Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
ISSA-GBAC General Guidance for PPE is intended for workers or individuals who enter spaces to clean and disinfect, where an infected or potentially infected individual is or has been located with COVID-19.
In situations where there is a potentially infectious or confirmed infectious person present, the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance requires:
- Respirators N95 respirators protect against airborne particles and liquid.
- Eye protection Goggles or reusable face shields.
- Gloves Disposable gloves that can be changed frequently.
- Gowns Disposable gowns or coverings to reduce the chances of contaminating clothing.
- Shoe covers Dedicated shoes or shoe covers.
In areas where an infectious individual has been, but is no longer present, minimum PPE recommendations include:
- Masks Surgical masks or similar prevent accidental contact between the wearer’s hands, nose, and mouth.
- Eye protection Goggles or reusable face shields.
- Gloves Disposable gloves that can be changed frequently.
- Gowns When disposable gowns are unavailable, a protocol for laundry must be in place.
- Shoe covers Dedicated shoes or shoe covers.
In addition to PPE to protect employees from infectious diseases, cleaning workers may also need PPE to protect them from the hazards associated with the cleaning products and disinfectant systems they use.
In the U.S. employers should select appropriate PPE and provide it in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard 1910 Subpart I – Personal Protective Equipment.
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