Use Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Nudging intensive care unit personnel towards sustainable behaviour.

The health care sector is among the most carbon-intensive sectors, contributing to societal problems like climate change. Previous research demonstrated that especially the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., aprons) in critical care contributes to this problem. To reduce personal protective equipment waste, new sustainable policies are needed. Policies are only effective if people comply. Our aim is to examine whether compliance with sustainable policies in critical care can be increased through behavioural influencing. Specifically, we examined the effectiveness of two sets of nudges (i.e., a Prime + Visual prompt nudge and a Social norm nudge) on decreasing apron usage in an intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a field experiment with a pre- and post-intervention measurement. Upon the introduction of the new sustainable policy, apron usage data were collected for 9 days before (132 observations) and 9 days after (114 observations) the nudge interventions were implemented. Neither the Prime + Visual prompt nudge, nor the Social norm nudge decreased apron usage. While previous studies have found that primes, visual nudges and social norm nudges can increase sustainable behaviour, we did not find evidence for this in our ICU field experiment. Future research is needed to determine whether this null finding reflects reality, or whether it was due to methodological decisions and limitations of the presented experiment. The presented study highlights the importance of studying behavioural interventions that were previously proven successful in the lab and in other field contexts, in the complex setting of critical care. Results previously found in other contexts may not generalize directly to a critical care context. The unique characteristics of the critical care context also pose methodological challenges that may have affected the outcomes of this experiment.

Field evaluation of validity and feasibility of Pan-Lassa rapid diagnostic test for Lassa fever in Abakaliki, Nigeria: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever with few options for diagnosis and treatment; it is also under-researched with knowledge gaps on its epidemiology. A point-of-care bedside test diagnosing Lassa fever, adhering to REASSURED criteria, is not currently available but is urgently needed in west African regions with high Lassa fever burden. We aimed to assess the validity and feasibility of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to confirm Lassa fever in people in Nigeria. We estimated the diagnostic performance of the ReLASV Pan-Lassa RDT (Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, USA) as a research-use-only test, compared to RT-PCR as a reference standard, in 217 participants at a federal tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria. We recruited participants between Feb 17, 2022, and April 17, 2023. The RDT was performed using capillary blood at the patient bedside and using plasma at the laboratory. The performance of the test, based on REASSURED criteria, was assessed for user friendliness, rapidity and robustness, sensitivity, and specificity. Participants were aged between 0 and 85 years, with a median age of 33·0 years (IQR 22·0-44·3), and 24 participants were younger than 18 years. 107 (50%) participants were women and 109 (50%) were men; one participant had missing sex data. Although the specificity of the Pan-Lassa RDT was high (>90%), sensitivity at bedside using capillary blood was estimated as 4% (95% CI 1-14) at 15 min and 10% (3-22) at 25 min, far below the target of 90%. The laboratory-based RDT using plasma showed better sensitivity (46% [32-61] at 15 min and 50% [36-64] at 25 min) but did not reach the target sensitivity. Among the 52 PCR-positive participants with Lassa fever, positive RDT results were associated with lower cycle threshold values (glycoprotein precursor [GPC] gene mean 30·3 [SD 4·3], Large [L] gene mean 32·3 [3·7] vs GPC gene mean 24·5 [3·9], L gene mean 28·0 [3·6]). Personnel conducting the bedside test procedure reported being hindered by the inconvenient use of full personal protective equipment and long waiting procedures before a result could be read. The Pan-Lassa RDT is not currently recommended as a diagnostic or screening tool for suspected Lassa fever cases. Marked improvement in sensitivity and user friendliness is needed for the RDT to be adopted clinically. There remains an urgent need for better Lassa fever diagnostics to promote safety of in-hospital care and better disease outcomes in low-resource settings. Médecins Sans Frontières.

