Description
Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
This document summarizes WHO’s recommendations for the rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care and home care settings, as well as during the handling of cargo; it also assesses the current disruption of the global supply chain and considerations for decision making during severe shortages of PPE. This updated version includes a section on considerations for decision making processes and a summary of temporary measures in the context of severe PPE shortage.
What is PPE?
Personal protective equipment or PPE is equipment used to prevent or minimize exposure to hazards such as:
- Biological hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Radiological hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Mechanical hazards
- Etc.
Without PPE, exposure could lead to injuries and illnesses. A range of industries use PPE to protect their workforce from occupational hazard. The construction, mining, chemical and pharmaceutical industries are among those using PPE on regular basis. Healthcare workers also use PPE to ensure safety during working hours.
