PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts) not intended to function as protection against a hazard are not considered to be PPE.
According to OSHA, laboratory PPE ensembles and requirements may vary slightly between laboratories based on their individually determined site- and activity-specific risk assessments for the various types of activities and workers that will perform them. In general, PPE precautions for protection against COVID-19 common to most clinical BSL-2 laboratories include wearing a surgical mask, gloves, gown or lab coat, face shield, and eye protection. PPE should be selected based on the results of an employer’s hazard assessment and workers specific job duties.
When disposable gloves are used, workers should typically use a single pair of nitrile exam gloves. Change gloves if they become torn or visibly contaminated with blood or body fluids. When eye protection is needed, use goggles or face shields. Personal eyeglasses are NOT considered adequate eye protection. Gloves and gowns or lab coats should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. After removing PPE, always wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if available. Ensure that hand hygiene facilities (e.g., sink or alcohol-based hand rub) are readily available at the point of use (e.g., at or adjacent to the PPE removal area).
Workers required to use PPE must be trained and this training generally includes topics such as:
- When to use PPE.
- What PPE is necessary.
- How to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE.
- How to properly dispose of or disinfect, inspect for damage, and maintain PPE.
- What the limitations of the PPE are.
Due to PPE shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC provides additional information and resources about PPE optimization strategies, available
here.
20. Bhadelia, Nahid, M.D. "One of the training participants was in the process of demonstrating how to properly secure a face mask that was designed to cover the wearer’s nose and mouth, and which itself, would be covered by additional head coverings, and goggles." CDC.gov, 2014, https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=18146
