DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2017.v05i09.008

Pages: 647-650

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very essential as safety precautions. It is a routine safety measure but inconsistent use and unnecessary use can contaminate the work space and commonly accessed articles. This causes exposure of hazardous elements to other people in and around the work space. To survey the awareness of contamination caused by the PPE in medical professionals in laboratory, we collected questionnaire responses from 100 medical professionals working in laboratories. The data were processed in a spreadsheet and results were generated. From the data collected, it was found that 30% of the medical professionals, comprising of lab technicians who handle large number of samples, are in constant use of gloves and other PPE, and they frequently come in contact with articles which are commonly accessed by others with bare hands. Few use gloves beyond the area of work space contaminating the surroundings. Uniform use of gloves and other PPE should be made mandatory to avoid exposure in the workspace area. Lab coat harbors microorganisms and toxic compounds are usually carried home and such harmful substances are exposed to others. About 40% of respondents carry their apron/lab coat to their home. Lab coats should be confined to laboratory premises or disposable lab coats to be recommended. Proper education, counselling and motivation were given related to contamination caused by gloves and other PPE.