Protective gear:
These are equipment used for protecting the major parts of
the body from splashes and droplets containing pathogenic microorganisms and
dangerous chemicals.
Or is the Physical barriers that help to prevent the spread of microorganisms from person to person, equipment, and environmental surfaces to people.
Equipment is worn by a laboratory worker to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards.
One element towards
complete safety at work. Protective gear is also called Personal Protective Equipment.
A list of protective gears used in the laboratory
- Aprons
- Eye-goggles
- Face shield
- mask
- Respirator
- Overalls (Coveralls)
- Gumboots
- Laboratory coat
- Closed-toe shoes
- Disposable Gloves
- Rubber Gloves (reusable)
Laboratory coat;
- Must be worn by all handlers of patient specimens, cultures,, or health-care waste.
- It should be suitable fabric such as poly-cotton that can be bleached and frequently laundered;
- It should be suitable for tropical climates.
- There are different types, some of which prevent soaking through with splashes.
- Disposable gloves: when collecting patient specimens and when handling samples or cultures.
- Rubber gloves (non-disposable) should be decontaminated with disinfection before use again.
- Soak in 1% bleach overnight before washing with detergent water.
Aprons;
A plastic apron is worn when handling healthcare waste
disposal.
Full theatre type aprons must be worn if there is a risk of
splashing, spraying of blood, or other body fluids.
Aprons must be wiped clean with 70% methylated spirits before each use and when visibly soiled.
Face shield;
Covers the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Worn if there is a risk of splashing, spraying of blood or
other body fluids
mask;
Cover mouth, and Nose
Worn if there is a risk of inhaling particles of chemicals
that are toxic or an irritant.
Respirator/Gasmask;
Worn if there is a risk of splashing, spraying of blood or
other body fluids,
Must be considered to protect staff working with M. tuberculosis.
Overalls (coveralls);
Should be made of suitable fabric such as poly-cotton that
can be bleached and frequently laundered.
Should be suitable for tropical climates.
Anti-static and flame-resistant are important.
Should be left in the laboratory and never taken home.
Should be clean when attending outpatients or inpatients.
When soiled, place in a special bag and soak in 1% bleach overnight before washing with detergent water.
Padded gloves;
Thick heat-resistant material for handling hot containers to avoid burning of the skin.
Closed-toe shoes
Cover the Foot
Used for the protection of foot and toes from fluids Leakage, Blood, and Reagents.
Gumboots;
Protect the shoes, light-weight rubber boots should be worn
when handling or disposing of healthcare waste from the central waste storage
area.
Boots are washed with soap and water after each daily use.
Application of Protective Gear.
Laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes should be worn in the
laboratory at all times including the demonstration laboratory and the clinical
laboratory.
- Pull one glove near your wrist towards your fingertips until the glove folds over.
- Carefully grab the fold and pull it towards your fingertips. As you pull you are turning the inside of the glove outwards.
- Pull the fold until the glove is almost off, to avoid contamination of your environment, continue to hold the removed glove and completely remove your hand from the glove.
- Slide a finger from your glove-free hand under the remaining glove.
- Continue to slide your finger towards your fingertips until almost half of your finger is under the glove.
- Turn your finger 180 degrees and pull the glove outwards and towards your fingertips.
- As you do this, the first glove will be enclosed in the second glove.
- The inside of the second glove will also be turned outwards.
- Grab the gloves firmly, by the uncontaminated surface (the side that was originally touching your hand).
- Release your hold of the first glove, you removed.
- Pull your second hand free from its glove.
- Dispose of the gloves properly.
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