Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in many workplaces as the only form of protection or as an additional line of defense to supplement other approaches. Few health and safety professionals would argue that aimed at preventing hazards or reducing risks at the source should be used first. These professionals would readily admit that such measures rarely eliminate risk and that PPE will continue to play a role in occupational safety and health. Let us look at some challenges that the PPE gown manufacturing industries faced during the pandemic.
Challenges faced by PPE Industry
The PPE industry faces numerous challenges as it prepares for the third wave.
The phenomenal demand for PPE
PPE saw a surge in demand last year due to increased cases across the country. They are required for frontline workers, practitioners, industries, laboratories, quarantine facilities, air travelers, and other sectors. Industries are increasing their capacity to meet this demand.
Supply chain difficulties
While the capacity-building process was a massive task in and of itself, another challenge was added in the form of lockdown, both nationwide and locally, causing multiple supply chain disruptions cost of transportation is already on the rise due to high fuel costs.
Raw material quality
The primary challenge in producing medical protective clothing is a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials. It made manufacturing difficult and inefficient to meet the world’s most stringent quality standards. To address supply chain and raw material challenges, they developed the melt-blown face mask, which is the primary filtering fabric of the face mask. ISI-certified face masks are made from non-woven fabrics made from melt-blown extrusion.
Minimum market awareness
To stop the flow of counterfeits in the market, the government and corporations must work together to raise awareness about quality PPE certifications. They must conduct meaningful awareness campaigns to educate hospital staff on the differences between original and counterfeit PPE.
Inadequate experience
For the third wave, industries must develop child-sized masks, PPE gowns manufacturing, and double-producing PPE kits for caregivers. Many people lack expertise in creating appropriate face masks for children. The current need of the hour is to keep up with rising demand while providing PPE or bulk disposable without sacrificing quality. Many businesses are going overcapacity to prepare for future uncertainties. Furthermore, the PPE industry has emerged as a critical industry.
Wearer comfortability
Why do many workers exposed to potential respiratory hazards fail to wear RPE? Many factors contribute to this, many of which are related to the ergonomics of RPE/PPE design and use. To begin with, in addition to being technically effective, PPE must not be too uncomfortable to wear and must not interfere with doing the work, or it is not correctly worn.
When a wearer is working hard, or if they already have a respiratory problem, even a minor increase in breathing resistance imposed by RPE can be problematic.
Knowledge about PPE
Intuitively, employees must be aware of the hazard and the risks associated with whatever the PPE is in use. Informing and educating employees is the most effective approach in some workplaces. However, there is some evidence that people respond better to being told what to do. Nonetheless, at least in the workplace positively to a more informed approach.
Keep your face mask
Some PPE or medical protective clothing, such as powered respirators, necessitate more cleaning and maintenance than others and may centralize provision. When not worn, RPE, for example, has frequently been observed lying on workbenches or otherwise exposed to contamination. Provision should be for nearby temporary storage facilities. Allowing time during the working day for such activities should also be included in such provisions. If it is until the end of the shift, it is less likely to be completed correctly.
Conclusion: PPE should be the last resort in controlling workplace hazards. However, there are times when the use of PPE is unavoidable and necessary to protect the health and safety of the workforce. Contact PPE gown manufacturers to buy genuine stock accordingly.
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