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Osha Report

The document outlines the importance of selecting appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers to minimize exposure to pathogens. It emphasizes the need for risk assessment, proper selection of PPE types, ensuring fit and comfort, and maintaining durability and cleanliness of the equipment. Adhering to OSHA guidelines is crucial for creating a safe work environment for healthcare professionals.

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31 views1 page

Osha Report

The document outlines the importance of selecting appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers to minimize exposure to pathogens. It emphasizes the need for risk assessment, proper selection of PPE types, ensuring fit and comfort, and maintaining durability and cleanliness of the equipment. Adhering to OSHA guidelines is crucial for creating a safe work environment for healthcare professionals.

Uploaded by

Brenda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Gina Truong 9654

March 8, 2025
Occupational Safety Health Administration Report

How to select proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Selecting the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a medical clinic is a critical part of
protecting healthcare workers from exposure to pathogens in the workplace. By understanding the
risks associated with specific tasks, selecting appropriate PPE, ensuring proper fit and comfort,
and adhering to OSHA’s safety guidelines, healthcare workers can significantly reduce their
chances of infection and maintain a safe, healthy work environment so that healthcare worker can
stay safe, well-prepared to handle potential exposure risks to care for patients.

1. Risk Assessment: The first step is to assess the specific tasks and activities that will be
performed. Healthcare workers must evaluate the likelihood of exposure to infectious agents
such as bloodborne or airborne pathogens.

2. Type of PPE: Based on the assessment, healthcare workers need to select the appropriate
PPE for the task. This can include gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, goggles, and
respiratory protection. For example, gloves are essential for protecting hands when coming
into contact with bodily fluids, while gowns or lab coats provide additional protection for the
torso. Face shields or goggles protect the eyes from splashes, while masks are necessary to
prevent the inhalation of airborne pathogens. In situations involving high-risk procedures, such
as aerosol-generating tasks, an N95 respirator may be required to protect against airborne
diseases.

3. Fit and Comfort: Ensuring that the selected PPE fits properly is essential. Ill-fitting equipment
can lead to discomfort and reduced effectiveness in preventing exposure. For instance, gloves
that are too tight can tear easily, while a poorly fitting mask may not provide an adequate seal,
increasing the risk of inhaling airborne pathogens. Healthcare workers must be trained on how
to properly don, doff, and adjust their PPE to ensure maximum protection.

4. Durability and Maintenance: PPE must be durable enough to withstand the demands of the
work environment. Disposable items like gloves, masks, and gowns must be regularly
replaced, while reusable equipment such as face shields and goggles should be properly
cleaned and maintained. Training on proper disposal and cleaning procedures ensures that
PPE continues to provide effective protection.

Reference:
U.S. Department of Labor. Personal protective equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3151.pdf

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