemic measures in the context of a new wave of coronavirus infection.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:We examined reporting forms an overview of cases with positive COVID-19 (138 items), an overview of cases of community-acquired pneumonia with positive COVID-19 (138 units), the card of epidemiological investigation of the disease COVID-19 health workers (386 units of information), copies of Acts of epidemiological investigation of infectious (parasitic) diseases, establishing causal relationships (47 units of information), copies of extraordinary reports about the emergency situation of sanitary-and-epidemiologic nature (47 items).&#x0D; RESULTS:The incidence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (40.1) correlated with the same indicator in the adult population and was 2.6 times higher. The incidence of pneumonia and COVID-19 deaths in health care workers and adults did not differ. The complete set of personal protective equipment was observed in contact with the sick from 100.0 to 62.5% in various departments. More than half of the affected employees had a source of infection in the immediate environment, in 63.2% of cases it was colleagues. The most likely places of infection were places of work (66.8%) and places of residence (30.3%).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS:The epidemic process of coronavirus infection among employees of medical organizations correlated with theincidence of adult population had a higher incidence rate than among them, without differing in severity and outcomes of COVID-19.The prevalence of morbidity in medical organizations was the predominance among the affected employees of medical organizations. Conditions that contribute to infection were various violations of preventive and anti-epidemic measures, including the use of personal protective equipment.

COVID-19: A systematic evaluation of personal protective equipment (PPE) performance during restraint.

BackgroundRestraint is widely practised within inpatient mental health services and is considered a higher-risk procedure for patients and staff. There is a sparsity of evidence in respect of the efficacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) used during restraint for reducing risk of infection.MethodsA series of choreographed restraint episodes were used to simulate contact contamination in research participants playing the roles of staff members and a patient. For comparison, one episode of simulated recording of physical observations was taken. Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent material was used to track the simulated contact contamination, with analysis undertaken using established image registration techniques of UV photographs. This was repeated for three separate sets of PPE.ResultsAll three PPE sets showed similar performance in protecting against contamination transfer. For teams not utilising coveralls, this was dependent upon effective cleansing as part of doffing. There were similar patterns of contamination for restraint team members assigned to specific roles, with hands and upper torso appearing to be higher-risk areas. The restraint-related contamination was 23 times higher than that observed for physical observations.DiscussionA second layer of clothing that can be removed showed efficacy in reducing contact contamination. PPE fit to individual is important. Post-restraint cleansing procedures are currently inadequate, with new procedures for face and neck cleansing required. These findings leave scope for staff to potentially improve their appearance when donning PPE and engaging with distressed patients.

Preparedness Assessment of Physicians during Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Since first confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in December 2019 by Chinese health authorities and subsequent World Health Organization (WHO) declaration that COVID-19 is a global public health crisis, radical changes have occurred all over the world associating massive lockdown with increased numbers of infected cases and related mortalities. As health care workers (HCWs) are at a great risk to get COVID-19 infection and hence can be a dangerous source of spreading it to the community, it was important to assess HCWs knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) to help limit the outcomes of COVID-19.&#x0D; AIM: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians regarding COVID-19 IPC.&#x0D; METHODS: Research setting is “Kasr Al-Ainy” Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Hospital. Design: A cross-sectional analytical observational hospital-based research in June 2020. Population: A convenient sample of 50 physicians working at Cairo University Hospital was included. Data collection: Self-administered questionnaires derived from the WHO IPC guide during health care when COVID-19 is suspected were used.&#x0D; RESULTS: Mean age of studied group was 30.5 ± 3.97, while their mean years of practice were 4.7 ± 3.55. Mean knowledge score among physicians was 5.6 (± 0.56), two-thirds of them had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 IPC as their mean attitude score among 24.9 (± 2.8). While mean practice scores 5.6 (± 1.05), yet only 68% of the participating physicians use a new set of personal protective equipment when care is given to a different patient.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Physician’s moderate knowledge, poor attitude, and modest practice toward COVID-19 IPC were found to be not sufficient, not favorable nor safe enough to expected standards.

PENINGKATAN SIKAP DAN DISIPLIN SISWA SMK MENGGUNAKAN ALAT PELINDUNG DIRI DALAM PEMBELAJARAN K3

Peningkatan sikap dan perilaku disiplin siswa sekolah menengah kejuruan dalam menggunakan alat pelindung diri merupakan bagian dari standar operasional prosedur sesuai peraturan yang berlaku. Tujuan kajian adalah untuk mengkaji dan memberi saran kebijakan peningkatan sikap dan perilaku disiplin siswa tatkala melakukan kerja di bengkel/laboratorium/dapur tata boga. Metode kajian menggunakan penelitian dokumen (desk research). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa 1) sikap dan perilaku disiplin kerja siswa dalam praktik menggunakan alat pelindung diri masih belum sepenuhnya mengikuti kaidah-kaidah Undang-Undang Keselamatan Kerja; 2) ruang praktik belum dilengkapi dengan seperangkat alat pelindung diri termasuk gambar-gambar/poster keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja. Kajian ini menyimpukan bahwa penggunan alat pelindung diri sebagai bagian dari upaya pembentuan etos kerja dan kompetensi lulusan merupakan sebuah keniscayaan dalam penerapan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja sesuai tututan dunia kerja di era globalisasi. Disimpulkan bahwa penerapan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja dengan penggunaan alat pelindung diri belum diterapkan sesuai standar peraturan perundang-undangan dan perlu dibudayakan sebagai bagian dari profil lulusan sekolah menengah kejuruan.

