Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become the essential tool to protect workers from various hazardous environments. With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the use of PPE has increased significantly. As a result, proper disposal of used PPE has become a crucial concern to prevent the spread of any infectious disease.
Every worker who uses PPE should understand the correct procedure for disposing of used PPE. In this article, we will dive into the correct procedure for the disposal of PPE to maintain safety and hygiene.
Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between reusable and disposable PPE. Reusable PPE such as goggles, face shields, and hard hats require cleaning and disinfecting before reusing them. On the other hand, disposable PPE such as gloves and face masks must get disposed of after every use.
Disposal of Used PPE Disposable
Due to the risk of contamination, disposable PPE should get disposed of immediately after use. Here are the correct procedures to disposal of used PPE:
- Remove the PPE
The first step to disposal of used PPE is to remove it properly. If you’re wearing gloves or masks, start by removing them first. Ensure you do not touch the surface of the PPE while removing gloves or masks.
After removing gloves or masks, sanitize your hands properly before removing any other PPE.
- Discard Mask and Gloves in the Waste Bin
Masks and Gloves should get thrown in the waste bin labeled medical waste. It’s essential to dispose of them this way to prevent the contamination of other waste in the bin.
- Discard Used Gowns and Aprons
After completing any medical procedure, gowns and aprons should also get discarded in the medical waste bin. Ensure that the gown or apron doesn’t touch your skin while removing them.
- Ensure Proper Disinfection of Reusable PPE
Reusable PPE such as goggles and face shields require proper cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The following steps are vital in ensuring the correct procedure for the disposal of reusable PPE:
i. Remove any visible dirt or debris from the PPE.
ii. Clean PPE using soap and water, disinfecting it using a suitable disinfectant.
iii. Ensure the PPE air-dries or use a clean cloth to dry it.
- Store PPE in a Safe Location
After disinfecting and cleaning, store reusable PPE in a safe location that’s easy to access. Care should get taken not to damage the PPE during storing and handling.
Proper disposal of used PPE is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Workers need to follow the correct procedures for disposing of used PPE to maintain safety and hygiene. It’s also vital to ensure that workers get educated on the correct procedures for disposing of PPE. The use and proper disposal of PPE is a collective responsibility to create and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Do your part, dispose of PPE safely, and maintain social responsibility.
