Since the Covid pandemic, there has arguably been a greater focus on PPE compliance. While healthcare industries (theoretically) already stuck to the rules, the pandemic did cause a change in national legislation.
What are the Changes?
In the PPER 2022 Amendment, the only major change was that PPE regulations were extended to Limb B workers. These are any members of staff who engage with the end user on a more casual basis.
Agency workers may fall into this category, but this depends on how they engage with, for example, a care home or domestic care service. HSE regulations state that employers must provide healthcare products and PPE equipment for all employees, as well as clear training.
Employers’ responsibilities remain the same as before. Specifically, if PPE is expected for a particular role, the employer must provide both the PPE and appropriate training to use it properly. The only other minor addition to this is that Limb B workers have to return PPE to the employer’s storage area once they’re done with their shift.
Non-compliance with PPE regulations (including proper training) can result in massive fines for employers. In the worst situations, prison sentences can also be issued. Considering the regulations were extended to cover Limb B workers (those without official contracts), it’s best to be safe and ensure everyone has access to PPE.
Aside from avoiding fines, staff training is essential for a care service to function properly. For example, making staff aware of the differences between disposable glove types helps prevent cross-contamination and improper application. Failing to do this can risk the health of both staff and the people they care for.
Understanding Different PPE Products
In care settings, disposable gloves should be standard on a PPE equipment list. However, it’s important to pick the right type of glove and to train staff in their differences.
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Latex Gloves - stretchy and suitable for most healthcare applications, these are the original standard of healthcare gloves. However, latex allergies are relatively common, so it’s often best to opt for an alternative.
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Vinyl Gloves - these gloves are very stretchy but they’re also the least resilient. They’re fine for low-risk PPE situations, such as handling medication.
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Nitrile Gloves - these are the standard alternative to latex. Less stretchy than vinyl, they are far more resilient, making them a good choice for biomedical waste and hazardous product handling.
As a care provider supplying healthcare products for staff, it helps to know which gloves to add to your PPE equipment list. Largely, your selection will depend on the sort of jobs your care staff perform.
Best Practices for PPE Compliance
It’s important to go beyond the minimum expectations to ensure safety for both staff and care clients. Some tips include:
Ongoing Training
Ensure staff (both contracted and Limb B) are regularly updated on how to use PPE. Similarly, observe staff using equipment for PPE compliance so you as an employer are covered.
It’s important that staff are encouraged to adopt a suitable culture around the use of healthcare products in the workplace. This might mean taking responsibility for identifying hazards, leading by example around new starters, or actively engaging in training programmes.
Liaising with Staff
Along with monitoring employees’ use of PPE, it’s important for employers to also speak to staff about any challenges they might have surrounding PPE. For example, if they struggle to access equipment or there are problems with stock levels, this is something that should be addressed quickly.
Maintain consistent stock levels
PPE supplies can be surprisingly volatile. As a care provider, it’s essential for you to have sufficient levels of PPE in stock for all employees. Issues such as delayed shipments and fluctuating prices can disrupt care operations with surprising ease.
Gloveman Supplies addresses these issues head-on. We ensure care providers have a reliable supply of PPE by offering a streamlined supply chain and efficient distribution processes. Also, we supply healthcare products in bulk: bulk buying allows you to register for a trade account. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs further and see how we can help.
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