scholarly journals Selection of Earmuffs and Other Personal Protective Equipment Used in Combination

Author(s):  
Emil Kozlowski ◽  
Rafal Mlynski

In a work environment, in addition to noise, people may be exposed to other harmful factors. Therefore, they wear both hearing protectors and other personal protective equipment (OPPE). Incorrect use of such a combination may increase the risk of hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine whether the simultaneous use of earmuffs and other personal protective equipment could affect the effectiveness of hearing protection. The study was carried out under laboratory conditions using an acoustic test fixture. This fixture replicated the anatomical shapes of the head and the pinnae, and was also equipped with ear simulators. The study was carried out for five models of earmuffs and eight models of other personal protection equipment. We found that a change in the sound pressure level (SPL) under the earmuffs when using a full face respirator could reach up to 40 dB. On the other hand, the use of a half respirator had practically no adverse impact on the efficiency of hearing protection. In the selection process, it is recommended to consider safety spectacles equipped with thin temples, and half respirators equipped with band adjustment elements positioned on the facial part, rather than the back, of the user’s head.

Author(s):  
Stephanie Toigo ◽  
Michel Jacques ◽  
Tarek Razek ◽  
Ewa Rajda ◽  
Sidney Omelon ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: Bottlenecks in the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain have contributed to shortages of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in fractures in the functionality of healthcare systems. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of retrofitted commercial snorkel masks as an alternative respirator for healthcare workers during infectious disease outbreaks. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, analyzing qualitative and quantitative fit test results of the retrofitted Aria Ocean Reef® full-face snorkeling mask on healthcare workers at the McGill University Health Centre between April-June 2020. Historical fit test results, using medical-grade respirators, for healthcare workers were also analyzed. Results: During the study period, 71 participants volunteered for fit testing, 60.6% of which were nurses. The overall fit test passing rate using the snorkel mask was 83.1%. Of the participants who did not previously pass fit testing with medical-grade respirators, 80% achieved a passing fit test with the snorkel respirator. Conclusions: The results suggest that this novel respirator may be an effective and feasible alternative solution to address PPE shortages, while still providing healthcare workers with ample protection. Additional robust testing will be required to ensure that respirator fit is maintained, after numerous rounds of disinfection.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
Emil Kozłowski ◽  
Rafał Młyński

Abstract Standardised measurements of sound attenuation of hearing protectors are performed in the frequency range from 125 Hz to 8 kHz. However, noise present at many workplaces contains significant components at higher audible frequency. Therefore, the knowledge about noise attenuation with earmuffs in the audible frequency range above 8 kHz is also necessary for proper hearing protection. The aim of this study was to obtain values of the noise attenuation with 27 commonly-used earmuffs models in the 1/3 octave bands of 10, 12.5 and 16 kHz. The measurements were conducted with a real ear at threshold (REAT) method with participation of subjects. The study showed that attenuation of earmuffs ranged from 24.7 to 42.8 dB, depending on model of earmuffs and frequency band. Furthermore, the measurements were performed with the use of acoustic test fixture which is designed especially for testing hearing protectors. Results obtained with the use of acoustic test fixture indicated that this measurement method can lead to values close to attenuation measured with participation of subjects. On the other hand, values obtained with the use of acoustic test fixture may differ average up to 14 dB from REAT method.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Beatriz Pereira da Silva ◽  
Harlon França de Menezes ◽  
Hosana Lourenço da Silva ◽  
Michelle Carneiro Fonseca ◽  
Aurean D'Eça Junior ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the process for the elaboration and validation of a digital educational booklet intended for health professionals on the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment in the context of COVID-19. Method: a methodological study conducted between June and September 2020, operationalized in three stages: 1ststage: bibliographic survey; 2ndstage: elaboration of the booklet with the graphic designer to help in the development process of the technology; 3rdstage: content validation of the booklet by specialists through the Delphi technique. The validation was performed by 35 health and biology professionals and the local for selection of these was the Lattes Platform, using the Delphi technique in two rounds. The Content Validation Index was considered an acceptance criterion, with an agreement ≥ 0.78 among the judges being considered a good level. Results: the first version of the booklet obtained a global Content Validation Index of 0.79. There were suggestions for improvement that were accepted and, after the Delphi 2 phase, there was the resubmission of the booklet; it presented a global Content Validation Index of 0.99. Conclusion: the booklet was validated regarding its content and is compatible with its intended purpose, being important for the promotion of knowledge about the correct procedure to put on this equipment so that prevention measures are effective and shared.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
Shinta Novelia ◽  
Rosmawati Lubis ◽  
Reni Murniati ◽  
Bunga Tiara Carolin

