Biological risk in the health care sector is always present for those workers who come into direct or indirect contact with the body fluids of sick people who may be carriers of infectious diseases.
The risk of contagion is very high for hospital staff working in high risk departments where serious infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis are treated, but should not be underestimated even in low-risk departments.
Obligations of workers in hospitals
For many years the bio hazardous risks present in hospitals had not been taken into account but recently, given the high figures related to reports of contagion, legislation has established specific rules and obligations applicable to workers in the medical and hospital sectors. In fact, workers are required by law to:
- comply with the protection standards set down for the control of infections;
- use the PPE made available by employers;
- inform the heads of staff in case of accidental exposure to hazardous biological material;
- immediately report any missing/unavailable DPI to the heads of staff;
- undergo medical check-ups regularly.
PPE to be used on a regular basis
In health care, the most important PPE which are to be worn regularly are sterile overalls to protect the body. In some cases these overalls are actual protective suits made of special waterproof material. Gloves to protect the hands and masks with visor or with goggles are to be worn as well. These masks, used mainly to protect the entire face i.e. eyes, mouth and nose from possible blood or body fluid splatter, have transparent visors which allow the wearer to work safely and in comfort. Likewise gloves are also important PPE for protection against accidental contact with infectious material. As gloves represent a physical barrier between the skin and the external environment, they must be made of sturdy material and are to be replaced with each new patient.
Kasco srl. produces different types of respiratory protective devices such as powered assisted air purifying respirators equipped with helmets recommended for people working in bio hazardous environments or those who risk contamination by infectious diseases.
Mar 27 2017
Biohazards and infectious diseases – how to protect oneself
The risk of contagion is very high for hospital staff working in high risk departments where serious infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis are treated, but should not be underestimated even in low-risk departments.
Obligations of workers in hospitals
For many years the bio hazardous risks present in hospitals had not been taken into account but recently, given the high figures related to reports of contagion, legislation has established specific rules and obligations applicable to workers in the medical and hospital sectors. In fact, workers are required by law to:
PPE to be used on a regular basis
In health care, the most important PPE which are to be worn regularly are sterile overalls to protect the body. In some cases these overalls are actual protective suits made of special waterproof material. Gloves to protect the hands and masks with visor or with goggles are to be worn as well. These masks, used mainly to protect the entire face i.e. eyes, mouth and nose from possible blood or body fluid splatter, have transparent visors which allow the wearer to work safely and in comfort. Likewise gloves are also important PPE for protection against accidental contact with infectious material. As gloves represent a physical barrier between the skin and the external environment, they must be made of sturdy material and are to be replaced with each new patient.
Kasco srl. produces different types of respiratory protective devices such as powered assisted air purifying respirators equipped with helmets recommended for people working in bio hazardous environments or those who risk contamination by infectious diseases.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •