Procedure gloves and hospital masks are personal protective equipment (PPE) of the hospital category. Both function as a protective barrier between the doctor and the patient, avoiding cases of cross-contamination by transferring harmful microorganisms from one to the other.
With the pandemic of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the use of these PPE became popular outside the medical community as well, being used as a preventive measure against contamination with the virus. However, what many people ignore is that the use of these equipments must follow a strict protocol of placement, use, removal and disposal, so that they are effective.
This week, New York drew attention for the large number of gloves and masks worn on the streets. The population has discarded this material without any kind of care before they enter their homes or in their cars, leaving them thrown on the ground even. An attitude that makes it what would protect them into another item that can contaminate them.
What risks can improper disposal of gloves and masks bring?
After use, the procedure gloves as well as surgical masks need to be discarded immediately, and their reuse is not recommended. In addition, the disposal of gloves should take into account the issue of biosafety, as they can cause damage to the environment if disposed of inappropriately, bringing risks to the soil and groundwater.
Read also: Procedure Gloves and the Environment
Leaving used gloves and masks thrown on the streets can still cause contamination of anyone who contacts them – unsuspecting pedestrians, small children or professionals who collect garbage and clean the streets, for example. There is still the risk for animals, which can also contract coronavirus and other microorganisms present in this material, getting sick and/or bringing diseases into the houses and to their owners.
To dispose properly, dispose of the gloves and masks used in a reinforced plastic bag, seal it to ensure that it does not open accidentally, and place an identification marking as “contaminated waste”.
Also check that in your region there is collection of this type of garbage, so that it is not mixed with ordinary garbage. If in doubt, look for the local agency responsible and find out where you can dispose of contaminated waste.
Other tips: how to remove gloves and masks safely?
For gloves:
- Remove the glove from one hand partially, pulling on the handle and turning it inside out, leaving the inner part folded over the fingers.
- With your fingers still covered, remove the glove from the other hand, also pulling on the handle and turning it inside out.
- Holding the glove that has been removed inside out, remove the first glove completely, and discard both immediately, as indicated above.
Read also: Safe removal of contaminated gloves
For Masks:
- Hold the mask by the handles without touching the front.
- Pull the handles by removing the mask and keep holding them only.
- Place the mask to wash immediately, in soapy water or disinfectant.
Get to know Kevenoll products, and ensure certified and quality gloves. Kevenoll do Brasil declares its full support to all health professionals in the fight to contain the New Coronavirus. Follow the prevention recommendations. Stay at home. Take care of yourself and your neighbor.
Source: Leaf