Prediction of Noise Level in Ota Metropolis Using Artificial Neural Network

Capturing noise data is laborious, time-consuming, expensive and dangerous due to the exposure of the investigator to the menace. Also, appropriate software, computational skill and computational time are also required before the captured data could be of any use. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) was deployed to learn and train noise data in Ota Metropolis. Data were captured from forty-one (41) locations for the morning, afternoon and evening in Ota Metropolis. ANN with Levenberg Marquardt algorithm and architectural configuration of 2-21-9 (input-hidden neuron-output) was used to predict noise descriptors for Ota Metropolis with 73% accuracy. The two input variables were the latitude and longitude of the location measured in degrees while the nine output variables are the noise descriptors such traffic noise index (TNI), noise pollution level (LNP), and average equivalent noise levels (LAeq) computed for each selected location for morning, afternoon and evening periods. The results could be used in mobile applications, Google Earth and other platforms to guide residence dwellers, travellers, industrialists and technocrats in selecting travelling routes, choice of apartment location and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in unavoidable noisy locations.

Evaluating the effectiveness of video training for health professionals on the use of personal protective equipment

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video training for health workers on the use of personal protective equipment. A training video was prepared on the use of personal protective equipment against Covid-19. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated by comparing the pre-post-training scores obtained from the online application, questionnaire form, and self-assessment knowledge level form developed by the researchers. Video training and collection of research data were carried out through the online joint training module used in the relevant hospitals. The study was completed with 558 health workers. The findings showed that the participants' questionnaire form, self-assessment of knowledge level form, and the online application scores increased statistically significantly after the video training (p<0.001). The majority of the health workers (71.3% n=398) completed the application in a shorter time after the video training (p<0.001). A significant relationship was found between online application and questionnaire scores (p<0.05). The study showed that video training led to an increase in health workers' scores on the questionnaire form, online application and self-assessment forms. Video training can be used as an effective training method in pandemic periods when face-to-face training is undesirable due to the risk of transmission.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (Ppe) Among Nurses in Post Pandemic Educational Hospitals

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the chain of disease transmission, especially Covid-19. This study aims to monitor and evaluate the use of PPE among nurses who work in inpatient and emergency rooms at teaching hospitals in Malang. This research uses a cross-sectional comparative analysis approach. Data were collected using hospital SOP observation sheets by the Minister of Health Regulation 27 of 2017. Using a purposive sampling technique, the sample size was 82 nurses, divided into inpatient and emergency rooms. Data analysis uses descriptive and Chi-square to analyze differences in work area use of PPE (α= 0.05). The study's results showed differences in compliance and level of risk of exposure for nurses in using PPE in emergency departments and inpatient rooms (p-value=0.009). Emergency department nurses use PPE more often according to SOP, which has a higher exposure risk than inpatient nurses.

Alat Pelindung Diri Sebagai Upaya Mencegah Risiko Pada Pekerja Sablon Plastik Di Desa Bolon Kecamatan Colomadu Kabupaten Karanganyar Jawa Tengah

The partner in this service is a plastic screen printing business. The number of participants in the activity was 10 screen printing workers. Lectures, discussions, and simulations carry out the method of activity. Data collection techniques through pre and post-test questionnaires conducted before and after socialization activities and simulated use of personal protective equipment. This advocacy activity is carried out on screen printing business owners, aiming to get support from screen printing business owners to participate in preventing the risk of chemical exposure to screen printing workers and screenprinting business owners welcome enthusiastically and participate in service activities. Socialization activities to measure success by conducting pretest and posttest with pretest and posttest results increased the average value according to the target, which was 51%. Workers are also given a simulation of the use of personal protective equipment in the form of a respirator so that they can apply the use of a respirator correctly. The results of assistance after the activity was carried out, all workers had used personal protective equipment in the form of respirators while working to prevent the risk of exposure to chemicals used as screen printing materials. Workers' knowledge of hazards and their control increased by 51% and workers have used personal protective equipment properly to prevent the risk of hazards that arise when working with plastic screen printing worker

Relationship Between The Implementation Of Occupational Health And Safety Manajement Systems With Accident Risk In Fire Fighting Officers

