Covid-19
In this article we’ll answer some common Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) questions.
PPE FAQs
This article has been medically approved by Superintendent Pharmacist Shilpa Shailen Karia, MRPharmS. - GPhC Reg No: 2087328
In our article below we’ll look at some common questions surrounding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including if you can store hand sanitiser in a car, how to clean a face shield, and how to store PPE properly.
How do I store hand sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser should be stored out of reach, and sight, of children. It should not be stored above 40°c (for example, it should not be stored in a car during the summer months).
Can I wash and re-use gloves?
No. Disposable gloves should only be used once.
Which face coverings can I re-wear?
Typically, a foam or fabric face covering can be re-worn whilst an N95, surgical, or FFP3 masks are single use only. You should follow available manufacturer’s instructions.
Do I need to wash a covering every time I wear it?
Washable face coverings should be washed after every day of use. [1]
How do I clean a face shield?
Before cleaning you should check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if they have any advice regarding care instructions. If these are unavailable, a good way to keep your shield clean is by:
- Thoroughly wash your hands
- Using a clean cloth and gentle detergent or a cleansing wipe, carefully and thoroughly clean the outside of the shield
- Repeat the same on the inside of the shield
- Dry fully, either by air drying or using paper towels
- Thoroughly wash hands again
Is it a legal requirement to wear a face covering?
As of the 15th June 2020, people using public transport in England are required to wear a face covering at all times. Failure to comply could result in being refused travel or face a fine. [2]
Some taxi companies have also announced that they will require all drivers and passengers to wear face coverings. [3]
It’s currently not compulsory to wear a face covering in shops. *
*Accurate as at 02/07/2020
How do I store PPE?
All PPE should be stored in a cool, clean, dry place. You might like to choose a set place in your home, like a drawer or cupboard, to store all PPE. This means it is easily accessible to all members of the household to use.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html
[3] https://www.uber.com/en-CA/blog/your-safety-during-the-new-normal/