Comparative physiological and hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment properties in various configurations from power frequency electric field

Modern working conditions of employees can be characterized by the presence of harmful factors of the working environment, including physical factors that often have a complex effect on the human body during the working shift. One of the main harmful factors of the working environment for electrical personnel is the electric field of industrial frequency, which is protected by personal protective equipment (shielding kits), which exerts an additional thermal load on the body of personnel when working outdoors in the summer. The aim of the study was a comprehensive assessment of personal protective equipment of various configurations and their impact on the thermal state of a person in a heating environment to select the optimal configuration. The objects of study were screening suits consisted of overalls, jacket and trousers, jacket and semi-overall. For screening suits protective properties test the possible working conditions were simulated power frequency electric field levels from 5 to 80 kV/m (grounding) and 10-100 kV/m (on wire potential). The physiological and hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment involved 3 male volunteers. Their body constitution was selected according to typical differences of workers. Volunteers dressed in screening suit had physical activity at air temperature 34.8±0.3°C, relative humidity 48.0±3.0% and air mobility 0.15 m/s. Before and during the study parameters were recorded: skin temperature on 11 parts of body surface, clothes temperature, heart rate, body temperature in the ear canal, points of heat and moisture sensation and moisture loss was determined after the study. Before physical activity and after recovery period volunteers were measured blood pressure. Studies of the protective properties of three sets of personal protective equipment have shown that the best protective characteristics in comparison with the other sets have a jacket and half - overalls, the worst - a jacket and trousers. The results of the physiological and hygienic evaluation of screening kits showed individual differences in the thermoregulatory reactions of all volunteers when using different sets of personal protective equipment. At the same time, large amounts of heat accumulation in the body, a high heart rate and its change, as well as a higher moisture perception score were observed during the operation of the jumpsuit. As a result of research, the optimal configuration was chosen jacket and half-overalls, which has a moderate thermal load on the human body and has the best protective characteristics. From the point of view of the lowest voltage of thermoregulation reactions, it can be recommended to use a shielding kit as part of jacket and trousers.

Rational perspectives on risk and certainty for dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Rational perspectives on risk and certainty for dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Who Should Use a Face Mask During COVID-19 Pandemic? An Evidence-Based Review

There is a lot of confusion about who should use face mask during this serious COVID-19 pandemic. Irrational use of masks has caused serious shortage of mask availability for frontline health-care workers, who really require it. Therefore, the authors have carried out this comprehensive evidence-based review to guide policy-makers for the rational use of the face mask in this crisis. Social distancing, meticulous hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes are more important in curbing the COVID-19 infection transmission rather than use of face mask alone but people may use multilayer cloth face covering especially in the areas of significant community-based transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Frontline health-care workers essentially require the full set of personal protective equipment, including gown, gloves, goggles or face shields, shoe covers, and mask, preferably N95 or equivalent respirator when exposed to aerosols. In case, N95 or equivalent equipment is not available, and then, surgical mask can also protect them adequately during non-aerosol generating procedures, provided meticulous hand hygiene is practiced.

Should Infants Be Separated from Mothers with COVID-19? First, Do No Harm.

Should Infants Be Separated from Mothers with COVID-19? First, Do No Harm.

Navigating Healthcare Supply Shortages During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cardiologist's Perspective.

Navigating Healthcare Supply Shortages During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cardiologist's Perspective.

Development of Methods for Assessing the Operational Effectiveness of Sets of Personal Protective Equipment for Fighters and Rescue Units

The article discusses modern approaches to the design of special clothing for the technical support of rescue operations. Some problems of using modern thermoregulating textile materials have been analyzed. The author’s method of estimating heat and mass transfer in packages of textile materials is considered, some research results are presented.

Comparative Study on Environmental Impacts of Reusable and Single-Use Bronchoscopes

The introduction of single-use alternatives has stressed the need for environmental comparisons between reusable and single-use devises in the healthcare sector. Discarding of single-use devices intuitively causes concern among staff in hospitals, other users and people with environmental concerns as to whether the single use is environmentally friendly. This study aims to compare carbon dioxide (CO2)-equivalent emissions and resource consumption from a single-use bronchoscope (Ambu® aScopeTM 4) to a reusable flexible bronchoscope. The comparison is made using a simplified life-cycle-assessment methodology. The analysis shows that the materials used for the cleaning operations of the reusable scopes are a key factor affecting the impact factors assessed; energy consumption, emission of CO2-equivalent and consumption of scarce resources. Initially, it is assumed that each reusable scope is cleaned using one set of personal protective equipment (PPE) per cleaning operation, but since cleaning practice may vary the consequence of cleaning more scopes with one set of PPE is also assessed. Using one set of protective wear per operation and the materials for cleaning and disinfection determine that reusable scopes have comparable or higher material and energy consumption as well as higher emissions of CO2-equivalents and values of resource consumption. Cleaning two or more reusable scopes per set of PPE makes the impacts fairly comparable. Other aspects that may impact the results are also assessed, including energy consumption for washing and drying units, differences in use of PPE and differences in the disposal of PPE or single-use scopes. As the three assessed parameters are highly dependent on cleaning procedures and the use of protective equipment, it cannot be concluded from these results which type of bronchoscope affects the environmental factors investigated here the most.