Fires often come without warning, presenting unexpected risks for firefighters who must remain alert while on duty. This profession is classified as a job that is full of high risks, and the level of risk faced is closely related to the implementation of an occupational health and safety (K3) management system. This research uses a quantitative analytical survey approach with a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between the implementation of an K3 management system and the risk of accidents among firefighters. In this study, 36 officers were selected as samples using the random sampling method. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires filled out by respondents and assessment sheets prepared by researchers. Data analysis used the chi-square test with a confidence level of 95% (? = 0.05). Rejection of the null hypothesis (Ho) occurs if the p value <0.05, which concludes that there is a significant relationship. Research findings show that as many as 30 field officers (83.3%) are within the scope of the K3 management system which is categorized as poor. There is a significant relationship between the implementation of the K3 management system and the risk of accidents (p=0.000). In order to minimize the risk of work accidents, increasing awareness and discipline of officers in using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very important. It is hoped that the findings from this research can become a basis for related parties to make system improvements and increase the safety of firefighters in the future. Efforts to increase awareness of the importance of K3 and the use of PPE are expected to reduce the risk of accidents and better protect officers as they carry out their duties to protect the public from the dangers of fire.

Evaluation of Status of Getting ill with SARS CoV-2 and the Knowledge of Using and Attitudes of Personal Protective Equipment at Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Services Employees

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of health personnel working in pre-hospital emergency health services in the Konya province regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A total of 410 health personnel working in emergency health services in the Konya province were included in the study. The data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researcher inquiring about the demographic data, whether they contracted (COVID-19), knowledge about COVID-19, and knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of PPE. Results: The rate of individuals who experienced mild infection was 27.1% and the rate of individuals who experienced severe infection was 5.6%. Of the subjects who experienced COVID-19 infection, 73.8% had fatigue, 67.9% had bone and muscle ache, 47.7% had fever, 42.5% had a cough and 27% had loss of taste, smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms and 25.3% had dyspnea. Of the health personnel, 83.7% were detected to use PPE. The most commonly used PPE was seen to be gloves (90.8%) and the least was visors and eyeglasses (43.8%). When the symptom frequency was analyzed according to age, the symptoms were found to be most frequent in the age group of 40 years and above and the symptom frequency was seen to increase with age. Conclusion: It was concluded that the health personnel had received in-service training about COVID-19 and had sufficient knowledge. The rate of PPE use was found to be high. There was no difference between males and females in contracting COVID-19 infection.

Risk Factors for Helminth Infection in Farmers : Literature Review

Worm infection is a serious health problem in many countries, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The factors that contribute to worm infection can vary, including environmental factors and human behavior. This study aims to collect and analyze relevant literature on the factors of exposure that affect worm infection in humans. Literature search sources include Google Scholar, SpringerLink, PubMed, and ScienceDirect that were published between 2019-2023 and discuss infection exposure agents, organic substances, and the relation between personal hygiene and intestinal worm infection. The research design can be qualitative or quantitative, involving observation, randomized control trials, and case studies. This study involves a population of farmers and uses articles in Indonesian and/or English. The literature review result indicate the importance of personal hygiene, good sanitation, and access to clean water in preventing Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections among farmers. Awareness of personal hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be improved to reduce the risk of infection. Furthermore, sanitation and water sources improvement, as well as specific education, are needed to ensure the health of farmers living in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas. The role of nurses in preventing worm infections among farmers in rural areas includes education on sanitation, hygiene practices, and the use of protective equipment. Nurses also need to conduct regular health monitoring, collaborate with other healthcare teams, and improve communication with local health institutions. They should stay updated with research developments and implement the findings in the practice of care and education for farmers and the community.

Associations between Recognition and Behaviors Regarding the Use, Washing and Management of Firefighting Protection Suits and Public Health Awareness of Occupational Exposure Risks among Firefighters

