Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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Important Considerations when using PPE

Type

Characteristics/Standards

Rationale: •

Eye Protection

Goggles must fit snugly, particularly from the corners of the eye across the brow. Goggles may be worn for up to four hours (continuous) if not touched or become contaminated. Always change/clean goggles if they become contaminated, soiled, damaged, damp, wet, or exposed to aerosols. Personal eyeglasses and contact lenses are not adequate eye protection. Given the limited coverage that prescription glasses provide, goggles (or a face shield) over the top of prescription glasses is recommended – ensure the fit and coverage are not compromised. Face shields must fit appropriately across the face area. Face shields can be worn for up to four hours (continuous). Always change/clean face shields if they become contaminated, soiled, damaged, damp, wet, or exposed to aerosols. Immerse in or wipe (inside followed by outside) with neutral detergent and warm water solution, use mechanical action to remove any visible soiling and rinse with clean water. If recommended by the manufacturer, immerse in or wipe (outside) with disinfectant or hospital-grade disinfectant wipe (between 60% and 80% v/v ethanol or equivalent), for the required contact time and rinse with clean water.

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Goggles with a manufacturer’s anti- fog coating provide reliable, practical eye protection from splashes, sprays, and respiratory droplets from multiple angles. Droplet, airborne and enhanced precautions. Consider for standard and contact precautions if risk of spraying, splattering or splashing. Goggles should have a manufacturer’s anti-fog coating. Another type of protective eyewear is safety glasses with side shield protection. Compared with other forms of protective eyewear, a face shield can protect other parts of the face as well as the eyes. Face shields may be used in addition to surgical masks, as an alternative to pro- tective eyewear but are not a substitute for surgical masks. Droplet, airborne and enhanced precau- tions. Consider for standard and contact pre- cautions if risk of spraying, splattering or splashing. Face shields extending from chin to crown provide better face and eye protection. Face shields can be single-use. Re- usable face shields should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s in- structions (generally with a detergent solution). AS/NZ 1337.1:2010

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Standards: •

Face Shield (can be used

Rationale: •

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instead of eyewear)

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Eye protection and face shields: •

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Characteristics: •

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Fully dry (air dry or use a clean absorbent towel).

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Standards: AS/NZ 1337.1:2010 and AS/NZ 4187:2014 (dis- infecting face shields).

Use chlorine-based disinfectant (0.1% chlorine solution) over alcohol as these may damage, discolour the surface.

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020