From the streets of China to UK hospitals, people around the world are turning to protective face masks and respirators to try and reduce the risk of infection amid the global outbreak of coronavirus. Personal Protective Equipment protects individuals from a wide range of health and safety risks and also reduce the risk of picking up and spreading an infection in the workplace.
Wearing a face mask can reduce the spread of bacteria. These are worn as standard by medical professionals and sometimes by members of the public to reduce the chance of catching an airborne virus. Coronavirus panic in Britain means face masks are selling out and online profiteers are ramping up the cost. Demand for protection is so high that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to order face masks and respirators on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and health-care professionals are concerned that respirator manufacturers won’t be able to fulfill all the orders flooding in.
Even the countries where there isn’t a widespread outbreak are working really hard to prepare right now, in case they do have that situation.To fill the surge in demand for respirators, manufacturers are ramping up production and working overtime to increase face mask production. Supply of masks could play a role in the speed at which the COVID-19 virus spreads, and with no vaccine on the market medical workers are relying on protective gear to reduce the risk of infection.
The face mask is designed to block airborne particles which may carry harmful germs. Face masks sometimes protect a larger area of the face; including the eyes. Disposable face masks are for one-time use. Many face masks on the market, including surgical masks, do not effectively filter out particles in the air. For regular use and high-risk hazards, always choose a respirator or full face mask.
If you are still out there working during this pandemic, it’s most important to stay safe in any way that you can while still helping the general public do the same. Using the right PPE and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can help protect you and reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus. Disposable gloves are common in medical workplaces and catering environments. You should always wear disposable gloves if you are handling body fluids or equipment containing body fluids, if you are touching someone else's broken skin or performing any other type of invasive procedure.
Remember, the basis of good infection control in the workplace is to assume that everyone is potentially infectious. Proper procedures have to be followed at all times. Disposable gloves, masks and antibacterial hand gels are all advised equipment and keep up to date with the World Health Organisation’s advice each day.
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