The firefighting protective suits (FPSs) of firefighters at fire scenes affect their health and safety. However, the association between firefighters’ health awareness of occupational exposure risks and the FPS use, washing and management remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between firefighters’ health awareness of occupational exposure risks and their recognition, behaviors regarding the use, washing and management of FPSs. This study design is a cross-sectional study and used a web-based survey of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s electronic survey system. The survey was conducted on metropolitan firefighters performing shift work in charge of fire and rescue work for 21 days from 1 to 22 April 2019, with 1097 (40.3%) respondents. Characteristics of FPS use, washing and management and the association between thoughts and behaviors thereof and health awareness of occupational exposure risks were evaluated. Data of 1097 firefighters were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Firefighters’ fire scene awareness rate of possible carcinogens was 94.4%. There was an association between public health thinking of occupational exposure risks and the correct use of an FPS for one’s own safety (AOR 1.97. 95% CI 1.02–3.80). However, no association was shown between correct FPS use (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 0.48–4.59), washing (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 0.93–6.68) and management (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.75–2.50) behaviors. This study analyzed the relationship between the use, washing and management of personal protective equipment called firefighting clothing and firefighters perceived occupational exposure risks. This study found an association between the health awareness of occupational exposure risks and recognition of the correct use of FPSs at fire scenes but not between using, washing and managing behaviors of FPSs. This study is the first to analyze the relationship between firefighting clothing and occupational health awareness level. The results confirm that future interventions are required to help firefighters practice desirable behaviors toward FPSs and provided evidenced data for preventing occupational diseases among firefighters. Therefore, this study can be used to develop a firefighter occupational health curriculum and establish health and safety plans from mid- to long-term perspectives for firefighters’ safety against occupational exposure risks.

Identifikasi Potensi Bahaya pada Stasiun Boiler Menggunakan Metode Hirarc di PT. Syaukath Agro

PT Syaukath Agro is a company operating in the Agribusiness Sector which is engaged in processing palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (CPO), Palm Kernel (PK) and shells. The palm oil processing system consists of several stages starting from receiving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to becoming palm oil or Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The palm oil processing process can be used in several stages carried out at each station. Based on interviews conducted, each station has a different level of risk of accidents, one of the stations that has a large risk of work accidents is the boiler station which is the heart of a palm oil factory where the steam boiler is the source of power and the source of the steam that will used to process palm oil. Boilers have potential dangers or risks when operated. The risks that often occur are falls, slips, burns, scalds, heat, noise, so it is very important to supervise and provide guidance regarding work safety. The size of the accident caused will certainly have a detrimental impact on the company. The severity of the accident can be determined through identification of potential dangers and risk assessment of all boiler operating activities at PT. Syaukath Agro. Based on the results of research conducted using the hirarc method, potential hazards found in boiler stations include: Unergonomic Working Attitudes, Noise Levels >84 dB with 8 Hours/Day Exposure, Working climate temperature (hot) 31°C on exposure >8 working hours/day, and oil buildup. Types of risk of work accidents at boiler stations consist of: Falls, injuries (slipping, slippery floors) Burns (in contact with hot objects around), Heat exhausting (Heat), Work accidents (fatigue ), hearing loss (noise), blisters (burns), health problems (muscles, bones), contact dermatitis (exposed to dangerous toxic radiation). Based on the results of risk control, it was found that the most appropriate type of control recommendation is administrative control and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Administration (Administration Control) is carried out by creating or providing a work system that can reduce the possibility of someone being exposed to potential dangers. The hierarchy of control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to provide a boundary between exposure to the body and the potential danger received by the body.

Fighting fire and fumes: risk awareness and protective practices among Western Australian firefighters

Background In Western Australia, the issue of bushfires (wildfires) poses a persistent health risk to both volunteer and career forestry firefighters, populations that have been historically understudied. Aims This descriptive qualitative study aimed to examine firefighters’ level of understanding concerning hazardous exposures, their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols and their decontamination practices. Methods Guided by the socioecological model, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with firefighters representing both volunteer and forestry sectors. Key results Results indicate a gap in knowledge regarding the health risks associated with bushfire-generated smoke and contaminants among volunteer firefighters. Forestry firefighters, conversely, showed a greater awareness of these risks. Social dynamics, such as peer pressure, were identified as historical deterrents to PPE use, although recent trends indicate positive change. Forestry firefighters also highlighted systemic shortcomings, including inadequate provision of respiratory protection and lack of decontamination facilities for cleaning themselves and their PPE. Conclusion This study underscores the critical need for educational initiatives to address these gaps in understanding, along with organisational reforms to promote a culture encouraging PPE use and to provide essential resources for effective decontamination. Implications This research emphasises that a multi-level approach is essential for safeguarding the health of firefighters in bushfire-prone environments.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE WORKER BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS PPE USERS IN PALM OIL HARVESTING EMPLOYEES AT PT. WAWASAN KEBUN NUSANTARA WEST KALIMANTAN

