With the COVID-19 lockdown getting extended, we know that our lives won¡¯t be going back to normal anytime soon. Our reliance on face masks, hand sanitizers has increased exponentially, to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19.?
However, it looks like some people might want to take it to the next level, and have started selling full body PPE suits. No we aren't talking about the DRDO biosuit made for medical workers fighting COVID-19.
We stumbled upon a video where a textile factory started creating its own PPE (personal protective equipment) that costs roughly around Rs 180-200. And apparently the seller is also is open to selling it to the normal crowd.?
It won¡¯t be surprising to see people going ahead and purchasing PPE to step out of their homes to be safer, once things get a little easier. In that case, you should surely keep a few things in mind, before picking one for your next stroll in the market.
In case you didn¡¯t know, PPE suits completely seal your body, preventing the infectious droplets from entering your body. The suit a create a non-disease specific barrier to penetration of substances, solid, liquid, or airborne particles. So in case you step out and come across someone coughing or sneezing, the suit will protect you from coming into contact with the droplets.?
While there may be several varieties of PPE suits, there are two distinct types -- disposable and reusable. The former ones are simple use-and-throw suits that can be only worn once. Rewashing them will destroy their structural integrity, making them ineffective against infection droplets. Reusable ones can be used more than once and washed for a certain number of times.?
The suits that you purchase must follow adherence to protocols set by Indian or international governments. Non-certified PPE suits could have design issues that would make them less effective against infections. For being on a safer side, go with CE certification IS-16603 (EU standard) as this is the most common certification followed by authorised PPE suit makers. Make sure the material is waterproof as well as 80GSM thickness.
Following careful procedures of getting the suit off is crucial as if removed incorrectly, you could come in contact with the contamination that you were trying to avoid. Follow the instructions carefully, and dispose of the PPE suit appropriately in a separate bag.
We know that today PPE is being used by medical staff on the frontline of the pandemic, who are dealing with COVID-19 patients. The entire world is already facing a shortage of PPE suits, so it goes without saying that don¡¯t go and buy one just to look cool on social media.?
Already reports are coming in that medical workers in India are testing COVID-19 positive because of lack of PPE. Remember that when you think about buying one for yourself.?
Buy one only if you really need it -- maybe you¡¯re in a high contaminant zone, or you are taking care of someone at home with COVID-19 etc. Take care and stay safe.