CARE HOME SAFETY – DIFFERENCE IN FACEMASK GRADES
Personal protective Equipment (PPE) has always been a vital resource in care homes. Social care workers are accustomed to safety equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves. The performance and quality of facemasks however, has become increasingly important and is likely to remain so in the post-pandemic years to come. Different facemask grades present significantly variable levels of protection from respiratory diseases and airborne viruses. Here we explore the contrasting PPE grades, and which models are most appropriate in care home settings. THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY IN CARE HOMES Of course, PPE isn’t only for the protection of care workers but is equally vital for vulnerable and immunocompromised residents. Care workers may be required to undergo more thorough decontamination and take additional preventative measures to avoid transporting viral particles into a care facility. Covid-19 is most commonly transmitted through close contact, or by contact with contam