The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased dramatically since the pandemic. Clothing that was once limited to the healthcare industry has been adopted across sectors as well as the public to guard against contagion. Wearing PPE was a new experience for those outside the healthcare industry. Consequently, many were (and still are) unaware of how to correctly use it. Since protective gear is exposed to germs, it is also important to dispose of it correctly to avoid the spread of disease. Here is how PPE should be properly discarded:
Domestic users should treat PPE as infectious waste
PPE should not be discarded the same way as regular waste. After use, masks and gloves must be stored in a separate waste bag, which should be tied and closed before disposal in garbage containers. Health bodies in some countries, such as India, recommend cutting and shredding used masks and gloves and storing them in a bag for 72 hours before disposing of them. The use of a closed-lid, touch-free receptacle can ensure that no one is accidentally contaminated.
Healthcare facilities can continue to use standard precautions
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, novel coronavirus-related waste does not need further disinfection before disposal. Healthcare facilities can continue to follow standard precautions based on packaging, labelling, treatment and transportation while disposing of used PPE. Like regular PPE, protective gear that is used in COVID-19 settings can be disposed of in the municipal trash. However, if it is filled with bodily fluids, the facilities must determine whether to use a special protocol.
Safe disposal of PPE is crucial to curb preventable novel coronavirus infections. To know more about the right way to use PPE, read our earlier blog here.