Introduction: The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a set of tools used by workers to protect part or all of the body from the possibility of a potential hazard or work accident. The final option for controlling hazards is to use personal protective equipment such as head protectors, gloves, respiratory protection, (respitator or mask), fall protection, and leg protection.Research Methode: This research is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach using the cross sectional study method which aims to determine the Factors that influence worker behavior towards PPE users in palm oil harvesting employees at PT. Wawasan Kebun Nusantara West Kalimantan. The research process was carried out in May- June 2023. In West Kalimantan, the total population was 194 respondents and the number of samples taken was 66 people who were selected by using purposive sampling using the Slovin formula (1960). data were analyzed using Chi Square. Results: The results showed that there was a significant influence between Education (P-value = 0,045) (P-value = 0.005), Attitude (P-value=0.004) and PPE facilities (P-value= 0.001) with PPE users. Conclusions: The results showed that there was a significant influence between Education (P-value = 0,045) (P-value = 0.005), Attitude (P-value=0.004) and PPE facilities (P-value= 0.001) with PPE users.

Factors Influencing Occupational Health and Safety among Nursing Students in Their Clinical Placements: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Occupational health and safety aims to promote and maintain optimal physical, mental, and social health for workers in their occupations. Within Saudi Arabia, adequate information must be gathered to address the various factors influencing occupational health and safety among nursing students to minimize occupational health hazards and ensure a safe clinical environment. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between April and September 2023, involving 150 nursing students. Data collection included questions to gather sociodemographic information, and contained an instrument assessing the participants' knowledge of occupational health and safety and evaluation of risk control in clinical environments. Blood and other bodily fluids, workplace violence, needle-stick injuries, and injuries caused by sharp instrument tools were identified as the most prevalent occupational risks among the participants. Most nursing students were aware of occupational health and safety, with a high level of compliance with occupational health and safety measures and personal protective equipment use. We also identified a statistically significant correlation between occupational health and safety knowledge and risk control evaluation among nursing students. To ensure a safe and beneficial clinical training area, student nurses must complete extensive occupational health and safety courses before moving to clinical areas to reduce potential hazards that may affect their lives.

Midwives’ experiences with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes aimed at reducing disease transmission in maternity services in Australia. An increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical and community setting was a key strategy. There was variation in the type of PPE and when it was to be worn in clincial practice. AimThis paper reports on Australian midwives’ experiences of PPE during the pandemic. MethodsThis sequential mixed methods study was part of the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC 2020) study. Data were obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews with midwives in 2020 followed by a national survey undertaken at two time points (2020 and 2021). Qualitative open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed using content analysis. Findings16 midwives were interviewed and 687 midwives provided survey responses (2020 n = 477, 2021 n = 210). Whilst midwives largley understood the need for increased PPE, and were mainly happy with this, as it was protective, they reported a number of concerns. These included: inconsistency with PPE type, use, availability, quality, fit and policy; the impact of PPE on the physical and psychological comfort of midwives; and the barriers PPE use placed on communication and woman centred care. This at times resulted in midwives working outside of policy. ConclusionThese findings highlight the need for future comprehensive pandemic preparedness that ensures policy and procedure recommendations are consistent and PPE is available, of approriate quality, and individually fitted in order to ensure that Australian maternity services are well placed to manage future pandemics.

Investigation of indoor noise pollution level and air quality of furniture manufacturers

Indoor air quality has become a more prominent concern since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturing industries have always been prone to occupational health risks, which depend on the dynamics of the production shop floors. The furniture industry is one of these sectors with a unique work environment. Although a typical furniture manufacturing facility involves physical, chemical, and noise pollution-producing elements, this industry has been studied relatively less for indoor air quality and noise-related risks. This study investigated nine furniture manufacturing organizations’ indoor air quality and noise pollution levels through comprehensive quantitative techniques. The results of the measurements were compared against reference values set by specific guidelines to explore the degree of occupational health risk associated with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggested levels. Repetitive measurements from five pre-designated workstations were taken at each facility. The study’s results indicated that organization size and department were significant factors for PM 2.5 and HCHO parameters, while only department type was substantial for noise exposure levels. However, across all departments and organization sizes, LAeq noise levels were below the safety threshold of 85 dB(A). Most organizations presented a lack of proper use of personal protective equipment and poor ventilation across shop floors.