Background: In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is very important to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases to medical personnel because it can prevent contact with pathogens. This shows that midwives as first-line managers of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum cases must be vigilant by wearing complete Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) so that there is no transmission of the virus from the patient to the midwife. Objective: To determine the analysis of midwives' practices in using PPE when assisting labor during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Banten Regional General Hospital 2020-2021. Methodology: A quantitative analytic study using a cross sectional approach. The sample in this study was 102 respondents with purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS with Chi Square, which previously tested the validity and reliability. Results: The use of PPE in midwives in Banten Hospital obtained an average value of 84.3. Based on age, the average value was 53.9. Based on the length of service, the average score was 96.1. Based on education, the average score is 55.9. The results of the chi-square test showed that all independent variables had no relationship with the use of PPE including knowledge (p = 0.323), attitude (p = 0.665), availability of PPE (p = 0.740), and supervision (p = 0.603). Conclusions and Suggestions: The use of PPE in midwives has no relationship with knowledge, attitudes, availability of PPE and supervision. There is a need for socialization about the importance of using PPE to midwives in order to maintain the quality of expected care services. There is a need for an K3 unit in Banten Hospital which is one of the authorities. There needs to be special attention from the Hospital Management regarding the supervision of the use of PPE in midwives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1.ESP) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Pureza Guimarães Da Silva ◽  
Verônica Caé Da Silva ◽  
Patrícia Fernandes Britto ◽  
Dejanira De Jesus ◽  
Verônica Wermelinger Costa Nonato ◽  
...  

Objetivo: relatar a experiência da realização de atividades educativas sobre Paramentação e Desparamentação de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPI) em um hospital da rede federal situado no município do Rio de Janeiro. Método: estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, realizado em um hospital a partir de ações educativas. Resultados: foram desenvolvidas ações educativas com 894 colaboradores da instituição onde a maioria era do sexo feminino (80,6%), 70% das categorias de enfermagem e mais de 48% dos serviços de internação de adultos. Houve demonstração de insegurança quanto às técnicas, especialmente a de desparamentação. Conclusão: as atividades possibilitaram um cuidado da instituição com os seus colaboradores, da equipe de enfermagem e multiprofissional, dando-lhes ferramentas no uso correto dos EPI para enfrentamento da COVID-19.Descritores: Enfermagem; Educação Continuada; Equipamento de Proteção Individual; Infecções por Coronavirus; COVID-19.EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR PROPER USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN A FEDERAL REFERENCE HOSPITALObjective: to report the experience of carrying out educational activities on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) placement and safe removal in a federal hospital located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Method: descriptive study, the type of experience report realized in a hospital based on educational actions. Results: educational activities were developed with 894 participants of the institution, most were female (80.6%), 70% from the nursing category and more than 48% from adult inpatient services. There was demonstration of insecurity regarding the techniques, especially on withdrawal of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: the activities made it possible to care for the institution with its collaborators, the nursing and multidisciplinary team, giving them tools for the correct use of PPE to face COVID-19.Descriptors: Nursing; Continuing Education; Personal Protection Equipments; Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19. ACTIVIDADES EDUCATIVAS PARA EL USO ADECUADO DEL EQUIPO DE PROTECCIÓN PERSONAL EN UN HOSPITAL FEDERAL DE REFERENCIAObjetivo: informar sobre la experiencia de llevar a cabo actividades educativas sobre colocación y retiro de equipos de protección personal (EPP) en un hospital federal ubicado en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Método: estudio descriptivo, informe de experiencia, realizado en un hospital basado en acciones educativas. Resultados: las acciones educativas se desarrollaron con 894 participantes de la institución, la mayoría eran mujeres (80,6%), 70% de la categoría de enfermería y más del 48% de los servicios de hospitalización de adultos. Hubo demostración de inseguridad con respecto a las técnicas, especialmente la eliminación de equipos Conclusión: las actividades permitieron atender a la institución con sus colaboradores, el equipo de enfermería y multidisciplinario, brindándoles herramientas para el uso correcto del EPP para hacer frente à COVID-19.Descriptores: enfermería; Educación contínua; Equipo de protección personal; Infecciones por coronavirus; COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 986-993
Author(s):  
Ruben Fuentes-Alvarez ◽  
Mariel Alfaro-Ponce ◽  
Fanny Alvarado ◽  
Jessica Aidee Mora-Galvan ◽  
Rita Q. Fuentes-Aguilar ◽  
...  

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