B5-4 Personal Protective Equipment Design and Ergonomic Work Analysis: Protecting Farm Pineapple Growers

Pineapple growing is one of the most aggressive agricultural activities and worker protection is a considerable technical challenge. Previous studies point to the lack of efficacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) usually used by workers to protect themselves against accidents with poisonous animals and punctures by pointed leaves, particularly on harvesting activities. In view of these results, this study proposes a two-phase approach. First, a set of PPEs commonly used by rural workers was experimentally evaluated for its effectiveness in protecting workers against real venomous snake attacks. Four sets of PPEs were tested, including shoes and protective gloves, leggings and over sleeves, each set with three different models. The PPE that passed the real attack tests were then evaluated by a group of workers in real use situations, according to qualitative criteria, including comfort and usability. The results of the experimental evaluation showed that only 5 models were effective in protecting the workers against snake attacks, including one shoe model, two models of leggings and two models of gloves. The usability analysis of these PPE revealed that some of them were considered uncomfortable, not effective and obstructive. The next phase of this study relies on the results of the first phase and aims the conception, design and fabrication of a PPE set for the activity of growing pineapples. To generate the design parameters, it will be used an approach based on ergonomic work analysis and conventional design methods, with an emphasis on the QFD method. It is expected that the new set of PPEs will effectively protect the workers and facilitate, or at least not interfere adversely with task execution.

Segurança no trabalho de preparo de calda no tanque de 2.000l do turbopulverizador com formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registradas para a cultura de goiaba

Na atividade de preparo de caldas no tanque do turbopulverizador, há risco de intoxicação do trabalhador devido à exposição, à toxicidade e à concentração do ingrediente ativo tóxico na formulação. Objetivou-se quantificar as exposições dérmicas e respiratórias diárias às dez formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registradas para a cultura da goiaba, na atividade de abastecimento de dez tanques de 2.000L do turbopulverizador, e a distribuição da exposição dérmica nas partes do corpo do trabalhador, avaliar a eficiência de dois conjuntos de vestimentas hidrorrepelentes, classificar as três condições de trabalho em seguras ou inseguras, e determinar as necessidades de controle das exposições e o número de preparos de caldas seguros. A exposição dérmica na atividade de preparo de caldas é de 13,35 mL de formulação/dia, e a respiratória, de 0, 000153 mL. Nesta atividade de preparo de caldas, as mãos do trabalhador são as partes do corpo mais expostas, com 70,6% da exposição dérmica. A eficiência do conjunto Agro Light, da empresa R&amp;B, é de 92,8 % da exposição dérmica diária do preparador de caldas, e do Kit Tratorizado, da Azeredo, 94,2 %. As exposições dérmicas não controladas pelos conjuntos de proteção individual distribuem-se nas diversas partes do corpo do trabalhador. As atividades de preparo de caldas com as dez formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registrados na cultura de goiaba são inseguras para o trabalhador. Com as vestimentas de proteção individual, apenas a atividade de preparo de caldas com o inseticida PROVADO (200 g de imidacloprido/L) é segura. Para as condições de trabalho inseguras, as necessidades de controle das exposições variam de 73,8 a 100% (sem proteção), de 26,9 a 99,7% (Agro Light) e de 9,4 a 99,6% (Kit tratorizado). O número de preparo de caldas seguro é de 0 tanques/dia sem proteção, de 0 a 5 ou 7 (Agro Light) ou a 7, 6 ou 9 (Kit Tratorizado).

Stockpile of personal protective equipment in hospital settings: Preparedness for influenza pandemics

BackgroundPersonal protective equipment (PPE) is known to be a crucial means of preventing influenza pandemics; however, the amount of PPE that should be stored in hospital settings has been unclear.ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to propose a PPE calculation system to help hospitals to decide their PPE stockpile.MethodsWe searched influenza guidelines from a number of countries and research papers on protective devices and infectious diseases. The PPE calculation system included factors such as the influenza pandemic period, risk classification by health care workers (HCW) type, and the type and number of PPE for a HCW per day.ResultsWe concluded that 4 sets of PPE (N95 respirators, double gloves, gowns, and goggles) per day should be prepared for HCWs in a high-risk group. Similarly, 2 sets of appropriate PPE, depending on the risk level, are required for medium- and low-risk groups. In addition, 2 surgical masks are required for every worker and inpatient and 1 for each outpatient. The PPE stockpile should be prepared to cover at least an 8-week pandemic.ConclusionPurchasing a PPE stockpile requires a sizable budget. The PPE calculation system in this paper will hopefully support hospitals in deciding their PPE stockpile.