Self-reported exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and use of respiratory protective equipment among Arctic miners

ABSTRACT Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Factor associated with an increased rate of HBV infection in healthcare professionals

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through accidents with sharps and in the case of infection, it can increase the chances of the infected professional developing diseases such as carcinomas, cirrhosis and even leading to death. It is essential that healthcare professionals have knowledge about the means of disease transmission and understanding of accidents. The objectives of the study were to understand the factors related to the increase in HBV infection in healthcare professionals, describe the profile of accidents with biological materials in healthcare professionals, present the knowledge of healthcare professionals in relation to hepatitis B and describe the biosafety measures adopted by health professionals in relation to HBV. This was an integrative review. A search for scientific articles was carried out in indexed databases, following exclusion and inclusion criteria, using the PRISMA flowchart. 15 articles were evaluated that demonstrated low vaccination coverage, inadequate use of personal protective equipment and lack of knowledge about the infection, making it essential to monitor biosafety measures to guarantee a safe work environment

Some Specific Biological Risks of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Syrian Hamsters at Animal Biosafety Level - Lab 3

The emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted extensive research to identify its pathogenesis, transmission, and reservoir entry in animals. Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are being identified as an ideal animal model for the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their susceptibility and respiratory symptoms similar to that observed in humans. This study focused on the specific biological risks associated with the use of infected Syrian hamsters in animal biosafety level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratories. The professional and psychological training of professionals working with laboratory animals should be a priority. Biological safety requires the involvement of all parties from technical staff to top management. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a limitation in experimental studies when obtaining the right strain of mice proved difficult. A rare experimental model of Syrian hamsters started to be used in the work, which Syrian hamsters have several distinctive characteristics associated with increased aggressiveness of females, leading to a requirement to keep them isolated and some technical difficulties during manipulations in the biological safety cabinet. Therefore, a risk-based approach must be introduced to reduce the additional risks to workers to an acceptable level. This includes enhanced accuracy in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigorously following biosecurity protocols, and monitoring staff health to detect potential risk of zoonotic transmission. The implementation of international standards and regulations on biological safety and biosecurity is of paramount importance.

Guarding Our Guardians: Navigating Adverse Reactions in Healthcare Workers Amid Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage During COVID-19.

The widespread utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been crucial for reducing transmission risk among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the public. However, the extensive use of PPEhas brought about potential adverse reactions, particularly among HCWs. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adverse skin reactions associated with PPE use among different categories of HCWs, including faculty, residents, and nursing officers (NOs), in a dedicated tertiary care COVID-19 hospital. The study design was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted over one month, involving a total of 240 participants. The participants were required to complete a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, PPE-related data, preventive measures, observed reactions, and self-management strategies. Results indicated that adverse skin reactions were common among HCWs, with reactions reported by all participants. The most commonly used PPE included N95 masks, goggles, gloves, face shields, isolation gowns, and medical protective clothing. Excessive sweating (60% residents, 21.1% NOs, and 16.25% faculties), facial rash, dry palms (>70% of HCWs), and itching were among the most prevalent adverse reactions. Urticarial lesions (28.5% among NOs), pressure marks and pain (100% on the cheek among all HCWs), fungal infections (18.5% among residents at the web space of fingers), and skin breakdown were also reported. Factors such as age, gender, pre-existing skin problems, and oily/acne-prone skin history were found to be significantly associated with adverse skin reactions. In conclusion, the findings highlight the common adverse reactions reported by HCWs during the use of different PPEs. Certain steps taken by HCWs for the prevention of adverse reactions due to PPE emphasize the importance of tailored preventive measures and strategies to mitigate these adverse reactions, such as proper PPE selection, well-fitting equipment, regular breaks, and appropriate skincare practices. These insights contribute to the development of guidelines for optimal PPE usage and support the well-being of HCWs in their essential roles.