Healthcare workers require high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to guard them against infection while treating COVID-19 patients. The novel coronavirus spreads through direct contact with infected persons and contamination of mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth by fluids produced when a patient coughs or sneezes. PPE kits are designed to offer full-body protection against infection. Each kit contains gloves, medical masks, respirators, eye protection, coveralls/gowns and boots. In your fight against COVID-19, it is essential to keep the following points in mind:

Equipment must comply with prescribed standards

It is crucial to check that your PPE kits comply with the standards issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare periodically. Each component must be compliant with the following current standards or their equivalent:

Gloves: (i) EU standard directive 93/42/EEC Class I, EN455 (ii) EU standard directive 89/686/EEC Category Ill, EN 374 (iii) ANSI/SEA 105-2011 (iv) ASTM D6319-10

Coveralls: Should meet or exceed ISO 16603 class 3 exposure pressure or its equivalent

Goggles: (i) EU standard directive 86/686/EEC, EN 166/2002 (ii) ANSI/SEA Z87.1-2010

N-95 Masks: The quality must be compliant with standards for medical N95 respirator (i) NIOSH N95, EN 149FFP2, or equivalent (ii) Fluid resistance should be minimum 80 mmHg pressure based on ASTM F1862, ISO 22609, or equivalent (iii) Quality compliant with standards for a particulate respirator that can be worn with a full-face shield

Face shields: (i) EU standard directive 86/686/EEC, EN 166/2002 b. ANSI/SEA Z87.1-2010

Triple-layer medical masks: ISI specifications or equivalent

Shoe covers: Should be made of the same fabric as of the coverall and must cover the entire shoe and reach above ankles

Kits should guarantee optimum comfort

All the components in the PPE kit should be designed for optimal comfort to aid health workers. Ensure that gloves are available in size 6.5 and 7 and reach the mid-forearm. Coveralls must contain thumb or finger loops to anchor sleeves in place. Also, goggles must be transparent and fog-resistant with zero power. They should be well-fitting, accommodating all contours of the face without pressure. The same holds true for face shields. Both face shields and face masks should fit comfortably without dropping and offer good breathability.

All components must be resistant to damage

Finally, no component in the kit must be damaged. Every piece must be resistant to wear and tear. Gloves should be tear- and powder-free to avoid contamination. Additionally, both gloves and coveralls must be impermeable to blood and other bodily fluids. Likewise, triple-layer medical masks and N-95 masks should be fluid-resistant. Further, ensure that your goggles and face shields are strong and scratch resistant.

Since COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease with no cure yet, healthcare workers must exercise utmost precaution while treating patients. For more information on the right use of PPE kits, you can read the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare here.