1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The University of South Alabama
Center for Strategic Health Innovation
© University of South Alabama Center For Strategic Health Innovation. All Rights Reserved.
These slides are a part of the ARRTC program and cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes.

2. CDC Recommendations: Required Levels of Protection
Existing recommendations require the use of half-mask or full face-piece air-purifying respirators with particulate filter efficiencies ranging from N95 (for hazards such as pulmonary tuberculosis) to P100 (for hazards such as hantavirus) as a minimum level of protection.

3. Required Levels of Protection
Level A required if any of the following information is unknown or the event is uncontrolled:
the type(s) of airborne agent(s);
the dissemination method;
if dissemination via an aerosol-generating device is still occurring or it has stopped but there is no information on the duration of dissemination, or what the exposure concentration might be.
Level B required if the situation can be defined in which:
the suspected biological aerosol is no longer being generated;
other conditions may present a splash hazard.
Responders may use a full face-piece respirator with a P100 filter or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters when it can be determined that:
an aerosol-generating device was not used to create high airborne concentration,
dissemination was by a letter or package that can be easily bagged.

4. Levels of PPE
Level A:
Highest level of protection for the skin, respiratory system, eyes, and mucus membranes
Full body suit is water and vapor proof
Boots
Gloves
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Should contain a cooling and two-way communications system

5. Level A: Fully encapsulating suit Vapor tight SCBA
Chemical resistant inner gloves, outer gloves, and boots

6. Levels of PPE
Level B:
Used when the highest level of respiratory protection is required but splash resistant skin and eye protection is sufficient
SCBA
Splash resistant clothing, hood, gloves, boots
Should contain a cooling system and two-way communications system

7. Level B SCBA, supplied air respirator or rebreather
Chemical resistant suit
Chemical resistant inner gloves, outer gloves, and boots

8. Levels of PPE
Level C:
Uses an air-purifying respirator as opposed to a SCBA
Skin and eye protection is the same as for Level B
Level C gear is used only when the chemical agent is known and does not warrant a higher level of protection

9. Level C Chemical resistant clothing One-piece coverall
Hooded two-piece chemical splash suit, chemical resistant hood and apron, or disposable chemical resistant coveralls
Gloves
Inner/outer

10. Levels of PPE
Level D:
Provides standard work protection from splashes (minimal skin protection)
No respiratory protection is required
Gear includes:
Clothing cover
Safety glasses and face shield
Gloves

11. Level D N-95 masks Half face respirator
Face shields, safety glasses, goggles

12. Considerations for Victim Decontamination by Hospital Staff
Staff Safety - is always top priority; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and the knowledge to use it is a must
Levels of PPE
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
HAZ-MAT
Most important for Hospitals