Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment should be worn during specific procedures or risksituations to protect both the healthcareworker and the patient against infection with microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

• Wear non-sterile gloves for all care procedures involving potential contact with body fluids (direct or indirect, e.g., through used instruments), mucous membranes, and/or broken skin.
• Wear gloves when taking blood samples using an open system.
• Wear gloves as part of isolation measures.

• Wear at least a halter apron when there is a risk of contact with body fluids to protect work clothing.
• Wear an apron as part of isolation measures. Follow the SRI Isolation guideline and the specific guidelines for BRMO, Clostridioides s e difficile, COVID-19, MRSA, Norovirus, Scabies (crustosa), Tuberculosis, and Viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Two types of masks are used in the hospital:

• Surgical IIR mask: helps prevent microorganisms from spreading from the healthcare worker to the patient. The mask also protects the healthcare worker against splashes.
  • Wear a type IIR surgical face mask if there is a risk of bodily fluids splashing onto your face and in case of isolation. Also wear one if you have a cold.
• FFP2 mask: filters small droplets (aerosols) from the air. It only works well if the mask fits snugly against the face. The mask does not provide adequate protection if you have facial hair or stubble.
  • Wear an FFP2 respiratory protection mask (without exhalation valve) when in contact with patients with an infectious disease that is mainly transmitted through the air.

• Safety goggles prevent microorganisms from entering the eyes via droplets, saliva, or other moisture particles.
• Wear safety goggles if there is a risk of body fluids splashing into the face.
• Wear safety goggles when in contact with patients undergoing aerosol- generating procedures.